Greetings Sir:
 
I hope this letter finds you in "top-notch condition." How's that for sounding military oriented?
 
I [would like] any guidance you may offer in my newly re-ignited passion to return to the Communications profession. I have served 20 years in the Marine Corps as a Radio and Communications Chief, and during my tenure of duty as a SNCO I possessed and maintained a "Secret" clearance. However, after retiring in February 2002, I no longer know of what options and opportunities I have in this field that will require a clearance of some sort.
 
Besides any information you may have to offer regarding my initial steps of action that I in reinstating an updated "Clearance", I am equally interested in your words of wisdom and guidance regarding my return into the Communications arena, particularly in concerns to the Southern California (Carlsbad, Calif.) region which I currently reside at present. I do have thoughts of moving to the Las Vegas, NV area in the future, and I welcome any thoughts of comparison as to the Communications job markets between these two cities.
 
Thank you very much in advance, Kelly, for your time and consideration to my interests and queries. Congratulations and Kudos on your many stellar achievements that you have accomplished since your departure from the U.S. Army and throughout your entire professional life. We do not hear things enough about the wonderful things that we do, and have done, both during and after our loyal military careers!
 
STAY MOTIVATED, HARD-CHARGER!
 
 Semper Fidelis,
 
David Martek
USMC (SNCO, Ret.)

Hello David:
 
Thank you for your e-mail. You pose some great questions. I previously answered your question about how to get your clearance re-instated in this column: “Ask Perdew: Security Clearance” (http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,99264,00.html).
 
With 20 years of active military service as a Radio and Communications Chief I believe you’ll have a lot of opportunities in the civilian sector. Clearly, you’ll have the technical expertise to understand the industry and technologies involved. However, even if you’re a bit behind on the latest technologies, I think your real strength lies in your leadership training and experience. During your interviews and correspondence with your target companies focus on your leadership skills. All large and growing telecommunications companies needs strong leaders and managers to grow and develop their organizations. The 10 critical leadership attributes that I outline in my book, TAKE COMMAND , are second nature to you. Additionally, I would also recommend that you study the latest communication technologies to prepare for any communications questions you may get while interviewing.
 
In terms of Vegas vs. Carlsbad: I used to live in Carlsbad so I definitely have a soft spot for it, but I like both! I know there are a lot of communications companies in and near San Diego so you should be able to find something there. Vegas is one of the top growing markets in the United States. And depending on what you want to do, you should be able to find a great position there as well in telecommunications industry. I don’t know of enough about your specialties or the telecom-specific opportunities available in the two markets to direct you in one direction. I do know that you should be able to find a great job in either location so make that a secondary consideration. Pick the city that you’ll be most happy in for other important reasons (family, hobbies, etc.) and then set up your plan to find your dream job. Treat “finding a job” as your job for the next six months and execute on it like you would a military operation. PLAN. EXECUTE. MONITOR. ADJUST. EXECUTE. A lot of people don’t treat job-hunting as a job and it can hurt them. I’m sure you’ll knock it out of the park.
 
Good luck and BEAT NAVY!  
Kelly