The Silent Service Dilemma: Why Veterans Need to Speak Up About Their Experience

A paradox in the veteran community is hurting careers. The values that make exceptional service members—humility, selflessness, and putting the team first—can become obstacles in our professional lives. We stay quiet about our achievements, not wanting to be associated with the "vet bros" who seem to dominate social media with their constant self-promotion and carefully curated military personas.

This silence comes at a cost. By keeping quiet about experiences, we're not just limiting opportunities—we're depriving organizations of the unique perspectives and proven leadership abilities they desperately need.

Many of us were taught that true professionals don't broadcast their achievements. We learned to respond to praise with "I was just doing my job" or "It was all the team." While these responses reflect admirable values, in the civilian professional world, they can mask the experiences and skills employers need to understand.

There's a middle ground between silence and showboating. The key is structured storytelling that focuses on impact and outcomes. Think of it as writing an after-action report for your career.

Start with the?Situation—Paint a picture of your operating environment. For example, you might have managed logistics in a resource-constrained environment or led training programs during high-tempo operations. This context helps employers understand the complexity you've navigated.

Next, outline your Task. What specific responsibilities were you given? Whether you were charged with maintaining vehicle readiness or developing new training protocols, be clear about your role and objectives.

Then, detail your Actions – the specific steps you took to accomplish your mission. This is where many veterans falter, defaulting to "I just helped out." Instead, detail how you developed new systems, coordinated across units, or implemented innovative solutions.

Finally, share your Results. Use concrete numbers whenever possible. Did you achieve a 92% readiness rate? Did your training program certify 85% of participants? Did you reduce backlogs by 60%? These measurable outcomes translate clearly to civilian employers.

Instead of saying, "I helped train some people," try this: "During a year-long deployment, I was responsible for developing a sustainable training program for 150 personnel. I created and implemented a comprehensive curriculum, delivered over 200 hours of direct instruction, and developed local trainers to ensure program continuity. The result was a self-sustaining program with an 85% certification rate that continued successfully after our departure."

One of LinkedIn's greatest strengths is seeing how other veterans have successfully navigated this challenge. Take time to explore profiles of veterans who've made transitions similar to what you're pursuing. Study how they describe their military achievements, their language, and how they connect their service to their current roles.

You'll notice that the most respected veteran professionals aren't "vet bros"—they're authentic leaders who've learned to articulate their values clearly and professionally. Their profiles demonstrate how to highlight military experience without compromising integrity.

Don't hesitate to connect with veterans whose career paths interest you. Most are happy to share their transition experiences and advice. Their profiles aren't just examples – they prove that you can successfully translate your military experience into civilian success while maintaining authenticity.

Speaking up about your experience isn't bragging; providing crucial information helps organizations make informed decisions. You can maintain your integrity while ensuring your capabilities are understood. Your experience matters, your leadership matters, and your story matters.

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Author: Jason Piccolo is a U.S. Army veteran (OIF 2006), retired federal agent, and author of "PIVOT." Drawing from his decades of experience in the federal government, he now helps veterans and law enforcement professionals successfully navigate their career transitions.