Military service and business aviation may operate in different environments, but both depend on many of the same fundamentals: clear priorities, strong leadership, teamwork and the ability to execute.
Military professionals bring those skills and a mission-minded approach to civilian organizations, where they can help teams meet complex goals and deliver results.
That connection was on display Oct. 21 at the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), where the association brought together military aviators and business aviation professionals for a day full of education, networking and direct conversations with employers. The event was sponsored by PenFed Credit Union.
“The skillset you bring to the table for industry is the same skill set you use in the Air Force or any armed service,” said retired four-star U.S. General Lloyd “Fig” Newton, NBAA chair emeritus and Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy recipient. “I found that everywhere I go the kind of discipline that has been drilled in the armed services is exactly what corporations are looking for.”
Military experience develops strengths that translate well beyond the uniform. Mission-mindedness helps teams stay focused on objectives. Leadership, sound judgment and accountability are valuable in any organization. And executing a mission through planning, coordination and follow-through has a direct parallel in the corporate world, where teams work together to meet ambitious goals.
“The experience and training you get in the armed forces is incredibly important, especially because leadership is trained at every level,” Newton said. “These leadership skills are valuable and are something special veterans bring to the civilian sector.”
The daylong Military Connect program gave attendees a chance to explore how those capabilities could apply across civilian aviation roles and also created space for bringing participants together to reflect on the day’s insights, build connections and hear guidance from military aviators who have made the transition to business aviation.
For job seekers, the event offered a clearer view of potential career paths and a stronger network. For business aviation, it was an opportunity to expand the workforce with people who know how to lead, work as a team and get the mission done.
“For companies that want to attract this highly skilled and highly trained workforce, it is important to articulate the meaning and purpose of your company,” said Dean of the College of Aviation for the Prescott campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt. “In the military you understand the meaning of the mission – it’s baked in – articulating that purpose to veterans will help them identify with the mission of your organization.”
NBAA launched Military Connect at NBAA-BACE in 2025 to help more veterans pursue a career in the aviation industry.
Learn more about NBAA’s commitment to connecting veterans with the business aviation community.