One of the realities of federal contracting is this: contracts don’t last forever. Whether you’re supporting a defense program, a test and evaluation team, or logistics operations, your job is often tied to a statement of work—and when the work ends, so can the role. But that doesn’t mean you stop being valuable. In fact, what you do between contracts can be just as important as what you do on the job. It’s your chance to level up, stay sharp, and prove to the next program manager that you’re not just experienced—you’re essential. Here’s how I approach staying valuable during downtime:   1. Keep Learning—Always If there’s one thing I’ve learned from both the Navy and the contracting world, it’s this: the mission evolves, and so should you. Between contracts, I carve out time to take online courses, earn certifications, or study something relevant to my field. Recently, I completed Google’s Project Management Certificate series—not because I needed it right away, but because it adds tools to my belt for future roles. Certs worth looking into (depending on your field): CompTIA Security+ or Network+ OSHA HAZMAT or Safety certifications PMP or Agile for project work Forklift, RF scanner, or equipment-specific quals DoD-specific courses like AMMO-18 or AMMO-49 Every new credential gives your resume more weight.   2. Update Your Resume and Portfolio Don’t wait until you’re scrambling to apply for your next contract. Use the in-between time to rebuild your resume, gather performance bullets, and document specific accomplishments. Here’s what I include: Systems I worked on (e.g., Quickstrike Mines, Hammerhead) Special projects I led or improved (e.g., warehouse zoning systems) Metrics (inventory audits, test events supported, zero QA failures, etc.) Technical tools used (OIS, Intermec RF, SDS systems) This is also a good time to polish your Webflow or LinkedIn profile, if you have one. Showcase who you are—not just what you’ve done.   3. Stay in Touch With Your Network Federal contracting is a small world. Program managers, site leads, government reps—they remember who delivered. I make a point to stay in touch with my previous supervisors, mentors, and even coworkers. A simple “just checking in” or “congrats on the new contract” message goes a long way. Bonus: sometimes, opportunities come through these channels before they’re even posted publicly.   4. Volunteer to Fill Gaps or Support Short-Term Roles If you’re still with the company but waiting for the next full-time role, don’t sit idle. Offer to help on short-term projects, audits, or cross-train with another team. This keeps your name visible and shows leadership that you’re still invested—even when things slow down. You might also gain exposure to areas that expand your career options in the future.   5. Refocus on Personal Projects (Without Losing Discipline) Between contracts is also the best time to breathe. Spend time with your family. Work on hobbies that ground you—I build furniture and tinker in the garage. But I still wake up early, write down daily goals, and keep a routine. It’s okay to rest. But stay ready. The call to return to the mission can come at any time—and you’ll want to hit the ground running.   Final Thoughts In federal contracting, your value isn’t just in what you did last time—it’s in how prepared you are for what comes next. Staying valuable between contracts means staying active, informed, and connected. Whether it’s sharpening your skillset, mentoring others, or just showing you’re still in the fight, those small actions build the reputation that keeps you in demand. Your badge might be on pause. But your mission mindset doesn’t have to be.

