By Camille Schuster, Communications Specialist

November is national veterans and military families’ month. We’ve spent this month reflecting on those who have served our country, including the veterans within BAE Systems, who continue with our mission of “protecting those who protect us.”

We spoke about life after the military with BAE Systems Program Manager Jacques Decaire, who served in the U.S. Army for 11 years before he medically retired. He stressed the importance of finding a mentor and finding your community.

Jacques has found his community in the Department of Defense’s Warrior Games, where athletes come together to participate in adaptive sporting events facilitating the recovery of wounded warriors.

Learn more about Jacques’s career journey below:

Can you describe your transition out of the military?

I completed a DoD Skill Bridge program, which afforded me the opportunity to intern before being retired. I worked with a small company as I was transitioning into the corporate world. I was filled with uncertainty and doubt without having something concrete, like the military provided me.

The military teaches you that you have to work hard to get through whatever you are faced with. And so, it was through applying what I learned that helped me overcome those feelings.

I also found tremendous support from my wife who encouraged me to find my footing in my next career. It is important because my decisions impact my family and she was my rock through a very uncertain time.

Why did you choose BAE Systems?

I was referred to BAE Systems. They thought that I would enjoy working here. BAE Systems provided an avenue to be involved in a different capacity to support those and the missions I cherish the most. I found value in BAE Systems and continuing the mission.

What do you do today for BAE Systems?

For the past two years I’ve been working in program management. A part of this responsibility involves monitoring projects, ensuring contract support and scope, and working with functional team members who facilitate the commitment to excellence in service.

I’m currently working on a few programs to support multiple customers which include the U.S Navy and CENTCOM. I get to work with outstanding talent every day at BAE Systems. This company is truly a place where excellence in action and mission first is celebrated by the leadership, employees and culture.

What skills or lessons from your time in service do you apply to your current role?

There are so many applications from how I worked on programs in the military. Whenever I walk through the transition process with people, I emphasize that they can transition to the corporate world, they just have different titles or descriptions.

I learned to always develop myself when I was in the military– educationally and professionally. It’s important and ultimately your responsibility to expand your own experience and exposure. This amounts to success in the military, as well as in the corporate world.

What words of encouragement or piece of advice would you share with those looking to transition from the military into the corporate world?

It’s not as scary as it seems. The main thing is that you have a plan for what you want to do. There are various roles and pathways to take. You need to decide what route to take. A lot of what the military provides translates to the corporate world. Additionally, anyone transitioning should find a good mentor who has walked down the path they have decided to take.

This year you qualified for the Warrior Games. How did you become involved in that organization?

When I was transitioning, there was an offer to participate in a sport camp to provide introductions to the sports included in Warrior Games. Sports provide an avenue for those that are unable to compete at the same level, but still want to compete. I was invited to participate in the Warrior Games and I continue to be involved in the community.

Why is the Warrior Games meaningful to you?

It transcends just the sport aspect of what it is. It is a fun hobby, not a requirement. It also provides a connection to the “family” that I left as it provides a link back to people that are still in the military and those who have shared views.

It provides that connection and camaraderie. It’s also important for me to participate in the Warrior Games for my daughter’s sake. I had a long road to recovery and I want to show her that you can get through anything as long as you work hard.

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Want to work with leaders like Jacques?

For more information on how you can continue your commitment to improving security, defending freedom, and making the world safer, visit our military and veterans' page to find a rewarding, mission-focused career with BAE Systems.

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