After 17 years of service in the infantry in both the active Army and National Guard, and a deployment to Ar Ramadi, Iraq, Maj. Moses Scheinfeld is leaving the Army to make his home with his wife and two daughters in Los Angeles where he’ll pursue a career in venture capital and real estate.

Brian Drum: Maj. Scheinfeld, thank you for agreeing to be interviewed about the top challenges facing Soldiers who are trying to transition into the private sector. Congratulations, also, on your promotion to Major.

Maj. Scheinfeld: Thank you.
 
Brian: Before we discuss making the transition from Soldier to civilian, I wanted to ask you about what makes a good leader.

Maj. Scheinfeld: Caring. Caring about people. Taking a personal interest in their lives. Caring about your mission. Creating a positive work environment and pushing the people you work with to give maximum effort and to grow. You need to be able to motivate them to support your objectives while at the same time helping them to achieve new skills and competencies. A successful leader knows how to set the right example through the way you talk to people, the way you carry yourself and your work ethic. You need to give respect to get respect.

Brian: What are some of the biggest differences between being a Soldier and a civilian?

Maj. Scheinfeld: In the military there are literally thousands of rules. And, a Soldier is expected to follow regulations. Soldiers are inculcated with the importance of making corrections. They are expected to learn and adopt standards of excellence. From the way a Soldier dresses, cuts his hair, his personal appearance to his personal conduct. These high standards become ingrained within the individual.

Brian: What are some of the psychological adjustments that Soldiers can expect to make working in the private sector?

Maj. Scheinfeld: There is a high level of camaraderie in the military. There is [also] a sense of deep responsibility toward others. There's a real sense of obligation toward the people you work with. In many ways it's like a family in that there is a strong support system. The private sector can often be more about personal goals and personal agendas rather than about collective goals.
 
Brian: What are some of the practical challenges facing Soldiers leaving the military?

Maj. Scheinfeld: Deciding where to live and obviously deciding what career path to follow. Soldiers are encouraged to start searching for a job at least six months before leaving the military. The Army requires all Soldiers to participate in classes on how to prepare a resume, how to interview for a job and how to apply for veteran benefits. The Army also offers networking opportunities through the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP), which I encourage all my Soldiers to actively pursue. Soldiers should seek references from those both in their current and past chains-of-command who can and will genuinely vouch for their caring, competence, and character. This can be essential for landing a quality job.

Brian: What are some of the advantages of being a Soldier entering corporate America?
 
Maj. Scheinfeld: Soldiers develop a great many skills and experiences that can be a benefit to any company. Technical skills, administrative skills, leadership skills, a true understanding of the importance of team work. Regardless of your level in the military you’re always charged with teaching other Soldiers about what you know and about what they need to know. They learn how to complete missions, motivate others and the importance of attention to administrative detail and discipline. The military teaches individuals about doing the right thing at the right time. If a Soldier is supposed to be at the office at 6:00 a.m. He's there at 5:55 a.m. ready to make sure the job is done right.
 
Brian: On a personal note, you’re about to leave the military after a very distinguished career as an Army officer to assume a leadership role in the private sector. What skills will you bring to your new company and new employees?

Maj. Scheinfeld: Team building. Leadership. I know how to motivate others to work toward a larger goal. I understand how to communicate and show others how to execute a game plan. I learn quickly, I enjoy learning from others, I enjoy teaching others and I enjoy taking an active interest in the lives of the people I work with. It's a very exciting time.

Brian: Maj. Scheinfeld I wish you well and thank you for your time and insight.

Maj. Scheinfeld: Thank you very much. Thanks also, for your dedicated efforts to educate Soldiers on the post-military job search.