Colonel Douglas T. Edwards

Key Themes and Takeaways:

Military Background:

• Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1986.
  
• Commissioned into the Marine Corps; served in multiple capacities including logistics, hazardous waste management, and fiscal officer roles.
  
• Participated in Operation Desert Shield/Storm and served in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand.
  
• Retired in 2016 after a successful career in both active duty and reserves.

Transition to Civilian Career:

• Left active duty in 1995 to support family stability and joined the Marine Corps Reserve.
  
• Began transition planning 2 years before separation, emphasizing early preparation as critical.
  
• First civilian roles centered around environmental engineering and program management due to a unique blend of technical and military contracting experience.
  
• Held senior roles at Weston Solutions, Fluor Daniel, HDR Engineering, Brown and Caldwell, and others.

Keys to Successful Transition:

1. Start Early – Begin planning 18–24 months out.
   
2. Pursue Education – Supplement military experience with additional learning (e.g., night school in Environmental Engineering).
3. Network Actively – Leverage:
   • Alumni associations
     
   • Fraternities (e.g., Alpha Phi Alpha)
     
   • NNOA
     
   • LinkedIn and in-person career conferences (e.g., SACC)
4. Seek Mentors – Especially those in your career field, regardless of background.

Career Flexibility and Growth:

• Career path evolved from project management to strategic sales and business development, especially in infrastructure.
  
• Roles included managing multi-million dollar federal and local contracts, often tied to water/wastewater and environmental compliance.
  
• Advocated for pursuing leadership roles and not fearing lateral or vertical moves to find a better fit.

Insights on Reserve Duty:

• Highly recommends staying in the Reserves as a bridge to maintain military connection and benefits.
  
• Found Reserve experience enhanced promotion opportunities and broadened professional skills.
  
• Served in unique billets such as FEMA emergency liaison and Marine Corps Recruiting Command Chief of Staff.

Advice to Junior Officers (e.g., Medical Service Corps):

• Promotions in the Reserve/Active components are achievable with performance, involvement, and strategic assignment choices.
  
• Leverage mentors and be open to roles beyond your core specialty.
  
• Consider how civilian and Reserve roles can complement each other to build a well-rounded professional profile.

Final Encouragement:

• Organizations like NNOA provide powerful networks—engage actively and give back when possible.
  
• The path may not be linear, but with adaptability, preparation, and leadership, a rewarding civilian career is well within reach.