Wyoming Department of Corrections

Set in a jaw-dropping landscape where the buffalo still roam, the Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC) operates four adult prisons – one for females and three for males. A fifth prison is under construction and is scheduled to open in 2010.

Bob Lampert, WDOC director, is a Marine Corps veteran who began his civilian career as a corrections officer after leaving behind four years of military service. Today the department is still looking for veterans to complement the more than 200 former military members who currently work for WDOC. G.I. Jobs talked with Kevin Edwards, a WDOC lieutenant and recruiter, about why the department values military veterans and how transitioning service members can find a career that will last a lifetime.

GIJ: What do prior military hires bring to your company that you like?

Edwards: They bring a depth of maturity and experience far beyond their years. Good decision making skills, drive and motivation.

GIJ: What issues/surprises do you find that military transitioners/veterans need to be aware of when entering the civilian work force?

Edwards: Don’t be frustrated about starting at the bottom again. Let your skills speak for themselves and you’ll stand out.

GIJ: What are the most common mistakes you see on military/veteran résumés?

Edwards: Write the résumé in civilian terms; don’t assume the reader knows what your NEC or MOS was. Include collateral duties you’ve held, leadership training and positions you have done. Read the job requirements and tailor your résumés to that. Most vets have done a lot of things outside their primary job – include those. It shows a well-rounded individual.

GIJ: What are the most common mistakes military/veterans make in interviews?

Edwards: Don’t talk to them like a promotion board. Use terms they understand and avoid the jargon.

GIJ: How would you recommend a military candidate research your company to see if it is the right company for them?

Edwards: Talk to vets we employ, use our Web site, compare us to other agencies.

GIJ: Is relocating essential to promote within your company?

Edwards: Not always. With four (soon to be five) facilities around the state, relocation does sometimes prove to be the best option for advancement.

GIJ: What types of positions does your company recruit military for?

Edwards: Security, maintenance, administrative, food services, purchasing and medical. Pretty much any position we have equates to a military job.

GIJ: Describe the responsibilities of one of these positions.

Edwards: Correctional officers are the bread and butter of the DOC. It requires sound decision making, attention to detail, dealing with inmates in a firm professional manner, and maturity. A corrections officer never has to worry about the “same ol’ thing” every day; each day brings its own challenge.

GIJ: Can a new hire stay in this position for an entire career or do you require new hires to “move up or move out” like the military does?

Edwards: Absolutely. The WDOC recognizes that some people have no interest or desire to climb in rank and those people perform best at the level they are comfortable in.

GIJ: Are there any military/veteran specific programs at your company?

Edwards: Our military leave policy provides 15 paid days of leave for participating in National Guard or other military duty.

GIJ: Are there any other special non-military specific incentives that might interest military new hires?

Edwards: We do have tuition reimbursement for staff; uniforms are provided; Federal Perkins Loan cancellation option.

GIJ: Describe the typical career progression for someone in this position.

Edwards: They will start as a Corrections Officer, but we credit applicable military and supervisory experience for promotions. We have had several military security veterans promote to sergeant in just over a year.

GIJ: How has your company benefited from an active military-hire program?

Edwards: Military hires fit in well in our organizational structure. Our institutions require teamwork and leadership, which military hires have been trained for.

GIJ: Do you look for any specific educational requirements for this position?

Edwards: No, but we welcome them and they can reach professional qualifications much faster with an associates or bachelors degree.

GIJ: Did any of the senior executives in your company serve in the military? If so, can you provide names and titles?

Edwards: Yes. The director of the Department of Corrections is a Marine Corps veteran and entered the corrections profession following his military service.  His career in corrections began as an entry-level correctional officer and he now leads an organization of 1,300 staff.

GIJ: Please provide three short tips or words of advice for military transitions?

Edwards: Target and “translate” your résumé; be professional but relaxed; sell yourself and your experience.