The Impact of Military Service on Business Mindsets

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the significant mindsets transferred from military service to business settings, and to determine the influence of factors such as “Time Served” (Length of military service ), “Branch Served” (Army, Navy, Marines or Air Force), and “Culture” (American vs. European), on the transferability of mindsets to business. This was done through a reliable survey among nearly 400 business professionals with military experience. The study revealed a set of 19 significant mindsets that business professionals tend to transfer from their military service into their corporate settings. “Time Served,” “Branch Served,” and “Culture” were found to have a significant impact on the transferability rates of particular mindsets. These could be explained by aspects associated with longer or shorter military experience, as well as differences among various military branches and values, doctrines and training programs. The findings could be helpful for employers, soldiers, and policymakers, in improving and easing the transition process for veterans entering various business fields.