Real Warriors Campaign: Supporting the Well-Being of Returning Service Members & Their Families

The Real Warriors Campaign is an initiative launched by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) to promote the processes of building resilience, facilitating recovery and supporting reintegration of returning service members, veterans and their families.

The Real Warriors Campaign promotes help-seeking behavior among service members and veterans with invisible wounds and encourages service members to increase their awareness and use of these resources. To reach the broadest audience possible, the campaign features a variety of strategies including outreach and partnerships, print materials, media outreach, an interactive website and social media. The campaign features stories of real service members who have sought treatment and are continuing to maintain successful military or civilian careers. In addition, DCoE established the DCoE Outreach Center, a 24/7 call center staffed by health resource consultants to provide confidential answers, tools, tips and resources about psychological health and traumatic brain injury.

The Outreach Center can be reached toll-free at 866-966-1020 or via e-mail at resources@dcoeoutreach.org.
www.realwarriors.met.

Important Keywords to Include in Your Resume: Market Yourself Effectively

Words are the name of the game when it comes to resumes and you need to be strategic in your choice of them. Job seekers often put keywords on their resumes, but how do you know which words to choose and which ones to leave out? Here is a brief list of some of the most overused words on resumes. Avoid them when possible and choose some more creative alternatives. After knowing what words to avoid you should be ready to craft an eye-catching resume.

1. Accomplished. Yes, we all know every job seeker is accomplished, otherwise you would be fired from every job you’ve ever had if you never accomplished anything. Instead try: Peak Performer.

2. Results-Driven. We all know that everyone’s professional resume starts out with Results-Driven (Insert your job title here). The only problem is in the job search game you don’t want to sound like everyone else. You want to stand out from the crowd. Instead try: Performance-Driven.

3. Successful. This is another overused phrase on resumes. We all want to communicate how successful we’ve been so a new employer will think highly of us, but let’s look at some alternative wording versus just coming out and saying hey there, I’m a success. Instead try: Best In Class, Award-Winning, or Top-Performer.

4. Skillful or Skilled. These are so boring. Seriously, I hate to see resumes with these words on them. I cannot even tell you how incredibly dull these words are and I am sure you can come up with something way more creative for your resume. If you can’t think of anything try my recommendations or if you don’t like them use a thesaurus. Instead try: Talented, Sharp, or Resourceful.

5. Problem-Solver. Can I just say that this is a given… We are ALL problem solvers. If you are human, you are a problem solver it is just part of human nature. Does it really need to be said on your resume? I think not. Instead try: Troubleshooter, Forward-Thinking, or Visionary Leader.

6. And last but not least Dedicated and Dependable. Again I have to say boring, boring, boring. Spice up your resume with something creative. Instead try: High-Potential, Quality-Driven, and Dynamic.

Groundworks Inc. - Proposal Specialist (OK)

Groundworks Inc. is a successful General Contracting Firm whose past performance commitment to excellence enables it to thrive in the most challenging environments, such as those experienced in post-war Iraq and Afghanistan. GWI has developed the relationships necessary to operate successfully not only domestically, but also in Iraq and other post conflict countries to provide construction, engineering, life support and operational support of government and commercial clients.

IMMEDIATE OPENING - Groundworks Inc. is looking for a Proposal Specialist with minimum of 5 years experience in writing proposals for government contracts as well as private company contracts, and wide knowledge of the FAR.

This position is located in the GWI corporate office in Oklahoma.


To be considered for the position, please and send your resume to alona.h@groundworks-inc.com and put job title in the subject line.

Disabled Veterans Business - The CA Alliance Network Offers Disabled Veterans Support & Opportunities

  

Editors Note: New Meeting Location

ATTN: Business Editors, Writers, Columnists, Military/Armed Forces Writers

Keywords: Jobs, Opportunity, Business, Veteran, Contractor, Vendor, Disabled

CA Network Offers Disabled Veterans Support & Opportunity
  With New Local Leadership and Meeting Location

WHY: Hundreds of millions in contract opportunity for certified disabled California veterans.  Disabled veteran business owners and those interested in creating new companies should plan to attend.

