The Sailor to Civilian Translation Guide

Note: Is there something I missed on this page? Something I could have translated better? If so, please let me know! Send all questions, comments, and criticism to datacenternukes@gmail.com.

The following suggestions may be helpful in developing your resume.

INSTEAD OF CONSIDER
Your rank (Senior Officer)(05 07)Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Director Chief Operating Officer (COO), Deputy Chief Chief Administrator
Your rank (LCDR)(04)Executive Officer, Deputy Director, Assistant to the Director, Operations Manager
Your rank (JO)(01 03)Operations Officer, Program Administrator, Supervisor
Commander Senior Personnel and Program Manager
Warrant Officer Senior Technician, Technical Advisor, Chief
Your rank/Chief(E7E9)Technical Advisor, Division Supervisor
ChiefGroup Supervisor, Senior Advisor, Group
Leading Petty Officer (LPO) Supervisor, Senior Technician, Section Chief
Your rank/Petty Officer (E5-E6)Manager, Foreman, Technical Supervisor
Your rank (junior sailors)(E1 E4)Assembler, Specialist, Team Member, Member, Technician
Personnel Specialist Administrative Clerk, Personnel Records Clerk
Supply/Logistics Shipping, Receiving, Inventory Control Clerk, Warehouse Clerk
Team/Squad Leader Team Supervisor, Trainer
Military TermPossible Translation
Admin NCOAdministrative officer, administrator, personnel manager
AssignedEmployed, worked, responsible for, attached
Chain of CommandExecutive levels, management, upper-level management
CombatConflict, emergency situations, crisis, crisis intervention
CommanderSupervisor, head of, leader, director, executive, officer, commander, upper-level management
DivisionUnits, organizations, staff elements, activities, work centers and companies
DeactivationClosure, terminated operations
DeployedTemporarily assigned, traveled
InspectorExaminer, troubleshooter, inspector, reviewer
LeaderManager, supervisor, executive, management, trainer, official, conductor, chief, guide, director
MILPO/PSC/PSBPersonnel center, personnel office, personnel administration office
MissionFunction, tasks, obligations, objectives, requirements, priorities, initiatives, operations
NCOsManagement, middle management, senior personnel supervisor(s), official, leader, administrator
OJTOn-the-job-training, hands-on experience
Officer(s)Management, middle management, senior personnel, supervisors, employee(s), official(s), administrator, executive
PMSPreventive maintenance
Security ClearanceSecurity access authorization
SensitiveConfidential
SailorsPersonnel, individuals, people, positions, elements, staff, clients, employees, members
SubordinatesPersonnel, people, positions, staff, employees
Superior(s)Supervisor, management, executive management
TrainingTrainer, instructor, teacher, program, instruction, training development, training
UnitsSupported organizations, clients

Generic Possible Resume Fragments for Sailors 

NOTE: Most of these bullet points are not complete bullet points. With almost every bullet point you should quantify experience with metrics such as numbers, quantities, dollars, percentages, scope, size, frequency, etc. 

Teamwork and Leadership

  • Learned and utilized the fundamentals of teamwork, leadership, safety, and quality control
  • Supported working team in both training and operational activities
  • Selected to perform managerial duties in the absence of a supervisor
  • Assisted supervisor in organizing and operating complex training/operational/maintenance activities
  • Coordinated with team members to operate critical systems according to strict safety, quality control, and regulatory requirements
  • Directed employee activities to achieve and maintain a highly productive workforce
  • Supervised teams ranging from ___ to ___ persons, overseeing the health and welfare of members
  • Motivated teams to perform in stressful conditions and meet deadlines
  • Conducted monthly job performance reviews, goal setting, and career development counseling

Safety and Quality Control

  • Enforced safety regulations during incident response training exercises
  • Followed and enforced stringent safety regulations
  • Conducted routine inspections to ensure equipment functionality and safety compliance
  • Maintained accountability and serviceability of $XX million of ________ and _______ with no losses
  • Assisted in the setup and preparation of equipment for mission critical incident response training exercises
  • Organized safety briefings. Coordinated fire drills, building inspections, and escape routes in a five-story 100-room facility hall
  • Handled and stored hazardous material in compliance with organization, local, state, and federal regulations and standards

Technical Expertise and Maintenance

  • Read and utilized schematics and technical manuals
  • Diagnosed problems and performed corrective and preventative maintenance and repairs following detailed procedures in technical manuals and publications
  • Identified electrical and mechanical problems and determined need for specialized repair services
  • Utilized technical expertise to troubleshoot and resolve equipment malfunctions promptly
  • Conducted routine inspections to ensure equipment functionality and safety compliance
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of work areas and equipment storage

Documentation and Communication

  • Documented lessons learned after incident response completion to assess root causes of failure, develop future precautionary measures, and promulgate findings
  • Communicated extensively with team members, leadership, and other agencies to coordinate _____________________________.
  • Made recommendations to the manager following research on matters including discipline, reassignment, and promotion and incentive awards
  • Represented unit director at staff meetings at local and corporate levels
  • Set policy and determined procedures. Ensured junior and mid-level leadership personnel were all trained to meet implementation schedules

Training and Development

  • Excelled in basic, specialized, and professional development training
  • Developed and implemented training programs; evaluated instruction and performance outcomes
  • Evaluated personnel requirements; recommended assignment of workers within the organization
  • Evaluated new work requirements, identified required tasks and resources. Assisted in implementing the process in subordinate organizations
  • Prioritized workload and assignment duties, often with very short notice

Recruiting

  • Recruited and interviewed ___ potential candidates for employment per year.
  • Visited high schools to present opportunities for training, education, and employment.
  • Advised potential applicants on training opportunities, prerequisites, working conditions, benefits, and application procedures.
  • Determined eligibility of applicants for various programs and types of positions.
  • Managed a recruiting office of ___ sales and marketing staff.
  • Trained employees, set standards, and evaluated performance. Identified weaknesses and conducted remedial training to improve technical skills and expertise.
  • Planned and implemented direct and indirect marketing activities, including mass media campaigns.
  • Budgeted and managed marketing funds and resources in excess of $ _______

Instructor

  • Developed curriculum for established training programs.
  • Identified course objectives and constituent tasks. Developed outlines, scripts, and training materials.
  • Conducted vocational training classes. Taught technical skills and concepts.
  • Administered and graded tests. Counseled individuals regarding educational progress.
  • Observed in-class student work and provided individual training when needed.
  • Identified potential course improvements. Made recommendations to school/program administrators.
  • Collected data and submitted reports regarding student progress and course administration.