It’s easy to lump military positions into basic, traditional, troop-esque ideas, especially before joining a branch of the American Armed Forces. Those who serve, however, quickly learn that there is much more going on to keep the various branches of the American Military moving forward. Troops come and develop skills of a wide variety and are much more than just people sent to shoot and fight. U.S. Navy careers are a prime example where everything from mechanics to logistics to STEM-related jobs to doctors and more are all necessary, viable career paths. The Military Sealift Command (MSC) is a great option for anyone who is looking for employment after serving their country with a wide range of career opportunities and the chance to still serve America as a civilian.

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What Is the Military Sealift Command?

The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command oversees all military transport and replenishment operations for the naval branch of the military. All the U.S. military services, as well as government agencies, rely on Military Sealift Command for sealift and ocean transportation. Military Sealift Command ships are different transport and supply boats that help keep ships and bases around the world supplied with whatever is critical to getting the mission done. MSC civil service mariners (CIVMARs) are civilians who work on these ships, and, although under the direction of the Navy, they are not military members themselves. This is why the MSC is a great, popular avenue for Veterans who have applicable skills and an understanding of how the U.S. Navy as an organization and a military ship operates.

Where Is the Military Sealift Command Located?

You’ll find MSC headquarters located on Naval Station Norfolk. The Military Sealift Command address is SP 47, 471 E C St., Norfolk, VA 23511, and the phone number is

1 (757) 341-4610

. If you are not a member of the military or lack the correct credentials, you’ll need to stop at the Naval Station Norfolk Welcome Center to make sure that your affairs are in order before visiting further into the base. The CIVMAR Support Center (CSC) is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and can receive messages and emails from both current and prospective employees, should you wish to contact them at any of the following contact points:

Phone

: 1 (757) 341-4611

Toll-Free

: 1 (877) JOBS-MSC (562-7672)

Email

: civmar@sealiftcommand.com The CSC is closed for all federal holidays.

U.S. Navy Jobs Help Prepare Veterans for Civilian Life

Navy military personnel learn the ins and outs of the branch, giving them an advantage due to familiarity. It’s no secret within military circles that Veterans learn hard and soft skills that cannot be honed anywhere else but in the Armed Forces, which can translate perfectly into life as a civilian. But there are many reservations from certain businesses about hiring Veterans. These misconceptions, and the challenges of dealing with the differences found in civilian life, can cause some issues for those transitioning out of the service. Military Sealift Command jobs can be a wonderful option for those seeking employment after serving. The official website for the Military Sealift Command has a long list of jobs and career paths available. If you can cook, operate a ship, work communications, and work with electronics, among many other options, there’s a job right for you. Here are some of the many positions the MSC looks to fill consistently:

• First Officer
• Second Officer
• Third Officer
• Assistant Damage Control Officer
• Operations Chief
• Able Seaman
• First Assistant Engineer
• Second Assistant Engineer
• Third Assistant Engineer
• Electrician
• Deck Engineer Machinist
• Yeoman Storekeeper
• Chief Steward
• Chief Cook
• Cook Baker
• Ship Communications Officer
• Chief Radio Electronics Technician
• First Radio Electronics Technician
• Medical Services Officer

There is much more to explore, and the MSC helps people discover these opportunities through the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command’s website, as well as a variety of career fairs. These career fairs can be found throughout many different states, including California, Florida, and Virginia. There are also career fairs available online. If you haven’t already, take some time to explore your options to see what you qualify for and how a career with the Military Sealift Command could best suit you.

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