Being a member of military and college football teams has helped form the person I am. After I returned from my overseas tour, my younger brother was completing his college degree and like me, he was also a football player. We were discussing résumés and the importance of including football and organized athletics he stated, “I don’t understand why employers emphasize military more than organized sports.” At the time, I didn’t know how to respond, because I believe playing football helps build dedication, teamwork, discipline and diversity. After joining the business world and having time to think about the topic in-depth, three key components became clear of why military sports differentiate from college sports.
Procedures – Military members have better understanding of corporate framework, along with comprehension of the policies and procedures that maximize the company’s effectiveness and efficiency.
Globalization – Working with individuals from different cultures and countries. Military bases are often populated by people from Japan, Australia, Fiji, and many more nations. This experience provides exposure to a global outlook stemming from several different cultures.
Pressure – In football there is immense pressure on 4th down situations, but that pressure isn’t comparable with the pressure experienced by a sleep-deprived soldier in a combat situation, who is expected to make split-second decisions. The pressure experienced by a soldier directly transfers to a stressful business environment, in which one has to work to meet deadlines.
Even though participation in organized sports certainly assists in building excellent employees, there are major differences in the experiences of college football players and military members. If your company has worked with any veterans, these characteristics are almost certainly identifiable.