Eric Miller will take the helm of the successful business network dedicated to CA disabled veterans and dvbe-owned companies. Miller, the owner and President of Odic Environmental & Energy, takes over the San Diego area DVB Alliance Chapter leadership offering new ideas, network connections and meeting location. Previous SD Chapter leader David Dickey, President and COO of Alpha Ten Technologies, has been elected to the Board of Directors for the statewide disabled veterans non-profit business Alliance, and will also join the State of California’s Department of Veteran Affairs Advisory Council.

WHAT: The San Diego Chapter of the non-profit Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise Alliance (http://www.cadvbe.org) meets once a month to assist California’s disabled veterans in creating new businesses, providing free business education and training, assistance in obtaining government paperwork, certification, access to financing and an experienced mentor network.

Caren Bowman from AT&T, Ken Ashford from Metropolitan Water and Matt Grossman from Probuild will assist dvbe-owned companies develop network contacts with procurement officers purchasing goods and services. Contact Eric Miller for information by calling (213) 999-1871 or email at ericmiller@odicenv.com.

WHEN: The SD DVB Alliance meets Friday, August 5, 2011 from 1-3 pm.

                                    Editors Note: New Location
WHERE:  CalTrans District 11 Office, 4050 Taylor Street, San Diego, CA 922110.  

Media contact: Rick Reed 916-704-0080

Veterans Health Administration

Veterans – You deserve the best health care. VA offers high-quality, low-cost care at over 1,400 medical centers and clinics across the nation. All enrolled Veterans receive a comprehensive medical benefits package that includes a full range of preventive outpatient and inpatient services within the VA health care system.

Even if you have other health coverage, you can also take advantage of the benefits you’ve earned. There are many reasons to apply for VA health benefits:

-No cost to apply.
-Enroll once – comprehensive health care services will be available when and where you need them.
-Remain enrolled, even if you don’t use VA for your health care.
-Enrollment in the VA health care system provides "creditable coverage" required by some health care programs, including Medicare Part D, and states requiring all individuals to have health coverage.

Applying for VA health benefits is faster and easier than ever. There is no need to sign applications submitted online through the VA website. Complete your application online and submit it immediately: https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/

The United States Coast Guard (USCG)

While there are no federal holidays this month, we do celebrate the birthday of the US Coast Guard. The United States Coast Guard (USCG), one of America’s five armed services, is a unique agency of the federal government. USCG traces its history back to August 4, 1790, when the first Congress authorized the construction of ten vessels to enforce tariff and trade laws and to prevent smuggling. Known variously through the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as the Revenue Marine and the Revenue Cutter Service, USCG expanded in size and responsibilities as the nation grew. Until the Navy Department was established in 1798, USCG served as the nation's only armed force afloat. USCG continues to protect the nation and has served proudly in every one of the nation's conflicts. With the continued threats facing the United States, the Coast Guard plays a vital role in the defense of our country both at home and overseas. If you meet a member of the Coast Guard this month, tell them "Happy Birthday!"

HOT JOB: APPLY BY AUG. 3RD! Health Safety Environmental Managers & Hygienists (Iraq)

Groundworks Inc. is a successful General Contracting Firm whose past performance commitment to excellence enables it to thrive in the most challenging environments, such as those experienced in post-war Iraq and Afghanistan. GWI has developed the relationships necessary to operate successfully not only domestically, but also in Iraq and other post conflict countries to provide construction, engineering, life support and operational support of government and commercial clients.

Groundworks Inc is seeking Health Safety Environmental Managers and Hygienists for a contract to be awarded in Iraq for EXXON Mobile.

At this stage, it is only a proposal; resumes are needed by August 3rd to be awarded the contract.


To be considered for the position, please send your resume ASAP to alona.h@groundworks-inc.com and put job title in the subject line.

ACT FAST!!

Salute Our Heroes Online Career Fair

The Salute Our Heroes Online Career Fair is live! Register now to put your resume in the hands of participating employers!

