The Veteran Edge American Military University

Military servicemembers have skills and training that can be extremely useful in the civilian workforce, however, it’s challenging to figure out how to translate those skills to the commercial sector. In this episode, Wes O’Donnell talks to AMU professor, retired U.S. Army Reserve Army Colonel Larry Dietz, about his military service and experience in psychological warfare, cyber warfare and information operations. Hear how servicemembers must work to define the hard and soft skills they learned in the military including the ability to identify credible sources of information, make decisions under pressure, and present complex situations in a direct and simplified way.
 
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Greatness as a military leader isn’t all about battlefield victories, it’s about understanding a leader’s strategies, circumstances, and tactics. In this episode, Wes O’Donnell talks to AMU Military History professor Dr. Kelly Jordan about what qualifies Frederick the Great a great military leader. Learn about his focus on training his soldiers, which enabled them to have the skills and discipline to respond quickly when Frederick recognized opportunities in battle, thus outmaneuvering his often much larger opponents and losing fewer soldiers in battle. Learn how Frederick himself prepared relentlessly by studying war, developing fundamental principles of battle, and employing unique strategies like the oblique offensive. Also learn what today’s military leaders can learn from Frederick the Great’s strategies and tactics. 
 
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The military offers many benefits to servicemembers, but some opportunities and skills aren’t as recognized as others. In this episode, AMU’s Dr. Larry D. Parker, Jr. talks to Mario P. Fields, Sergeant Major (retired) U.S. Marine Corps, about the best opportunities he gained during his service. Learn how the military helped him mature, get an education, and develop job training skills that are highly sought after in the private sector. It also gave him the confidence, determination, patience, and drive to follow his passion as an entrepreneur when he retired after 26 years in the military.
 
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Despite a life-long desire to join the military, Dr. Wallace “Rope” Burns didn’t enlist until he was in his 30s. Thanks to his advanced degree, he joined the Navy as a Supply Corps Officer, which took him into combat zones around the world where he had a critical role making sure troops had the supplies they needed. In this episode, AMU professor Dr. Larry D. Parker, Jr. talks to him about his unique military experience, his initiative to continue his education while in the military, and his transition to academia where he uses his expertise to teach students about supply chain management and transportation logistics. Also hear advice for all servicemembers preparing to leave the military about why it’s so important not to downplay leadership skills or the ability to do hard jobs.
 
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Figuring out your career path after the military can be overwhelming. In this episode, AMU’s Dr. Larry D. Parker, Jr. talks to USMC veteran Alan Lau about his experience transitioning into his civilian career. Learn why he recommends servicemembers spend time reflecting on their military career while also considering what kind of lifestyle they want as a civilian. Also learn why it’s so important for veterans to learn how to actively advocate for themselves in the corporate world, and realize their strengths of adaptability and flexibility as they navigate a post-military career.
 
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Transitioning out of the military can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming. In this episode, AMU professor and former Marine Dr. Larry D. Parker Jr. talks to entrepreneur Charles Jackson about his experience transitioning out of the Marine Corps into civilian life. Learn why he recommends servicemembers take time to reflect on the skills, experiences, and passions they acquire during their service and assessing how it can apply to civilian life. Also learn the greatest strengths servicemembers can offer to the civilian workforce.  
 
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.