“My Transition” #18: Art Behnke — TopGun WSO to Program Manager at IM Flash
You would imagine that a Marine Corps fighter WSO and TopGun could land any job they wanted… but Art’s story shows how every veteran needs to focus on transition early and have a plan.
Don’t be afraid to present your lack of industry experience as one of the best qualities you bring to the table. After all, they already have employees that look and think like they do. Diversity of thought and ideas is valuable. Regardless of your ethnic background, the mere fact that you served in the military differentiates you from 93% of the U.S. workforce.
Salt Lake City, UT — Art Behnke followed his father’s footsteps into the military, becoming a Weapons System Officer (WSO) in the F/A-18 Hornet. He didn’t join the military to become a hotshot, but simply out of a desire to serve. His advice and insight into transitioning from the military is well worth reading for officer and enlisted alike.
DJS: Why did you join the military?
AB:
To serve my country and be part of something bigger than myself.
DJS: What do you mean by that?
AB:
Well, I grew up in Northern Virginia during the Cold War. As a result, I was exposed to two key elements. First, the preponderance of our nation’s history was in my back yard — from George Washington’s home to the Battle of Bull Run; this made learning history exciting. Second, it was the middle of the Cold War, when nationalism and patriotism were at their height, there were two superpowers on the block and we all believed — no, knew — we lived in the better of the two. Couple these with the fact that my father served 20 years in the military, and I knew our nation was formed and preserved by those that served. Accordingly, I felt a duty to serve.
…our nation was formed and preserved by those that served. Accordingly, I felt a duty to serve.
DJS: Why the Marine Corps?
AB:
Partially by family and partially by chance. My dad had served 4 years in the Marine Corps and 16 in the Army; but, his heart was always with the Corps. That was the family draw. While in college I knew I would serve my country, I just didn’t know how, or when. During my freshman year, I received a phone call from the Marine Corps Officer Selection Office (OSO). After getting the details, I bounced the idea off my dad. By chance, this was the same commissioning program he had gone through — that’s all the confirmation I needed.
DJS: Did you know what you were going to do in the Marine Corps?
AB:
Nope. I just wanted to serve. I probably assumed I would be an 0302 — Infantry Officer. In fact, that is the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) I had selected at the end of The Basic School (TBS). However, I had performed well and was offered an additional aviation slot as a Naval Flight Officer — I didn’t have the required eye sight to be a pilot.
Nope. I just wanted to serve.
DJS: Did you know what you were going to do when you left the Marines?
AB:
I had no idea. However, I did know I wanted to challenge myself by getting a job outside of the DoD sphere of influence/impact. I wasn’t sure what that would be, so in searching for my second career, I focused on factors I felt made for a successful military career:
1. Corps Values / Core Values
2. People
3. Having a broad and positive impact
By focusing on these, I knew I would greatly increase my odds of landing a second career, instead of a transition job.
DJS: Did you face transition struggles?
AB:
Absolutely, I believe that is the norm and not the exception.
DJS: Why do you think that’s the norm?
AB:
I believe it is rooted in the unknown. The vast majority of the U.S. public has not served in the military; therefore, veterans are the unknown. Less than .5% percent of the U.S. public is ‘actively’ serving in the armed forces. Only 6–7% of the current U.S. public has served — or is serving — in the armed forces. In translation, 93% of those that interview you do not know what you did in the military, or the positive qualities and traits a military member possesses.
From my experience, many interviewers thought they understood the military. However, their perception was rooted in Hollywood mischaracterizations. This was not necessarily a bad thing. However, a transitioning veteran needs to know this ahead of time. It is the transitioning veteran’s responsibility to convey how their military experience is a benefit to XYZ corporation.
93% of those that interview you do not know what you did in the military, or the positive qualities and traits a military member possesses.
DJS: Was the transition easy for you?