When I transitioned from active-duty service into federal contracting, I assumed the structure of the job would feel familiar. After all, I was still working with the military, supporting defense programs, and dealing with high-stakes equipment. But it didn’t take long to realize something critical: the chain of command in a civilian environment doesn’t work the way it does in the military. That doesn’t mean there’s no structure—but the roles, expectations, and even the way people communicate authority is different. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Who’s actually in charge here?”—you’re not alone. Here’s what I’ve learned about navigating both military and civilian command structures as a federal contractor.   1. Military Chain of Command: Clear, Rank-Based, and Formal In the military, everything flows through rank and rate. You know exactly who your superior is, where you fall in the chain, and what happens when someone higher gives you a directive. There are clear roles (Commanding Officer, Department Head, Division Officer), documented responsibilities, and little ambiguity. If someone outranks you, they don’t need to explain why—they just need to give you the order. That clarity, structure, and respect for hierarchy is baked into every process.   2. Civilian Chain of Command: Functional, Sometimes Flat, and Heavily Relationship-Driven On the contractor or civilian side, the chain of command is often project-based, not rank-based. You might have: A program manager from your company A contracting officer’s representative (COR) from the government A site lead or technical point of contact (POC) who guides daily work And in some cases, multiple senior civilians who have influence but no direct authority over your employment This creates a web of stakeholders, and not all of them issue clear directives. In fact, many rely on influence, consensus, and collaboration, not chain-of-command authority.   3. How to Navigate Both Without Losing Your Bearings Here’s what’s helped me stay grounded when bouncing between military precision and civilian flexibility: ✅ Clarify Expectations Early When you join a contract, ask: Who do I take direction from? Who has final say on technical work? Who evaluates my performance (company vs. government)? Get it in writing if you can. Miscommunication between contractor and government reps is more common than you think.   ✅ Respect Military Customs, Even as a Civilian If you’re working alongside active-duty personnel, respect their structure. Even though you’re not in uniform, you’re still in their house. Use proper titles (Chief, LT, Senior) Be mindful of ranks during meetings Don’t undercut the chain of command by jumping over it—this breaks trust fast   ✅ Don’t Mistake Informality for Lack of Authority Some civilian supervisors won’t sound like military leaders. They may not give direct orders. That doesn’t mean they’re not in charge. Pay attention to: Project leads QA managers Technical experts They may not wear stripes, but their decisions carry weight—especially when you’re supporting a government program.   ✅ Document, Document, Document Unlike in the military, where orders are often verbal and backed by authority, contract work depends on documentation. Always: Track who gave what directive Save emails and memos Keep a personal log of your tasking and deliverables This protects you in audits and helps you stay clear on responsibilities in a multi-boss environment.   4. Chain of Communication > Chain of Command In federal contracting, it’s less about “Who told you?” and more about how you communicate your actions and decisions. You may need to loop in your contracting company PM, keep your government COR informed, and coordinate with the military shop you’re supporting—all at once. Good communication = trust Trust = more autonomy and smoother contract execution   5. Stay Mission-Focused, Not Turf-Focused One of the best lessons from the military that still applies is this: serve the mission, not yourself. Contractors who get caught up in “who’s in charge” politics or try to play chain-of-command games with the wrong person usually don’t last long. Instead: Focus on delivering quality work Be respectful and tactful Let your output speak for itself In the end, people want someone they can count on—not someone who can quote a reporting hierarchy.   Final Thoughts Navigating both military and civilian command structures takes some adjustment—but it’s a skill worth learning. Once you understand the differences and know how to move fluidly between both worlds, you become incredibly valuable to any defense contract team. I’m still learning every day. But if there’s one thing that holds true in both environments, it’s this: Respect up, support across, lead down.

When I transitioned out of active-duty military service, I wasn’t entirely sure what came next. I knew I still wanted to serve in some capacity, stay close to mission-driven work, and continue using my technical skills. That’s when I found federal contracting—and it’s been one of the most rewarding (and eye-opening) career shifts I’ve made. If you’re considering stepping into the world of federal contracting, especially within the Department of Defense or similar agencies, here are a few things I wish someone had told me beforehand.   1. You’re Not a Government Employee—You’re a Civilian Supporting the Mission This may seem obvious, but it’s worth stating: contractors are not federal employees. You’re often working on behalf of the government, but your paycheck comes from a private company holding a government contract. This means you’ll need to learn how to navigate two systems: your contracting company’s expectations and the government client’s mission needs. You’ll wear both hats—and how well you juggle that determines your value.   