Leveraging Military Training for Success in Entrepreneurship: An AET's Journey

As a former Avionics Electrical Technician (AET) in the US Coast Guard, you have acquired a unique set of skills and experience that can serve you well as an entrepreneur. Your time in basic training and advanced skills training has prepared you for the challenges and opportunities of starting and running your own business. In this article, we will explore the top 5 reasons why your military training succeeds in entrepreneurship and how you can use your skills to launch your own successful venture.

  1. Problem-Solving Skills As an AET, you were trained to diagnose and repair complex electrical systems, often under pressure and in high-stakes situations. This ability to think critically and creatively about how to solve problems translates perfectly to the world of business. Whether you are troubleshooting a technical glitch or dealing with a challenging client, your problem-solving skills will help you stay calm and focused, making decisions that will drive your business forward.

  2. Leadership Skills The military places a strong emphasis on leadership and teamwork, and your time as an AET has equipped you with these skills. As an entrepreneur, you will be responsible for leading a team, making decisions, and inspiring others to achieve their best. Your military training has taught you how to communicate effectively, delegate tasks, and motivate your team to succeed.

  3. Time Management and Prioritization In the military, you learned to manage your time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet tight deadlines. These skills will be critical as an entrepreneur, where you will need to balance a wide range of responsibilities and keep your focus on the most important tasks. With your training, you will be able to stay organized and focused, ensuring that you make the most of every day.

  4. Adaptability The military requires you to be adaptable, able to change course and respond to new challenges as they arise. As an entrepreneur, you will face a constant stream of new challenges and opportunities, and your ability to be flexible and adaptable will be essential. Your military training has taught you how to pivot quickly and stay focused on your goals, even in the face of change.

  5. Resilience Finally, your military training has equipped you with the resilience and determination needed to succeed as an entrepreneur. Starting a business is not for the faint of heart, and you will face challenges, failures, and setbacks along the way. But with your military training, you have the strength, courage, and perseverance to keep pushing forward, and to keep your eye on the prize.

By taking the skills you learned as an AET in the US Coast Guard and using them as an entrepreneur, you have the foundation to create a successful business that will make you proud. And to help you along the way, consider signing up with Veterans First Watch, a resource that provides support and resources to veterans as they transition to civilian life. With their help, you can launch your new business and start making your mark in the world.