Attention transitioning military officers: If you are looking to continue your career in defense and systems, engineering, supply chain, operations, and technology, GE Aerospace has a program designed for you.
The Military Officer Leadership Program (MOLP) is a two-year program that bridges officers from military service to civilian careers. More details are provided on the website, which includes how individuals are connected to GE Aerospace’s Veteran Network and serve three eight-month rotational assignments as a SkillBridge intern, which has a 75 percent placement rate. This might not seem like a strong statistic, but it is considered a good indicator that a company actively invests in its military-affiliated hires. It is also the standard.
All About MOLP
The goal, of course, is to secure a job that provides meaningful employment. MOLP provides a learning environment where officers can align their experiences and interests in the corporate setting. They can translate their military backgrounds and directly build stepping stones to leadership paths and professional growth. It is also a natural fit since GE Aerospace is a well-known provider of engines and components for both commercial and military aircraft.
Veterans are appreciated for what they bring to the table. They have lived through the other side as customers and users of GE Aerospace production in partnership with the Armed Forces. They understand the importance of quality, research, and collaboration towards the future of flight, whether toward military or humanitarian missions, or commercial efforts.
MOLP Criteria
According to the MOLP requirements, these are the following criteria to participate.
- Commissioned U.S. Military Officer with a minimum of 5 years of service completed by start date, up to a maximum of 12 years, with an Honorable Discharge upon completion of Military obligations
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University
- Minimum of 4 years of active-duty status in the last 5 years of service
- Maximum of 2 years of separation from active duty; exceptions available for extenuating circumstances (Active Reserve Duty, Graduate Degree Pursuit)
Each job description will outline these baseline requirements and “desired characteristics” that may include preferred years of officer military service or completion of a specific military training course like Flight School, as applicable. But things like attention to detail, decision-making, and the ability to adapt to dynamic work environments? That is all too familiar to a veteran!
What’s Next
Having a supportive and inclusive work environment during military career transitions is essential. Programs like GE Aerospace’s MOLP, that includes mentorship, a community of peers, and on-the-job training and development, are even better. Approximately 200,000 military service members transition annually, and officers comprise about 18 percent of the total Armed Forces, representing a smaller number of those who transition.
Given that there are aerospace and defense workforce shortages in specialty areas, MOLP offers a win-win. According to the Aerospace Industries Association’s (AIA) annual aerospace and defense (A&D) workforce study, the majority of AIA members face sustained challenges in finding key talent, especially in engineering. The demand continues to rise with advanced AI, space programs, defense, and aircraft advancement. Former military officers are trained to lead and can fill in critical gaps where they are needed the most.
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