AB:
I would neither classify it as easy, nor difficult. I think a better adjective would be deliberate. With a career transition — a deliberate process that will impact one’s life — one should conduct self-reflection and methodically plan the transition. The sooner one can start these, the better they will equip themselves for success. While on active-duty, you have other work commitments and time constraints. That said, you can never start your transition planning/preparation too early. Ideally, I think it should start about 2 years prior to one’s transition. Though in reality, I think most put it off until 3-months prior to their transition.
One should conduct self-reflection and methodically plan the transition. The sooner one can start these, the better they will equip themselves for success.
DJS: Which timeline did you follow?
AB:
I would say a blend of the two. Early on, I kept a big-picture overview of what I wanted to do after the Corps. However, I didn’t start the transition in earnest until 12 months prior to my retirement. Unfortunately, those last 12 months rapidly get consumed with work commitments, retirement paperwork and other life obligations. In hindsight, I would have started the transition planning earlier.
DJS: What techniques would you recommend others use to facilitate a smooth transition?
AB:
Lists — and lots of them. The lists one creates should answer key questions. I recommend updating your lists and answers on an annual cycle, tied to an event. The most logical event that comes to mind is your military Fitness Report (FitRep). Use this annual event as a reminder to update your military record, your promotion photo and your military transition lists.
DJS: What lists or questions do you recommend people keep?
AB:
I believe many of the lists/questions are personal and should be framed with your spouse and/or loved ones. However, a good start is:
o What do you like about your military career?
o What do you want to do in your civilian career?
o What elements have made for a successful military career?
- Are these elements integral to your civilian career?
o List the pros and cons of the many different places you have lived?
- What geolocation(s) do you want to call home? Do they possess your pros?
- How does proximity to extended family factor?
- Cost of living research?
- Appropriately done, you’ll be able to compare job offers in different geolocations on equal financial ground.
o Of the many military jobs/billets you have had, what did you find fun and/or rewarding?
- Why?
- Are there common qualities?
- How can you align these qualities with your corporate career?
o What have your spouse/children sacrificed for your military career?
- How can you obviate those sacrifices in your next career?
o What did you not like about your military jobs/billets?
- How do you avoid these issues in the future?
o What are your dream jobs/companies?
DJS: Do you have other advice for transitioning veterans?
AB:
Yes, dedicate four hours each month to researching answers from you lists above. During this time, research your dream jobs, then frame talking points conveying how you would be an ideal fit for that position.
Don’t be afraid to present your lack of industry experience as one of the best qualities you bring to the table. After all, they already have employees that look and think like they do. Diversity of thought and ideas is valuable. Regardless of your ethnic background, the mere fact that you served in the military differentiates you from 93% of the U.S. workforce. Now you need to convey how your military leadership, traits and perspective is beneficial to their organization. When it comes to business, it’s all about two things:
1. How are you going to make their organization money?
2. How are you going to save their organization money?
Be able to clearly demonstrate this to your interviewers. Doing so, will demonstrate your understanding of a key difference between the government and the corporate sector.
Don’t be afraid to present your lack of industry experience as one of the best qualities you bring to the table.
DJS: Tell me about your initial job search process? I imagine a TopGun graduate can write his own ticket wherever he/she wants…
AB:
I wish that were the case. To be truthful, the majority of the employers don’t care about cool patches on your flight suit. They care about how you will impact their bottom line. Yes, it is nice to talk leadership, public speaking, culture, aviation and other positive military attributes, but you must be able to translate these attributes to dollars and cents for the company.
To be truthful, the majority of the employers don’t care about cool patches on your flight suit. They care about how you will impact their bottom line.
DJS: What was the hardest piece of transition?
AB:
Patience and conviction. Patience to not jump on the first few offers. In some cases, you may be turning down more money than you anticipate making with your dream company/job; but, if your self-reflection and analysis is correct, you’re looking for a fit and satisfaction, not an income. Conviction that you are going about your transition correctly.
… you’re looking for a fit and satisfaction, not an income.
