Military Sealift Command

Departing Military/Veteran Mariners

Getting Started: Transitioning to Life at MSC

If you are preparing to transition from Active Duty to a civilian career, there are several questions that we are sure you are taking into consideration when choosing your next career.

1. How can you turn the skill sets you have learned while in the military into good paying civilian career?
2. What are the career paths and/or are there opportunities for advancement in different career fields you are considering?
3. What will the benefits packages include?
4. Will you be able to find a position that offers the job security that you have come to expect with your time in the military?

How can you turn the skill sets you have learned while in the military into a good paying civilian career?

The experiences you had while serving in the military will help you as you approach almost any job in the civilian sector, however it may take awhile to find the exact right niche. Military Sealift Command has specific skill sets that we are looking for from transitioning military. Since the positions we hire for are seagoing positions, we are looking for individuals who have previous seagoing experiences or have worked in the associated engineering or supply management fields. To view a breakout of the Navy positions that would best fit our current open positions click here.

What are the career paths or the opportunities for advancement in different career fields you are considering?

While many organizations may have a long winding path to advancement, with MSC position advancement is fairly clear-cut. Any CIVMAR can apply for any internal promotion announcement. What will set you apart from another CIVMAR are your skills and endorsements and how you apply what you know to responding to the Position announcement evaluation criteria.

In addition, MSC offers CIVMARs opportunities for paid upgrade training and on-the-job training which combines with your self-initiative to propel you through our ranks. Once hired, you can discuss further career advancement opportunities with your detailer.

What will the benefits package include and how will that help you meet your current needs while planning for the future?

MSC offers our CIVMARs a variety of benefits in addition to the Annual Salary. As you weigh your options, consider the benefits package of all perspective employers. The benefits offered by an employer add up to an additional compensation for the employee. The robust benefits package MSC offers is substantial as compared to private industry.

• 10 Paid Holidays Annually
• Base pay is earned commensurate with the size, level of automation and type of ship you are assigned to. Additional compensation is earned over and above base pay to include overtime, hazardous pay and bonus provision(s).
• Time-off is accrued according to the total years of federal service and is considered Annual Leave. In addition to annual leave, CIVMARs earn Shore Leave accrued based on the number of days “at sea” and Sick Leave on a per-pay period basis.
• As a Federal Employee, all CIVMARs qualify for a variety of Insurance plans covering Health, Vision, Dental, Life, Disability, Loss of Wages and Injury. There are also Spending Account Options, Leave Buy Back and a comprehensive Retirement plan. MSC provides up to 75% of the total health insurance premiums and the CIVMAR’s share of the premium is deducted pre-tax, putting more money in your pocket and reducing your taxable income.

Will you be able to find a position that offers the job security that you have come to expect with your time in the military?

Military Sealift Command offers uncommon job security. Our mission as the ocean transportation provider for the Department of Defense is critical to keeping the armed forces prepared. There is no corporate downsizing or pink slips on Friday afternoons. As long as you are a hard worker and put in the time to get your job done the right way, your employment will be secure.
Becoming a CIVMAR may be one of the best decisions you make. We understand it is important to carefully weigh your options. Over 40% of our workforce is prior military and they have been able to apply their skill sets to this new career. We believe you could Take Command of Your Career® with MSC, too.