Turn Your Resume Into An All-Access Pass

If you missed the Salute Our Heroes: Veterans Career Fair and Job Expo you can still participate in our Online Salute Our Heroes: Veteran Career Fair and Job Expo from November 7th through December 6th:

• submit your resume to participating employers that are activel looking for qualified veteran candidates
• search jobs from participating employers in New York and nationwide
• view career and job-hunting articles and tools that will help you advance your career

Visit the link to register now:

The New York Times - Salute our Heroes Career Fair

And don't forget to click on the page's link to Resume Tips!

RONCO Consulting K9 Dog Handlers (Afghanistan) - FAQ

These FAQs refer to the Kabul Embassy Security Force (KESF) Contract - K9 Dog Handlers position posted previously on our blog. To see the job description, click here.



FAQ

What are the current K9 handler requirements for KESF?

·         Must be a U.S. citizen.
·         Minimum 3 years of experience as a K9 Handler in either a military or civilian law enforcement environment focused on EDD (Explosive Detection).
·         Certification as a K9 Handler from an authorized authority, either military or civilian law enforcement.
·         Physically fit and able to meet the physical demands of the assignment in an austere environment.
·         Successful completion of Department of State Minimum Risk Public Trust (MRPT) or Secret Security Clearance process.

What is the KESF mission scope?  

Work at the Embassy is relatively safe, however it is a very high value target in Kabul and we are constantly in heightened security due to an active insurgency.  As a handler you will be very busy covering a number of posts (currently 11 to 13 posts and growing).  K9 personnel travel in low profile soft skin vehicles and not as part of the PRIME high profile convoy.  RONCO K9 handlers have been working this contract since May 2008 and have never had any issues or incidents involving a threat to K9 handlers traveling to and from the Embassy.
·         This is an armed position (GLOCK 17 or 19).

What will be my financial compensation?
Your salary will be $3,803 paid every two weeks.  Based on this you will note that RONCO has 26 pay periods in a year which computes to an annual salary to $98,878.  Your contract will have a bonus clause that is based on performance, time on ground and other work related factors.  Your leave rotation will be 70 days in country and 21 days out.  Initially upon assignment this might not be the case; some might have to stay in country a bit longer in order to balance the rotations for the year, but once you have traveled your first rotation then it becomes a rhythm that you can plan on to spend time and vacation with family.  Your plane tickets are paid for by the company to any destination you request as long as it does not exceed the cost of flying you to and from your home of record; any cost differences would come out of your pocket.  Work schedule will vary and will be explained while on the ground as it tends to change based on the mission and tasking from the client.  Your per diem will be $3.50 a day as meals and housing are provided by the government.

What processes/training will I need to accomplish?

Prior to joining KESF, you will be subject to a screening process required by the Department of State.  You have probably already filled out paperwork for your security clearance called a Minimum Risk Public Trust (MRPT) and are now scheduled for the 3-week Embassy Security Force (ESF) course that will be held in Dilley, Texas.  During training you will be paid $11.46/hr for up to ten hours a day to cover your time in the school.  Additionally, you will be paid the GSA per diem rate allowed for Dilley (about $50 per day).
When you arrive in Afghanistan you will land at Kabul International  Airport and be transported to Department of State’s (DoS) Camp Sullivan.  The camp is located several kilometers north of the Embassy and in the vicinity of the Kabul airport.  There are over 1,700 personnel living or working on this camp; although space is tight overall living conditions are not bad.  We have a dining facility that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  While on post you will receive bag meals from this same facility.  We have a gym with government funded weights, treadmills, elliptical trainers, rowing machines, and more.  It is not your typical Bally’s but it does the job for those of you that are into working out.  Laundry service is available and it is free, but usually takes two days to be returned.  We have a small store where various sundry items can be purchased as well as a “fast food” deli (pizzas/sandwiches).  For bigger items, there are regularly scheduled bus trips/MWR runs to the PX at nearby Camp Eggers. 