DJS: What advice do you have for military members approaching, or in the middle, of their transition?
AB:
1. Transitioning and looking for a new job is just that — a job! You need to dedicate a minimum of eight hours a day, six days a week, to finding a new job.
2. Look for fit, not position.
3. Include your family in the search.
4. Be patient.
5. Be true to yourself.
DJS: If you could encourage veterans to do one thing, what would it be?
AB:
Don’t constrain your search with the comfortable.
DJS: How did you land your current job at IM Flash?
AB:
In short, I applied everything I’ve just spoken about. However, I’m guessing you want more than that…
I started with what I didn’t want to do. I determined what would make for a successful transition. My family and I narrowed the geolocations to Oahu, Seattle, Denver and Salt Lake City. Due to a little fate and more research, we dropped the first three and went with Salt Lake City, Utah. We conducted in depth research on the Utah job market, industries and companies. I made my dream list. I relentlessly networked. I approached networking as a two-way street and always asked how I may help the other person.
I perfected my elevator pitch — then seamlessly worked it into conversations at every opportunity. I got a connection in IM Flash. I applied for jobs… I mean I applied for all jobs in my target companies. I knew most of the jobs I applied for I wouldn’t get. However, I knew every time I interviewed for a job, I wanted to present myself as a viable option for other positions that may not be posted. I passed up offers I didn’t feel were great fits. I was always professional; I never assumed familiarity. I always sent thank you emails and/or notes. I professionally followed up with my IM Flash connection multiple times. Through all of this, I landed myself in a position that I feel I am a perfect fit for.
To put it another way, I worked my butt off!
I made my dream list. I relentlessly networked. I approached networking as a two-way street and always asked how I may help the other person.
DJS: What did your Utah and Salt Lake City research reveal?
AB:
· #1 economy in the United States for 2016 — Utah. www.wallethub.com
· #4 most innovative state for 2016 — Utah. www.wallethub.com
· Utah is in the top 3rd for cost-of-living states.
· Utah is in the top 25% for state tax rates. www.wallethub.com
· #10 ‘Best Places to Live’ — Salt Lake City. www.usnews.com
· Silicon Slopes: A high-tech mecca rises to rival Silicon Valley. www.cnbc.com
· Silicon Slopes has amazing growth and opportunity. www.siliconslopes.com
o Some of the companies are: IM Flash (www.imflash.com), Adobe, Oracle, Domo, Nuvi, Skipio, Ancestry, Vivint, etc.
DJS: Why IM Flash?
AB:
It hit everything I was looking for:
1. Core Values
- IM Flash’s core values are integrity, execution, commitment and teamwork. These closely mirror the Corps’ values of honor, courage and commitment. Tie in the camaraderie and teamwork pervasive in the Corps and it is easy to see the one-for-one match.
2. The People
- The 1700+ employees that make up IM Flash are phenomenal! We are diverse, intelligent and agile. Our creative approach to problem solving and opportunity capitalization is second to none. Above all, we are passionate about what we do and love coming to work. All of these highlight the culture fostered by our co-CEOs, David Cheffings and Bert Blaha.
3. Broad and positive impact
- IM Flash makes semiconductors that have positive impact worldwide. Our semiconductors are in smart phones, tablets, computers, gaming systems and toys. Our semiconductors impact financial markets, worldwide communications, space exploration, hospital operating rooms, medical research and more. Through all of this, we help connect those around the globe and make the world smaller.
DJS: Why co-CEOS?
AB:
Because IM Flash is a joint venture (JV) between Intel and Micron, we have a CEO from both parent companies. The JV has been a highly successful venture for the past 10 years. What we make is in the news these days. It’s called 3DxP, pronounced ‘3 D cross point.’ Our new semiconductors are getting amazing reviews across the industry; they’re a game changer.
DJS: Is IM Flash a military friendly employer? Do you have many veterans working there?
