Driving and Firearms Instructor at U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
FLETC instructor advises transitioners to apply the same intensity and commitment to their civilian job search as they would to a military mission.
By Warren Duffie 

I’m a lucky guy,” said Jeffrey Buchalter. “I love law enforcement and I love to teach. I figured I would be either a police officer or teacher when I got out of the military. Fortunately, I found a job that is the best of both worlds.” 

On the Job
Buchalter, 27, is a driving and firearms instructor for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). The center serves as a training organization for more than 100 local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies.

Buchalter, a former Army sergeant, is based at a FLETC facility in Cheltenham, Md., that specializes in advanced and requalification training for law enforcement professionals. The Cheltenham facility has a driving range that mirrors real-life conditions, as well as one of the largest indoor shooting ranges in America.

“We do a lot of instruction helping people to qualify and re-qualify in firearms use,” said Buchalter, a former military police officer (31 Bravo). “My military background and law enforcement and combat experiences help a lot. They help me lend a real-world perspective to what my students are learning.” 

In Uniform
Buchalter enlisted in the Army in 2003. It wasn’t long after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and he felt an urge to serve his country. Plus, he was bored with his criminal justice studies at a local community college.

Although he faced some opposition from friends and family, Buchalter at least wanted to do four years. He enlisted in the Army Reserve but loved his training so much that, within a year, he switched to active duty. He completed basic training and military police school at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

Buchalter served in New Jersey, Georgia, South Carolina and Iraq. In 2007, during his second deployment to Iraq, an improvised explosive device blew up underneath his vehicle – slicing him with shrapnel and fracturing his spine. He was transported to the United States and endured two years of surgery and rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (now called Walter Reed National Military Medical Center). 

The Transition
“While I was recovering, I came up with two life plans,” said Buchalter, “one if I was fit enough to stay in the Army and another if I was medically discharged. I remember the sense of fear when I was told I couldn’t stay in the Army. I had a wife, daughter, and a son on the way. I had to find a way to take care of my family.”

Buchalter made finding a job his new mission. He spent hours on job websites, attended several classes on résumé writing and attended several career fairs at Walter Reed. At one fair, he found a booth staffed by a FLETC representative.

Because he had researched numerous law enforcement agencies, he knew about FLETC’s strong reputation. The representative told him about an available instructor position and invited him to tour the Cheltenham location. After the day-long tour, Buchalter decided to apply.

“On my résumé, I stressed my leadership and adaptability skills,” he said. “But I also tailored the résumé to the job, highlighting my military police career and experience driving in combat and high-risk areas. I knew I wanted a job with good pay and benefits and relative job security. FLETC is a perfect fit for me.”  

Buchalter’s Advice
Make your job search your new mission. “Bring the same intensity, focus and commitment as you would to a military mission.” 

Get out there. “I knew a lot of Soldiers who didn’t attend career fairs. They missed out on some great opportunities. Take my job, for example. I knew Soldiers as qualified as I was for the job, but they didn’t network.” 

Focus on your résumé. “The military offers so many resources. Take the time to make your résumé shine. Get rid of the jargon as well.” 

Learn about veterans’ preferences. “Take advantage of this benefit, especially if you’ve been injured.” 

How’d You Get That Job?
Buchalter made finding a job his new mission. He spent hours on job websites, attended several classes on résumé writing and attended several career fairs at Walter Reed. At one fair, he found a booth staffed by a FLETC representative.

Because he had researched numerous law enforcement agencies, he knew about FLETC’s strong reputation.

The representative told him about an available instructor position and invited him to tour the Cheltenham location. After the day-long tour, Buchalter decided to apply.

What Buchalter Likes About His Job
Helping others reach their potential in pursuing a successful law enforcement career.