For Many Veterans, Aviation Jobs Feel Right
Similarities between military, airlines make aviation careers more appealing
By Natalie Fiorilli
Published November 8, 2019
Read Time: 3 mins
From exploring storied mounts Everest and Kilimanjaro to serving multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Leo Kuhlenschmidt has been all over the world.
Retired after a 30-year Army career, Kuhlenschmidt now works as a customer service representative for United Airlines at Pittsburgh International Airport.
Why the shift in career paths?
For one, the opportunity to travel more. But another reason is more surprising: the similarities between the military and the aviation industry.
“It’s very mission-focused,” Kuhlenschmidt said. “When we come to work, we have a set job and the best part about it is being on a team. Everyone is supporting each other. Everyone is working together to get the passengers on the plane. The airlines are a lot like the military; it’s a team effort.”
Back home
After retiring as command sergeant major in 2012, Kuhlenschmidt returned to his hometown of Pittsburgh.
“I had tried a couple jobs after the military, but they weren’t a good fit,” he said. “At United, we have a lot of other people at work who are former military. A lot of things we do are similar to the military, and I can relate to it very easily. We all speak the same lingo and a lot of the skills we have from serving are transferrable to this industry.”
Kuhlenschmidt also enjoys his travel benefits.
“I go everywhere – the airline has really given me the chance to work on my bucket list,” he added. “I’ve taken a trip every month this year.”
Kuhlenschmidt is one of thousands of veterans who have gone on to work in the airline industry.
In addition to offering jobs in fields common to the military, such as pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians, s