If you, or someone you know, will soon be entering the civilian world of work, the job search may remind you of basic training. There is no drill sergeant, but the transition will not be without drill sergeants moments of frustration on your part. Remember when you learned a new language in the military (E6, O3, 3rd Herd, CINCPAC, SAC, TACAMO, platoon, squadron, etc)? For the most part, the hiring managers who will read your resume and/or interview you have little or no understanding of the training, discipline and ability to adapt you've learned while serving your country.
It is never too early to be prepared. Start reading newspapers and business magazines to learn the current business "buzz" words and make a connection between those words and what you've learned and experienced in the military. Incorporate the words in your conversation and your resume. Build a file of companies in which you are interested. Research them on the internet and in networking groups such as LinkedIn.
Involved in social or religious groups outside the military? Spend time visiting with the other members, get feedback/advice on the job market in the area and suggestions, from them, on where you might look for your first civilian job once you've left military service.
You may have to take a step back. Don't despair. Once your civilian employer/supervisor observes you in action and you begin to make significant contributions to the organization, promotions and pay raises can come much faster than they did when you were in uniform. And you can move on to bigger and better opportunities.
There is a communication/comprehension gap between what you know and how the civilian hiring managers perceive that knowledge. The more effort you put into closing the gap on your resume, in your conversations, and during an interview, will help tremendously.