Embracing Change: A Guide for Veterans Integrating into the Civilian Workforce

-By Peter La-

With the Canadian government now allowing Permanent Residents to join the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), we will likely see more new Canadians transitioning into civilian careers as veterans after their military service. I interviewed retired CAF officer Major General Scott Clancy to better understand the barriers these veterans face and the unique skills they bring to civilian workplaces. Now running his own leadership coaching and consulting firm, Scott provided valuable insights from his extensive military career and experience transitioning to civilian life.

Scott’s military journey began as a Royal Canadian Air Cadet at 14. This led him to join the CAF and attend the Collège Militaire Royal de Saint-Jean (CMR), where he played college basketball. After graduating from university, Scott became a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilot, serving in multiple Tactical Helicopter Squadrons. His career saw him take on roles such as a Tactical Instructor Pilot, lead operational planner for the 1st Canadian Air Division, and Chief of Curriculum Development for the Canadian Army Staff College. Among his most notable achievements was planning and deploying Canadian helicopter forces to Afghanistan and leading the Air Component response to the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti—earning him two Meritorious Service Medals. In his final role before retiring, Scott was promoted to Major General and served as Director of Operations (J3) for NORAD, where he was responsible for the operational defence of North America.

Now retired from military life, Scott enjoys spending more time with his family, playing guitar and drums, and staying active by biking and swimming in Lake Ontario. He also continues his leadership work through senior mentoring programs, public speaking, and consulting business.

The Barriers Veterans Face in Civilian Workplaces

One of veterans’ most significant challenges when transitioning to civilian jobs is the stark difference in workplace dynamics. Scott explained that the military fosters a strong bond of trust between colleagues, built on competence and accountability. In contrast, civilian workplaces can feel more individualistic and transactional. “Military personnel have an implicit trust in each other based on competence and accountability,” he said. “Unfortunately, this bond doesn’t exist in the private sector, so military veterans often find that trust between colleagues is merely transactional. Everyone is in it for themselves instead of the overall accomplishment of the mission.”

This shift can be challenging for veterans who are used to the cohesive, mission-driven environment of the military. Veterans also face a loss of identity as they leave behind roles of great responsibility and national significance. Scott noted that this can be disorienting for those transitioning to civilian roles, where their past accomplishments might not be recognized similarly. “You go from one day being a respected officer that is saluted by others to being in a role where your former contributions are no longer acknowledged,” he shared.

The Unique Skills Veterans Bring to Civilian Jobs

Despite these challenges, veterans offer significant strengths to civilian employers. One of the most valuable skills Scott emphasized is time management. In the military, soldiers and officers must constantly prioritize tasks, focusing on the most critical objectives. “You learn to do the most important tasks that maximize your probability of survival in hostile territory first before deciding what must be done next,” he explained. This ability to prioritize and focus is a skill that transfers seamlessly to the civilian workforce.

Veterans also possess a strong sense of self-discipline and an ingrained growth mindset. In the CAF, military personnel regularly take on new trades, which means they are adept at learning new skills quickly. This adaptability is a crucial strength for any organization. “Veterans have the mindset that the enemy is always training and getting better every day, so they must be even better if they’re going to survive,” Scott said.

Additionally, veterans are comfortable managing risk and making sound decisions in chaotic and uncertain environments—skills invaluable in high-pressure situations. Moreover, they understand the importance of teamwork. “All military personnel, from the junior private to the senior commanding officer, know how to serve as both a member and a leader of a mission-driven team,” Scott added. This experience makes veterans exceptional leaders and team members who know how to build and motivate cohesive teams grounded in trust and accountability.

Resources for Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Careers

Scott advises veterans to start planning for their civilian transition while serving in the military. One of the critical resources he recommends is the Veterans Transition Network (VTN), which helps veterans with retraining and medical retirement. Additionally, he stresses the importance of setting up a Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) account early to access benefits and career coaching. “I would never have written my book, Developing Coaching Leaders, if it weren’t for my conversation with that VAC career coach,” Scott mentioned.

Major General Scott Clancy’s insights shed light on the challenges and strengths veterans face when entering civilian careers. Veterans may struggle with the shift from a cohesive, mission-oriented military environment to the more individualistic nature of civilian workplaces. However, they bring a wealth of skills to the table, including exceptional time management, self-discipline, adaptability, and leadership. Scott emphasized leveraging resources like the Veterans Transition Network and Veterans Affairs Canada to ensure a smooth transition.

Veterans, with their unique experience and skill set, are well-equipped to excel in the civilian workforce, and employers should recognize the incredible value they bring to their organizations.

For more information on Scott Clancy and his work, visit his website at www.scottclancy.ca