The transition of military personnel into civilian careers involves approximately 17,000 individuals annually, according to the French Ministry of Armed Forces.
These highly skilled professionals bring with them a wealth of technical and managerial expertise that is invaluable to companies, particularly in the aerospace, defense, and security sectors. However, integrating them into civilian roles remains a challenge for both recruiters and candidates.
Highly developed technical and interpersonal skills: An underexploited human capital
Military personnel possess a unique set of technical and operational skills acquired during their service.
One key attribute is their unparalleled sense of commitment, coupled with emotional resilience and stress management capabilities that often exceed the average.
According to a study by the Institut Montaigne, 65% of transitioning military personnel have technical skills that are directly transferable to the private sector. These include proficiency in advanced technologies, complex project management, and in-depth knowledge of defense and security systems.
In the aerospace sector, for example, former military personnel provide valuable expertise in aircraft maintenance, aviation safety management, and logistics. Recognizing this, Airbus has recently launched a targeted recruitment program for transitioning military professionals, highlighting their added value to its operations.
“Military personnel often bring rigor and technical expertise that are particularly valuable in industries like aerospace and defense. Their ability to operate in complex environments is a major asset for businesses,” says Maximilien de Boyer, Practice Director at NAOS International.
The private security sector also benefits from military experience, particularly in risk management, cybersecurity, and the protection of critical infrastructure. Companies like Thales and Safran have established partnerships with the Ministry of Armed Forces to facilitate the integration of military personnel into their teams.
Alignment with the Aerospace, Defense, and Security sectors
The aerospace, defense, and security sectors are naturally aligned with the skills and experience of military personnel. These industries seek professionals who can navigate complex environments and quickly adapt to technological advancements.
According to the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS), the sector expects to recruit over 15,000 people annually through 2025, with a significant proportion of these roles requiring executive and engineering expertise. Transitioning military personnel represent an ideal talent pool to meet these demands.
“Companies have every reason to consider transitioning military personnel for high-level positions. Their natural leadership, strong sense of confidentiality, and operational experience are rare qualities in today’s job market,” states Alice Lebugle, Recruitment Consultant at NAOS International.
Moreover, military knowledge of security protocols and international regulations is a key advantage for companies operating on a global scale. Their experience in coordinating international missions and managing crises makes them particularly suited for leadership roles.
Integration challenges : support and skill recognition
Despite these advantages, integrating military personnel into the private sector presents challenges. Recruiters may have concerns about their ability to adapt to civilian corporate culture. Meanwhile, military candidates often struggle to translate their skills into terms that resonate with private-sector employers.
“Support is essential to ensure a successful transition for military personnel into the private sector. While companies must open their doors to future veterans, these individuals must also learn to ‘civilianize’ their career paths, translating their résumés into language that everyone can understand,” adds Maximilien de Boyer.
Organizations such as Défense Mobilité, the Defense transition service, provide training and guidance to help military personnel highlight their experience. Furthermore, specialized recruitment firms play a critical role in bridging the gap between companies and candidates, understanding the needs of both sides.
“It is important to raise awareness among recruiters about the strengths of military personnel—not just in obvious sectors like aerospace or security,” emphasizes Alice Lebugle.
By investing in dedicated programs and recognizing the unique value military professionals bring, leaders can enhance their competitiveness while offering fulfilling second careers to those who have served. The transition of military personnel is not just a recruitment opportunity but a chance to build stronger, more resilient organizations capable of meeting adversity and competition head-on.