2. The Work Is Real, Critical, and Not Always Glorious Federal contracting isn’t a fallback job—it’s often the backbone of military readiness and government capability. Whether you’re managing logistics, assembling weapon systems, or tracking high-value inventory like I do, your work often supports people on the front lines. There’s no hand-holding. The bar for quality, safety, and compliance is high—because lives and missions depend on it. You’ll be trusted with sensitive systems, critical timelines, and millions of dollars’ worth of assets. That trust is earned, not given.   3. Your Contract Could End—Be Ready for It Unlike military orders or GS positions, contractor roles depend on the length and scope of the contract. When a program ends or funding shifts, your position may go with it. That’s just part of the game. What helps? Keep your certifications up to date. Cross-train in other areas. Build relationships across programs. Stay flexible—your next opportunity could be in the same facility, or across the country.   4. You’ll Work Alongside Military, Civilians, and Other Contractors—All With Different Cultures One of the best and most complex parts of this job is the blend of people you work with. You’ll sit at tables with: Active-duty personnel focused on the mission. GS civilians with years (or decades) of institutional knowledge. Fellow contractors from different companies and specialties. Understanding how to speak each group’s “language” and respect their perspectives is key. I’ve learned just as much from 30-year government civilians as I have from junior sailors fresh out of A-school.   5. Pride Still Matters You may not wear the uniform anymore—but if you’ve served, you’ll recognize that the purpose never really leaves. As a federal contractor, you still contribute to something bigger than yourself. When I build or inspect something, I think about where it’s going: maybe to a Navy diver, maybe to a fleet deploying to the Indo-Pacific. That awareness makes the job feel more like a continuation of service than a departure from it.   Final Thoughts Federal contracting can be a deeply rewarding career path—if you go into it with eyes open. It’s not a government job, it’s not private sector, and it’s not military service. It’s a unique space where all three worlds meet—and if you’re adaptable, disciplined, and mission-minded, you’ll thrive in it. If you’re transitioning from active duty, or simply curious about how to get your foot in the door, I’d be happy to share more of what I’ve learned along the way. Drop a comment or reach out. After all, contractors talk to each other—and that’s how we get better.

When most people think of working with the U.S. government, they picture military personnel, politicians, or lifelong civil servants. But there’s another essential workforce that helps keep operations running smoothly—federal contractors. As someone who transitioned from active-duty Navy service to civilian contractor work, I’ve had a front-row seat to what it’s really like to support U.S. government contracts from the inside. 1. Mission-Driven, Even in Civilian Clothes One of the biggest misconceptions about federal contracting is that it’s “just a job.” In reality, it’s a calling. You may not wear the uniform anymore, but the sense of mission and responsibility doesn’t fade. Every task—whether it’s assembling underwater mines, managing sensitive inventory, or maintaining explosive ordnance protocols—plays a part in ensuring the readiness and safety of U.S. military forces. There’s a weight to that. The work we do directly affects fleet readiness, national security, and lives. That level of responsibility doesn’t leave much room for shortcuts or passive attitudes. Precision matters. So does commitment. 2. Structure, Standards, and Accountability Federal contracting is not for the faint of heart. Everything is documented, reviewed, and often audited. If you’re someone who thrives in structured environments and appreciates clear procedures, you’ll likely find your rhythm quickly. But don’t mistake structure for stagnation—every day presents new challenges, especially in technical roles. In my own experience, I’ve overseen multi-million-dollar ordnance inventories, supported the testing of advanced underwater weapon systems, and participated in the logistical orchestration of operational test events. The standards are high, but the trust placed in you is even higher. 3. Teamwork with a Unique Blend of Professionals As a federal contractor, you often work alongside active-duty military personnel, civil servants, and fellow contractors. Each brings a different perspective, and learning to collaborate across those cultures is both a challenge and a privilege. Whether it’s sharing technical expertise with junior military personnel or learning from decades of institutional knowledge carried by a GS civilian, there’s always an opportunity to grow. 4. The Importance of Adaptability Unlike many private-sector roles, contracting positions can shift based on the needs of the government. One year you might be supporting test events in Florida, the next you could be training on-site in a completely different location. Contract timelines also influence job security—when a program ends, so does your billet. But with uncertainty comes opportunity, especially for those willing to adapt and learn. 5. Pride in Contribution At the end of the day, the biggest reward isn’t a paycheck—it’s pride. Knowing that the gear you built, tested, or shipped made it onto a ship in the Pacific, into the hands of a warfighter, or supported a national defense initiative is a feeling that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. For me, federal contracting has been more than a career path—it’s been a continuation of service. It blends the discipline and values I learned in uniform with the autonomy and technical challenge of civilian life. I may not stand in formation anymore, but I still stand behind the mission.