Everyone must undergo a drug screening prior to in-processing.  When that has been completed, you will be assigned a room that you will share.

To be considered for this position, please send your resume to lucy@military-civilian.com and put K-9 in the subject line

Testimonial

Keep rocking!
Greg Flood
Technical Recruiter

Peacekeeping

"Peacekeeping is not a soldier's job, but only a soldier can do it."
Dag Hammarskjöld (29 JUL 1905 – 18 SEP 1961) 2nd UN Secretary-General

Testimonial

In reference to the job posting of Designated Defensive Marksman, I am interested in the position and have included my resume. Thank you for this website and all that you do.
Joe Janssen

Testimonial

The resumes we’ve been getting are awesome.  My biggest need right now is for the K9 Handlers with 3 years EDD experience.  These are tough to find.  The State Dept’s requirements for a MRPT are pretty rigid and I lose several that way.  Any way you can work your magic in the K9 arena is greatly appreciated.  The epicenter of the K9 community is Lackland, but you find them all over the place and in every branch of the service.
Eric H. Elmore, PHR
Recruiting Manager

RONCO Consulting - General Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Techs (US and For Deployment)

 

RONCO is advertising for experienced Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) technicians to provide technical support and set standards for UXO personnel conducting ordnance response projects. Perform reconnaissance; classification; disposing; transporting; storage of UXO complying with Federal, state and local laws. Perform risk-hazard analysis; maintenance and operator checks on all team equipment. Plan and supervise range clearance operations.

 

Responsibilities: Key areas of expertise include:

 

* Explosive Detection and Disposal
* EOD / IED Detection and Disposal

Qualifications:

 

* Practical knowledge of EOD equipment, including its design, production, operational and maintenance requirements
* Knowledge of domestic and foreign weapons systems and subsystems is desired
* Self reliant and able to work independently or as a part of a multi-cultural team
* Current OSHA certifications and recent medical evaluation
* Computer literate
* Physically fit and in good health

 

Additional Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

 

* Experience working in remote locations and challenging environments
* Must be willing to accept requisite responsibilities for working with or around explosives in a training medium or in an operational environment

 

* Must be willing to deploy for extended periods

 

May be subject to undergo US Government background investigation.

 

Please send resume to EELmore@roncowash.com

www.roncoconsulting.com

Ronco Consulting - General EOD/CIED/IEDD Instructors (Washington, DC)

RONCO is advertising for experienced and qualified military instructors with operational Tactical EOD experience to instruct EOD Technicians and other Military Personnel in operational level instruction on responding to an IED and Surface Ordnance incidents. This is a general posting, please find links to specific open positions below.

Responsibilities:
• Provide instruction on current domestic and international terrorist threats, tactics and procedures to include; IED threats, (e.g. remote controlled, command detonated…); explosive hazards; homemade explosive hazards and the planning process to respond to an IED/Surface Ordnance scene/incident in both a permissive and non-permissive environments.
• Prepare and facilitate practical hands-on familiarization training with specialized EOD tools, (e.g. robots, disrupters, energetic tolls….) protective equipment, detection and identification equipment/methods and the theory and application of electronic countermeasures.
• Contribute to curriculum improvements to course materials through continuous research, intelligence gathering and training revision. Maintain knowledge base as a subject matter expert in assigned course content to include qualification as Demolition operations Supervisor.
• Job assignments will involve the set up of practical IED problems for students to include command and control scenarios, bobby trap house set up and drill scenarios during Field Training Exercises

Qualifications:
• Instructional experience with foreign militaries
• Extensive technical knowledge of and experience in C-IED operations and Surface Ordnance EOD response.
• Experienced in the planning and development of training curriculum.
• Hands-on approach with a determined can-do attitude.
• Ability to interface with all levels of Command.
• Ability to conduct research using tools such as SIPR, periodicals, journals, open source Internet, etc. to identify and interpret evolving threats and innovations in techniques, tactics and procedures within the Southwest Asia Area of Operations.
• EOD Technician operational experience (5 years minimum)
• Overseas operational experience in Iraq/Afghanistan
• Second languages a plus

Certifications and Other Qualifications:

• Military Master Training Specialist or Equivalent. Will consider minimum two years instructional experience in Lieu of Training Qualifications.
• CPR and EMT qualifications preferred.
• Computer skills in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively deliver complicated curriculum to a wide variety of audiences.
• Fluent in both written and spoken English
• Successful candidates will possess superior relationship and interpersonal skills. Candidate must be a team player with a high degree of self-motivation and ability to work independently.

