Military Parallels: Perspectives from a U.S. Navy Veteran on how the lessons learned in the military translate to success in the civilian workforce
Blue Bay is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that provides a pathway for service members as they reintegrate into civilian life, particularly the workforce. Our country’s Veterans have a unique ability to succeed in the most challenging and complicated scenarios. The skills they use to serve and protect our country are also needed to serve and predictably deliver for our clients. We asked John Rudolph, a Navy Veteran and scrum master, to describe his take on the parallels between military service and his role with Blue Bay. Here is what he had to say:
Transitioning from the military to the civilian sector was an eye-opening experience, particularly within Blue Bay, and has been a journey rich with lessons and parallels. One of the most significant parallels lies in the importance of teamwork and leadership. In both environments, the success of any mission or project hinges upon effective collaboration, clear communication, and strong leadership. Just as in the military, where each member of the team plays a crucial role in achieving objectives, every member of my agile team contributes uniquely to the success of the organization. The balance between team-centric performance and autonomous decision-making correlates the most between the two worlds; both are equally relevant, whether serving our country or our clients.
The military instilled in me a sense of resilience that has proven invaluable as I navigate the dynamic and often unpredictable landscape of building new software. Military training gave me a “superpower” ability to seek out problems, from the most complex to the most obscure, and solve them under pressure. Whether facing tight deadlines, unexpected challenges, or rapid changes in direction, the ability to remain composed under pressure and adapt quickly to evolving circumstances is essential.
In my current position as Scrum Master, I lead teams through challenges and demonstrate a high degree of flexibility to achieve the desired outcomes in the face of those challenges. I use the skills I developed leading large-scale projects and complex compliance assessments as an example to my team, demonstrating that agile is more than a methodology – it’s a mindset. A mindset where there are clear directives and responsibilities, yet we must remain fluid and rapidly adapt to change. The military’s training, based on the OODA loop (observe, orient, decide, act), is part of my DNA, and I use it to successfully navigate the complexities of software implementations and crush my goals.
My aviation quality assurance and project manager role in the Navy underscored the importance of meticulous planning and attention to detail. Just as a meticulously planned operation can make the difference between mission success or failure, thorough planning and attention to detail are critical in ensuring the success of a project. In maintaining military jets, a loose bolt can have catastrophic consequences, leaving no room for error. The same is true with my work today. Thorough diligence prevents detrimental backlogs and ensures timely delivery of exceptional value by my team.
Continuous learning and improvement are at the core of the military and deeply ingrained in everything we do as service members. With each project I led and every risk I assessed, I uncovered the lessons learned and implemented them in my next task or mission. The military’s emphasis on continuous learning and improvement drives me to constantly seek out opportunities for growth and development, both personally and professionally. This mindset of continuous improvement benefits me individually and contributes to the overall growth and success of the team and organization.
My military experience serves as a foundation upon which I continue to build and grow in the civilian sector. The lessons learned, experiences gained, and values instilled during my time in the military continue to resonate with me today, shaping my approach to work, leadership, and teamwork and contributing to my success and my team’s success.
