DRS Technologies

G.I. Jobs | What do prior military hires bring to your company that you like?

DRS | At DRS, military hires bring strong technical skills, and for many a familiarity with DRS platforms and products. Beyond the exceptional leadership and technical training that military recruits are exposed to, we have found these hires to be extremely motivated. In addition, it is helpful that they already are security-cleared.

G.I. Jobs | What issues/surprises do you find that military transitioners/veterans need to be aware of when entering the civilian workforce?

DRS | I think in many cases those transitioning from a military to a civilian workforce, at least with DRS Technologies, will be pleasantly surprised that many of our internal processes are very similar. Business development managers at DRS, who formerly served with the military, have
mentioned that joining our work team seemed a very natural career progression. They have enjoyed the opportunity with our company to maintain contact with their prior military friends and acquaintances.

G.I. Jobs | What disadvantages do you find?

DRS | There are some cultural differences between private industry and the military that take time to adjust to.

G.I. Jobs | What are the most common mistakes you see on military/veteran resumes?

DRS | More emphasis should be placed on training received while in the military. Care should be taken to translate military terminology into laymen’s terms.

G.I. Jobs | What are the most common mistakes military/veterans make in interviews?

DRS | Again, utilizing military terms or jargon that civilians may not understand.

G.I. Jobs | Is relocating essential to promote within your company?

DRS | Not necessarily, but the willingness to relocate can sometimes increase the number of opportunities available to an employee. DRS Technologies is rapidly expanding. We have companies strategically located throughout the U.S. providing an abundance of opportunities.

G.I. Jobs | What types of positions does your company recruit for?

DRS | Technicians, technologists, program managers and business development managers are most often recruited by DRS through the military.

G.I. Jobs | Describe one of these positions (responsibilities, daily duties, working hours, etc.).

DRS | A manager of business development will work in conjunction with senior management to establish a strategic business direction and subsequently design and implement business development plans and policies to achieve financial goals. He or she will monitor existing programs to ensure that the business development efforts support and enhance the business strategy to win new and follow-on business. Such an individual will identify and track new business opportunities, help to identify partners, communicate the core competencies, technologies and applications to customers, develop and maintain relationships, etc. Hours vary and travel usually is required.

G.I. Jobs | Did any of the senior executives in your company serve in the military?

DRS | Many of the senior executives within DRS Technologies had long and distinguished careers with the Navy and Army in particular. In fact, Michael Crocker, Chief of Staff at our corporate office and a former captain in the Navy, was interviewed last month in G.I. Jobs discussing his transition.

G.I. Jobs | Others?

DRS | "Tami Gesiskie, Director, Human Resources for our C4I Group in Gaithersburg has been working diligently this last year with the the Walter Reed Army
Medical Center and also speaking with Transition Assistance Program classes. This has been a wonderful opportunity for DRS to share our recruiting knowledge with transitioning military.