Please send resume to EElmore@wash.com

www.roncoconsulting.com

Ronco Consulting - Intelligence Analyst (Washington, DC)

Ronco is always seeking highly qualified Intelligence analysts and Operations SME's with specific knowledge and experience related to IED's, and C-IED/IED-D for CONUS and OCONUS positions. If you do not see a current opening that you are qualified for or interested in, please submit your resume to our General Intelligence position along with a cover letter to be considered and contacted for future opportunities. 

Responsibilities: 

The incumbent will provide support utilizing a suite of Intel supplied computer and communications equipment at the unit location in theater which is further federated to various unit, inter-agency, and other DOD locations – CONUS, OCONUS. Intelligence members provide All-Source, IMINT, HUMINT, MASINT, GMTI, and Geo-Spatial Analysis capabilities. While functioning in CONUS providing reach back support, the members work within Comprehensive Look Teams (CLTs), which focus on specific geographic locations or missions and integrate, fuse and produce operational C-IED analysis to respond to Requests for Support (RFSs) from deployed forces. The CONUS and OCONUS analytical elements (operations, intelligence, and operations research) together are referred to as the organizational COIC Analytical Support Team (JCAST).

Senior Multi-Discipline/General Military Intelligence/All Source Intelligence Analyst.
Directs and manages team production requirements including content, analysis, presentation, and follow up with requestor; participates in and directs production, indications and warnings analysis, collection management, targeting, imagery, network analysis, moving target indications backtracking, counterintelligence, counter-terrorism, information operations, foreign disclosure, international engagements and threat analysis; and conforms all products to organizational, community, and regulatory standards. Directs and participates in information retrieval, knowledge consolidation, analysis, and development of assessments of facts, threat intents, cultural behavioral norms, implications of the environment, and friendly as well as adversarial involvement in that environment, and guides accurate identification of adversarial intent, capabilities, vulnerabilities, and potential threat courses of action. Integrates and manages the intelligence capabilities of team with operations support teams. Maintains and increases organizational knowledge of analytic methodologies, best practices, and common procedures for community activities. Maintains liaison within the intelligence community and develops, through team functions, analyst-to-analyst communications with operational and tactical consumers of intelligence. Incorporates all analytic strengths presented by participating agencies, organizational activities, and available technology into the team's capabilities.

Qualifications:
Jr and Sr. Intelligence Analysts :
- Current active TS/SCI
5 to 15 years of total work experience with expertise in one or more of the following:
- All Source
- Geospatial
- IMINT
- GMTI
- SIGINT
- MASINT

Operations SME's:
- Current active TS/SCI
- 10+ years of experience in one of the following areas:
- EOD
- HUMINT
- ISR

ORSA SME's
- Current active TS/SCI
- 10+ years of work experience
- MA in related field of study
 

Please send resume to EElmore@roncowash.com

www.roncoconsulting.com

Translators/Interpreters - Dari/Pashto (Afghanistan)

RONCO Consulting Corporation has immediate and ongoing opportunities for experienced linguists to support overseas operations in Afghanistan. Provide official translation as part of an investigative security vetting program, including translation during vetting interviews and follow up translation of correspondence, technical documents and other documentation and reports on a daily basis. This is an office position, air conditioned and secure. 
Responsibilities:
• Provide real-time translation during interviews
• Assist with written translation as needed

Qualifications:
Required:

