From Pavements and Construction Equipment in the US Air Force to Entrepreneur: How My Skills Translated

Being in the US Air Force is an experience that can shape a person's life in many ways. As a 3E2X1 Pavements and Construction Equipment, I was able to develop a range of skills that I would never have had the chance to learn otherwise. These skills have been instrumental in helping me become an entrepreneur and succeed in my new business. In this article, I will share my journey and the top five skills that have helped me along the way.

Basic Training Days:

I joined the US Air Force as a young man with a passion for construction and the desire to serve my country. Basic training was a challenging experience, but it taught me discipline and the importance of working as a team. I was trained to work in extreme conditions and with limited resources, which taught me the value of resourcefulness and creativity.

Advanced Skills Training:

After basic training, I was sent to an advanced skills training program, where I learned all about pavements and construction equipment. My job involved working with a team to construct and repair runways, taxiways, and other pavements at Air Force bases. I learned how to use heavy equipment and machinery to construct these pavements, and I also learned how to troubleshoot and repair any problems that arose.

Transitioning to Entrepreneurship:

After leaving the US Air Force, I decided to start my own business. I wanted to take the skills I learned and apply them to a new venture. I was confident in my ability to build and repair pavements, and I was eager to bring that expertise to a new audience.

Top 5 Skills for Entrepreneurship:

  1. Teamwork: Working in the US Air Force taught me the importance of teamwork and how to work well with others to achieve a common goal. This has been a valuable skill in my business, as I often work with others to complete projects.

  2. Creativity: My training taught me to be creative in finding solutions to problems. This has been a valuable skill in my business, as I often have to find innovative ways to complete projects.

  3. Problem-solving: My job involved troubleshooting problems with construction equipment, which taught me how to solve problems quickly and effectively. This skill has been valuable in my business, as I often have to find solutions to unexpected problems.

  4. Resourcefulness: Working in the US Air Force taught me to be resourceful in finding materials and equipment to complete projects. This has been a valuable skill in my business, as I often have to find resources to complete projects.

  5. Attention to detail: My job involved working on runways and taxiways, which required a high level of attention to detail. This skill has been valuable in my business, as I often have to pay close attention to detail to ensure projects are completed correctly.

Signing up with Veterans First Watch:

I recently joined Veterans First Watch, a community of veterans who are starting their own businesses. Being a part of this community has been a valuable experience, as I have been able to connect with other veterans who are also starting their own businesses. I have been able to learn from their experiences and gain valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the skills I learned as a 3E2X1 Pavements and Construction Equipment in the US Air Force have been instrumental in helping me become an entrepreneur. I am proud of what I have accomplished and I am excited to continue to grow my business. I encourage other veterans to consider starting their own businesses, as the skills and experience gained in the military can be extremely valuable in the world of entrepreneurship. By joining a community like Veterans First Watch, veterans can connect with others who understand their unique experiences and challenges, and gain support and guidance as they embark on their entrepreneurial journey.