What service were you in and how long did you serve?
I was in a division of the Navy called Seabees (CB or Construction Battalion). I served a special contract that lasted three years as opposed to the typical four years.
What motivated you to join the military?
There were many factors that influenced my decision to join the military, but I would say my family was the biggest motivator. Most of my father’s side of the family were in the Navy and they painted a good picture of what to expect and I became very interested.
Were you aware of opportunities in the maritime industry? If you were, how? If not, how did you find out?
I found my position with The Pasha Group job by happenstance and I wasn’t specifically looking for a maritime industry position, but I’m very happy I found it because I really love my job.
What elements of your service career have helped you in transitioning to a private sector US-flag maritime position?
I feel like military service helps fast-track yourself into adulthood and all the little things that come with it. Overall, it instilled a sense of responsibility, self-accountability, and self-discipline.
How difficult did you find it to get your military sea service (if you had any) evaluated?
Despite being technically in the Navy, I did not have any sea service. I did not see a ship during my career. For the most part, I was landlocked and deployed to countries like Kuwait.
What training have you received in your new position — and what new skills have you developed through on-the-job training?
The position of Senior Liner Agency Coordinator/Equipment Control is less about qualifications and can be best described as a collection of ever-changing tasks. We laugh and call the job a juggling act where new challenges are constant. My position has allowed me to gain a shallow but wide understanding of our industry processes as a whole and how each individual department works in relation with each other.
What is most familiar to you in your current position relative to your rating in the service?
My rating was an Electrician so very little in the sense of the actual work load, but very much so in things such as goal orientation, teamwork, respect for leadership, and “working smart, not hard” (a common quote in the military).
What similarities have you found in the way the maritime industry operates in comparison to the military? Has this helped in your transition process?
The similarities are what one would expect: Chain of command, efficient delegation of tasks, rewarding initiative and excellence. While most companies share these qualities, Pasha is about as well structured as the military. The company’s goals and processes make sense to me.
What advice would you have for a separating service member interested in this field upon leaving the military?
I can only say that the transition worked very well for myself. Many of the aspects of being in the military and what I respect about it carries over to my position at The Pasha Group. Similar to the Navy, here at Pasha we have a very large system to govern and every single person contributes to its stability and forward momentum. Our goals are transparent and laudable which gives me a strong sense of pride working in this industry.