• Minimum of two years experience translating to and from English
• Business level spoken and written proficiency in English
• Native fluency in Dari and Pashto; spoken and written skills
• MS office suite literate
• Self reliant and able to work independently or as a part of a multi-cultural team
• Cultural awareness, sensitivity and responsiveness to local environments

NATO Secret level security clearance required

Preferred:

• Additional Languages of interest:
o Uzbek (Strongly preferred!)
o Turkmen
o Urdu
• Must be able to deploy overseas for extended periods
• Prior work experience in an international security or peacekeeping organization desired

These positions are located on a working US military installation with security restrictions. The working environment is remote, confined and isolated, and travel in the local area is very limited. This is an unaccompanied overseas position; families are NOT allowed to accompany employee to the remote worksite.

May be subject to undergo a background investigation including drug screening. An active US, NATO or affiliated Secret security clearance is required. US citizenship not required!

Location: Afghanistan
Living conditions: Single room with A/C and Heat + Private WC
Additional Benefit: 48 days total paid leave (Paid travel) 

Please send resume to EElmore@roncowash.com

www.roncoconsulting.com

Ronco Consulting - Senior Weapons Removal Manager (Maryland)

RONCO is seeking a personable specialist to provide management to international Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) program. The successful candidate will have a strong background in an ERW related field and significant international management experience. This position will be based out of our headquarters outside of Washington, DC.

Responsibilities:
• Manage a large ERW program
• Interface with clients: United States Army Corps of Engineers, UN, NATO, and construction contractors, and the U.S. Department of State
• Provide subject matter expertise and support to deployed personnel
• Provide safety, quality, and budgetary oversight to all task orders under the program
• Support the actions of deployed assets, and offer reach back support

Qualifications:
ERW experience in multiple countries
• Experience with the use of demolitions and knowledge of explosive ordnance disposal
• Experience with NATO air and artillery-delivered CBU and other dud-fired ordnance, and IEDs
• Prior experience working in Afghanistan and/or Iraq is preferred.
• EOD certification
• Experience managing large over-seas projects
U.S. Secret level clearance required

Please send resume to EElmore@roncowash.com

www.roncoconsulting.com

Ronco Consulting - Fluent Spanish UXO Technician II (International)

RONCO Consulting Corporation, an international professional services firm based in the Washington, DC metro area, specializes in humanitarian and commercial mine action and ordnance disposal, security assistance, canine detection services, and specialized training. RONCO is an equal opportunity employer & a drug-free workplace.
Responsibilities:
• Supervise UXO II's & I's • Perform duties of a UXO Tech III • Provide safety oversight • Report to project management
Qualifications:
• Minimum of 8 years of EOD or UXO experience required • Current HAZWOPER certification and physical • Strong familiarity with USACE standards • Previous experience working US grid

Please send resume to EElmore@roncowash.com

www.roncoconsulting.com

Ronco Consulting - UXO Technician I, II & III (Washington, DC)

RONCO Consulting Corporation, an international professional services firm based in the Washington, DC metro area, specializes in humanitarian and commercial mine action and ordnance disposal, security assistance, canine detection services, and specialized training. RONCO is an equal opportunity employer & a drug-free workplace. UXO Technician I

Responsibilities:

• Perform duties of a UXO Tech I • Provide safety oversight • Report to SUXOS

Qualifications:

• Current HAZWOPER certification and physical • Strong familiarity with USACE standards • Previous experience working US grid a plus! UXO Technician II Responsibilities: • Help supervise UXO I's • Perform duties of a UXO Tech II • Provide safety oversight • Report to SUXOS Qualifications: • Minimum of 5 years of EOD or UXO experience required • Current HAZWOPER certification and physical • Strong familiarity with USACE standards • Previous experience working US grid UXO Technician III Responsibilities: • Supervise UXO II's & I's • Perform duties of a UXO Tech III • Provide safety oversight • Report to project management Qualifications: • Minimum of 8 years of EOD or UXO experience required • Current HAZWOPER certification and physical • Strong familiarity with USACE standards • Previous experience working US grid Please send resume to EElmore@roncowash.com www.roncoconsulting.com