AB:
The answer to both questions is, yes. Though veterans make up 6–7% of the U.S. population, IM Flash’s veterans comprise 13% of our workforce.
DJS: What military occupational specialties are common at IM Flash?
AB:
I believe the most common specialty is aviation technicians. So, to the military aviation technicians that wonder what future they have on the outside, I have an answer — semiconductors.
… to the military aviation technicians that wonder what future they have on the outside, I have an answer — semiconductors.
DJS: How is the dynamic with other veterans at IM Flash?
AB:
It’s great. Immediately there is that bond of service. Furthermore, you have a greater understanding of work ethic and quality of work you will receive from the other veterans — and they, me.
DJS: What was your initial training like when joining IM Flash?
AB:
IM Flash has a week-long Team Member Orientation (TMO). From there, your training is tailored to your position. Across the board, the training and feedback are first-class.
DJS: What does a TPM Program Manager do?
AB:
Total Productive Maintenance at IM Flash is focused on keeping the availability of our fabrication equipment high. IM Flash operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day — so keeping our equipment ‘available’ to run processes, means we make more product. There are a number of other factors that go into profitability (e.g., utilization, yield and quality); but, quite simply, the greater our equipment availability, the more semiconductors we produce, the more profitable we are. When speaking with my Marine aviation friends, I describe the job as a blend of operations, tactical maintenance, preventative maintenance, lean execution and continuous improvement. All these are in the wheelhouse of Marine Corps Operations Officers (OpsOs), Aviation Maintenance Officers (AMOs) and Maintenance Material Control Officers (MMCOs).
DJS: Flying a jet isn’t the same as being a TPM program manager, what skills from the military translated to your position at IM Flash?
AB:
All of my military skills translate: leadership, team building, people development, project management, program management, accountability, tactical execution, strategic thought, contingency planning, the list could go on… The take away for veterans is that it’s imperative for them to make — and verbalize — similar connections in their transition.
All of my military skills translate… The take away for veterans is that it’s imperative for them to make — and verbalize — similar connections in their transition.
DJS: What specific veterans’ programs did you find useful during your transition?
AB:
The two I used the most were:
1. American Corporate Partners
- ACP is a year-long mentorship program available to transitioning veterans. It was by far the best program I used. My mentor, Jeff Oster — a UBS wealth manager, was an amazing sounding board throughout the process. Jeff and I had 30-minute discussions every 2-weeks for 15 months. Throughout that time, he became more than a mentor; Jeff is now a friend.
2. Veterans Career Transition Program
- VCTP is a free education program through Syracuse University available to transitioning veterans — and their spouses. A lot of veterans use this program to obtain their Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
One program I wish I could have leveraged was Deloitte’s CORE (Career Opportunity Redefinition & Exploration) Leadership Program. I was thoroughly impressed with my research. Unfortunately for me, it is targeted for junior officers and mid-grade enlisted personnel. Nonetheless, this should be a phenomenal resource for many transitioning veterans reading this article.
Bio
Lieutenant Colonel Art Behnke served in the Marine Corps for 21 years as a FA/18 Hornet WSO and is a graduate of the TopGun program. He has held a wide variety of roles throughout his career and has completed 173 combat flights, with 2,500 total flight hours. He has completed an MBA and is a graduate of the Naval War College.
Art has worked very hard to land his dream job after transition and now serves as a Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) Program Manager at IM Flash, where he continues to develop technologies that will keep aviators safe.
Are you interested in sharing your story of transition? Or are you a military transition specialist who would like to share some tips? Send me an email at MilitaryTransitionStories@gmail.com
The goal of this series is to bridge the military-civilian divide in three ways: 1) Highlight the incredible skills and value that military veterans of all generations and backgrounds bring into the workplace. 2) Help transitioning veterans understand their true value and therefore aim as high as possible in their employment and educational goals. 3) Discuss the common struggles, pitfalls and indicators of success in veteran transition, in order to provide better transition assistance from both military and civilian sides.
