Five reasons your next tech should be a military vet

Wireless technicians have never been in such wide demand as they are in 2013, and self-service radio shops and wireless sales-and-service providers have been challenged to find the right candidates for the many open positions.  “I’ve found that many two-way radio shops look for military veteran candidates with specific two-way radio or RF background,” observed Greg Kern, client partner, Bradley-Morris.  “They may be overlooking excellent candidates with outstanding technical backgrounds, including avionics and other electronic technology experience.” 

Kern will be a speaker at the 2013 Wireless Leadership Summit, October 2-4 in St. Louis, Mo., on the topic of attracting and hiring military veterans for wireless communications tech positions in government and private enterprise.  Kern points out that there are five key reasons to hire military personnel:

1. The military talent pool in general is technically proficient.  Many military occupational specialties require engineering/science degrees and/or qualification via rigorous military technical schools.
2. They are used to working in intense, pressure-filled environments with hard deadlines.
3. The expectation to “get it done” is the norm for them, not a 9-5 routine.
4. Used to working for an employer, the U.S. military, with demanding standards for conduct and dedication, these candidates have a documented performance record and are used to arriving on time, ready to work and drug-free.
5. Experienced in leading and serving on teams, they are used to delivering results through teamwork.

“Knowing that skilled techs are in such great demand, we launched WirelessCareerConnection.com,” said Eric Hill, senior vice president of operations with the Enterprise Wireless Alliance. “We knew from hearing from members that they are specifically seeking radio technicians and engineers with some IP background,” he said. Dozens of job openings have been posted to the WirelessCareerConnection.com site already by wireless sales and service providers and business/enterprises that are looking for qualified talent, which may include “a few good” vets, Hill said.