By: Stephanie Diehl, Communications Manager

Transitioning from active military service to a civilian job can be challenging. According to Chris Davison, program manager for veteran recruitment at BAE Systems, “Service members often encounter different expectations, different lingo, and different management styles during their career change.”

However, for those who continue to serve in the reserve forces after leaving active duty, it can be even more complicated. “A supportive employer and supportive workplace community are essential to juggling the two roles successfully,” Davison continued.

For many, serving in the reserves allows them to complete or extend their military commitment when they choose to move on to a civilian career. Some continue to re-enlist in the reserves even as their civilian career advances, keeping their military skills sharp and preparing for deployment if and when their country calls.

“It is a great opportunity to serve our country,” said Sabina Shrestha, a DevOps Engineer at BAE Systems who serves as a Health Specialist in the U.S. Army Reserve. “It will help you to build two careers at the same time including military education and training.”

Sabina Shrestha, DevOps Engineer

“BAE Systems has always recognized the unique skill set the military gives its members,” said Sarah Early, an Occupational Health and Safety manager who serves in the U.S. Army Reserve. “The organization has always encouraged additional military training and roles of increasing responsibility throughout my career."

Sarah Early, Occupational Health & Safety Manager

Each branch of the U.S. military has its own reserve force, who typically report for training one weekend per month and two weeks each year. Depending on our nation’s needs, they could be activated and deployed for weeks or months on top of that, often with short notice.

All employers must accommodate the mandatory drills and potential deployments of reservists. However, “It’s no surprise that many reservists still end up working in the defense industry for companies like BAE Systems,” said Davison. “They know we ‘get it’ – that some of their colleagues may be in the same boat, and we have a lot of experience helping them transition successfully and putting their hard-earned military skills to good use. Plus, working in the defense industry is a great way to contribute to military success from the civilian side.”

Isaiah Hanley works for BAE Systems as an Imagery Analyst. Not surprisingly, he serves in the Army Reserve in a similar capacity. He appreciates the support he gets on the job: "My program manager retired from the Air Force Reserve so she fully understands the additional considerations of a dual civilian/military career," he said.

Isaiah Hanley, Imagery Analyst

“The people of BAE Systems have been extremely supportive with my reserve position,” agreed Keene Franco, a Laboratory Tech who serves as an Electronics Technician in the Navy Reserve. “During my first year at BAE Systems, I was recalled for an 11 month deployment. While I was away, I appreciated how my manager and my co-workers stayed in direct contact with me.”

Keene Franco, Laboratory Tech

Even with a supportive environment, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to juggle the commitments and demands of a full-time civilian job and part-time reserve duty. Sometimes schedules don’t align conveniently. Sometimes it can be difficult to constantly make the mental jump from one workplace culture to another. But there’s a positive side to the effort.

“The most memorable moment of my service would be my first deployment when I got to apply my skills for a real-world mission instead of just training,” said Jerrica Stanko, a field support technician at Hill Air Force Base in Utah who has served in the Army National Guard for more than 10 years. “Also, I met my husband through the National Guard so that is pretty memorable too!”

Jerrica Stanko, Field Support Technician

She continued, “Sometimes juggling the work-drill balance can be difficult, but just be open with your coworkers and managers and it will make it less stressful knowing they understand what is going on.”

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