You volunteered for service in the military, and then decided it was time to pursue your dreams in La La Land. And guess what? Hollywood is recruiting you! They know you have a story to tell, and they can’t wait to hear it.

I always knew I wanted a career in entertainment, and as an Officer in the Army I was selected to be a principal actor in a theatrical commercial for the National Guard, directed by Antione Fuqua (Training Day). After this experience, I packed my bags and moved to LA to be a superstar. But I was one of millions with that same idea.

After years of trying to break in as a civilian, I finally realized that my military affiliation was my calling card. Little did I know how valuable my time in service would be in the real world. I know what you’re thinking, what does being a veteran have to do with being in the entertainment industry? Well, I’ve put together the top 5 ways that military service prepares you for a career in Film and TV.

1. Life Experience

The military allows you to experience life like no other. From the time you step off that bus, you’re in a different world. The scenery is different, the rules are different, the people are different. Now, you’re different. And different is good! Film and TV are dying for something new - a breath of fresh air.

Of anywhere, the military is where you meet the most extraordinary people. After working side by side with some of the most eccentric, funny, rude, selfless weirdos imaginable, how hard can a writers' room be?

Most civilians only know people from their town, their college or their job. We know people all over the world - real life characters who can help influence your writing, acting or filmmaking.

I joined the Army at age 17 and my parents had to sign for me. I went from a college town in North Carolina to the sticks in Oklahoma. I almost lost it when I heard a teenaged soldier from Mississippi say he needed to go upstairs to get his “britches”.

My best friend in basic training was a late 30s Puerto Rican man who spoke no English, yet ineligible for the ESL program because he is American. In the male-dominated field artillery I trained alongside marines and was the only female in my class and, at times, my whole platoon. These types of experiences make for a great story.

2. 7 Percenter

With only 7 percent of Americans serving in the Military, your unique voice is underrepresented. And at a time where diversity is more sought after than ever before, your military experience is a hot commodity.

How many civilians do you know who have willingly walked inside a chamber filled with poisonous gasses? Or jumped out of a perfectly working airplane? Yea, you may be a little crazy, but lucky for you, Hollywood loves crazy! It’s different, fun, unique and honest. These are the stories they want to hear - not only about your military service, but whatever story you’re dying to tell.

I was on set for a major commercial as a PA. This was only my second time working for this particular production company and I decided to wear a gaff-tape name tag plastered on the front of my Army PT jacket.

Not only did everyone know me by name, but they also knew I was a veteran. It became a conversation starter, with the Executive Producer taking interest in my story. At our next shoot, he introduced me to a network executive, not as his star PA, but as a writer.

Behind the Scenes of WGA Veterans Writing Program

3. Veterans Writing Program

In such a coveted industry, it can be hard to stand out and get recognition. But as a veteran, you qualify for unique programs that are committed to serving those who’ve served. With organizations like United States Veterans' Artists Alliance (USVAA), Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME), Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF) and numerous other programs dedicated to preparing you to go from service member to superstar.

Of all the programs, my absolute favorite is the Writers Guild Foundation’s Veterans Writing Project. This competitive screenwriting mentorship takes emerging veteran writers and pairs them up with a team of working Film and TV writers who personally show them the ropes.

Over the course of a year, mentees with varying degrees of military service as well as writing experience, are led step-by-step through the writing process from concept to completed feature film or TV pilot draft.

After participating in this program, I gained not only an invaluable masterclass given by some of the best to ever do it, but also a network of mentors and peers that will help shape the trajectory of my writing career. Not to mention that having weekly meetings with Ashley Miller (Thor, X-Men: First Class) and Marc Klein (Mirror, Mirror, Serendipity) made me the coolest mom in the universe.

If you have served in the military - full time or reserve - and you’re serious about screenwriting, then this is definitely the program for you!

As a mentee, I had never completed a body of work. Now, less than two years later, I have completed two feature films, one TV pilot and 2 short films.

WGA Veterans Writing Program Participants

4. Getter Done!

If there’s a way to make it happen, we will find it. The military teaches you how to do more with less. With resourcefulness comes reward. We look challenges dead in the eye and face them head on. Executives respect and embrace the sort of work ethic that comes from veterans, because they know they’ll get their money’s worth and then some.

Staying up late and waking up early is nothing new. Our mental discipline allows us to push our bodies to limits that others may not. We are finishers. You walked how many miles with how many pounds of gear on your back? And you made it to the end.

Writing is much easier, trust me. If you can just channel that same can-do attitude when writing your first draft, directing your first film, or memorizing your first script, then you will be successful.

By simply finishing what you start, you’re already leaps and bounds ahead of most. And our pride compels us to want to do our best.

5. Resilience

When we get knocked down, we get right back up. When we get chewed out, we shake it off. Being both mentally and physically tough comes in handy when you’re on the battlefield, but also when you’re in the writers' room, at an audition, or on set for 16 hours. When everyone else wants to quit, you’re only getting started.

And when you present your hard work, there’s people that will tell you that you’re not good enough. How many times did a drill sergeant tell you that? And how many times did you prove them wrong? This is no different.

Military training taught us that sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will never hurt us. Just remember that you’ve most likely been called every name in the book, so when someone tells you that your project needs work, work harder. Harder than everyone else, because you can.

Remember your first PT test? How long did it take you to pass or to max? To some it seemed impossible, and yet by the end of Basic/Boot Camp there was a major shift.

And that happened in a matter of weeks. How? By training every day until you got results.

It’s the same way in Hollywood. Your first draft or film will probably be your worst. But it’s also your motivation because you know that it only gets better from there. There’s no way around it, when you keep going, you get better, and the potential to accomplish any goal.

Programs Mentioned in this Article:

United States Veterans' Artists Alliance (USVAA)

Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME)

Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF)

Writers Guild Foundation’s Veterans Writing Project - Applications are now open for the WGA Veterans Writing Project! Click here to apply - deadline February 28th 2022.