From Fire Controlman to Entrepreneur: Using Military Skills to Succeed in Business

As a former Fire Controlman in the US Navy, I learned invaluable skills that have helped me to become a successful entrepreneur. Basic training taught me discipline, teamwork, and the importance of being able to adapt to new and challenging situations. But it was the advanced skills training that really set me apart and helped me to become the business owner I am today.

In the military, I was responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing the ship's fire control systems. This involved complex calculations and precise attention to detail. I learned to work efficiently under pressure and to be able to make quick, accurate decisions. These skills have proven to be essential in the business world, where I have to make important decisions on a daily basis and work under tight deadlines.

In addition to the technical skills I gained, my time in the Navy also taught me valuable leadership skills. As a Fire Controlman, I was often in charge of a team of sailors and was responsible for ensuring that they were able to perform their duties safely and effectively. This experience has helped me to be a better leader in my own business, where I am able to motivate and inspire my employees to work towards a common goal.

Here are the top 5 skills I learned in my military career that have helped me to succeed as an entrepreneur:

  1. Discipline and time management: In the military, I learned to be highly organized and to manage my time effectively. This has been essential in running my own business, where I have to prioritize tasks and keep track of multiple projects at once.

  2. Teamwork and collaboration: The military taught me the importance of working as a team and being able to communicate effectively with others. This has helped me to build strong relationships with my employees and to work collaboratively with clients and partners.

  3. Adaptability and flexibility: The military is constantly changing and evolving, and I learned to be adaptable and flexible in order to keep up with new developments. This has been useful in the business world, where I have to be able to respond to new challenges and opportunities.

  4. Attention to detail: In my role as a Fire Controlman, I had to be meticulous and pay close attention to detail in order to ensure that my ship was operating safely and efficiently. This skill has translated well to my business, where I have to pay close attention to details in order to make informed decisions.

  5. Leadership and decision-making: The military taught me how to be a confident leader and to make quick, accurate decisions. This has been invaluable in running my own business, where I have to be able to make important decisions on a daily basis.

I am proud to have served in the US Navy and to have used the skills I learned to become a successful entrepreneur. If you are a veteran looking to start your own business, I would encourage you to sign up with Veterans First Watch. This organization provides valuable resources and support to help veterans succeed in the business world. I am grateful to have joined this community and I am proud to be thriving in my new business.

In conclusion, being a Fire Controlman in the US Navy provided me with valuable skills and experience that I have been able to apply to my own business. From discipline and time management to teamwork and leadership, the lessons I learned in the military have been essential to my success as an entrepreneur. If you are a veteran looking to start your own business, I would encourage you to utilize the skills and experience you gained in the military and to join organizations like Veterans First Watch that can provide support and resources to help you succeed. With hard work and determination, you too can turn your military training into a successful career as an entrepreneur.