Veterans, Transitioning Service Members, Military Spouses.

Exploring Careers Past Military Service

U.S. Army Veteran Dr. John Bentley shares his experience and how he discovered a career at CAE USA, continuing to do what he loves, “Flying”

Dr. John Bentley is the Program Manager for the U.S. Air Force Introductory Flight Training – Rotary-Wing (IFT-R) at the CAE Dothan Training Center, Dothan, Alabama.

The CAE Dothan Training Center, located at the Dothan Regional Airport is home to both the U.S. Army Fixed-Wing Flight Training Service and the U.S. Air Force Rotary-Wing, Introductory Flight Training (IFT-R). A 79,000 square-foot training facility, the Center provides live, virtual, and constructive training to the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and other customers. CAE with a team of industry partners use the Dothan Training Center to provide the Department of Defense with comprehensive initial and recurrent training for more than 800 U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force pilots annually.

An Army veteran, John served for 21 years covering a myriad of jobs, from an AH-1F Mechanic, Technical Inspector (IA), UH-1H / UH-60A/L Pilot, Standardization Instructor Pilot, Instrument Flight Examiner, Aviation Safety Officer, academic instructor, and primary staff officer. By the time he left service in 2004, he had obtained a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics and a Master of Aeronautical Science in Aerospace Management/Aerospace Safety Systems from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. John then went on to complete his Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration, with a specialization in Homeland Security Leadership and Policy at Northcentral University.

“Working here at CAE is rewarding, and I can continue doing what I love to do… fly!” says John Bentley

John’s professional journey is different from other new Program Managers. Having the advantage of his military aviation experience, combined with his education and obtaining his Program Management Professional certification, enabled him to learn CAE’s processes and procedures quickly and fully embrace his career at CAE.

Today, John enjoys being at the leading edge of USAF “Live Flight” training by managing the U.S. Air Force IFT-R course. With his typical day arriving to work at around 5:45 am, John is immersed in addressing a variety of tasks, including problem-solving (which he loves), managing audits and budgets, and ensuring his team is equipped to fulfill their responsibilities.

John likes the culture at Dothan, the people he works with share CAE’s core values, and the environment is very supportive. “The company cares about its people. Leadership is always involved in our daily lives in assisting with our complex problems. I find employees can focus on what builds the business,” says John

It is that focus that John is most proud of. With the IFT-R training program officially launched in November 2023, John and the team recently graduated their first class after 55 training days.

When looking to transition from military to civilian life, it is important to take time to understand a company’s culture, ask questions, and seek feedback. John’s advice for someone considering a career with CAE is to, “Be prepared to learn and work with people who have various backgrounds and experience bases to accomplish your goal. Get to know the organization and who is going to help you with the mission.”

Aside from being a Program Manager and having a passion for flying, John is also an online Adjunct Professor at Liberty University, where he provides expert instruction in the areas of National Security, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity. When asked what advice he has for graduating students to be successful in their job search, he tells us, “It goes back to before you start college. Be very discerning about the degree program that you want to pursue. It’s also important to be mindful of your grades. Obtaining certifications is key. Pick a degree and certification that is going to mean something to you.”

CAE encourages all military personnel transitioning to civilian life to pursue opportunities that allow them to continue their mission and bring their experience to our future aviators. We value the perspective our veteran personnel bring to training and solutions, and we are committed to assisting them in the transition to careers utilizing the skills, knowledge, and experience they have acquired in service.

Are you interested in joining the crew at the CAE Dothan Training Center? Contact Michael Garcia

Transitioning Beyond Service

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be both exciting and a learning process. Leaving behind the comradeship and duty to explore a new career path often involves having to navigate job markets, learn new skills and adjust to a very different way of life. Intimidating as this can sound, at CAE our mission is to support transitioning military members by providing the right tools and information skilled veterans need so they can apply their experience, knowledge and expertise to working and advancing in their civilian careers.

What makes for a seamless transition from military to civilian life?

A program called SkillBridge.

The DOD SkillBridge program connects service members with industry. SkillBridge is offered to those transitioning out of the military and allows them to have the specified industry training or an internship to step into, gaining valuable work experience in the civilian world.

We asked CAE’s, Kyle Bomar, a B-2 Air Crew Training Subject Matter Expert at Whiteman AFB, Missouri what CAE does best with SkillBridge.

Kyle completed the SkillBridge program through CAE. With Kyle’s knowledge and expertise coming out of the military, he was able to transfer his skills quickly over during the program and within six months, he began working as a full-time employee for CAE in 2023, testing and maintaining current the hardware and software required for precise pilot training.

“From a training perspective, I got a unique opportunity. I had a lot of knowledge of the platform that we provide here at the base. I got to learn how to fly the B-2, which is the same training that the crew goes through. It was very cool to learn how to fly an airplane. CAE did very well with the SkillBridge program. It was nice to step into a familiar role because there were people here that I could relate to at the base.” says Kyle Bomar Embracing the chance for growth and personal development through SkillBridge can further allow for more opportunities to arise. It also allows for better navigation during the transitional period to be able to thrive in the new environment.

“I was able to immerse myself in an environment that only a few people have gotten to go through. Being one individual that got to go through the training course to fly a B-2 was unique.” I’ve had really good mentors and role models to help me find my place on this side of the house to help me develop in civilian life.” Kyle continued.

For those considering the SkillBridge program opportunity with CAE, Kyle’s advice is, “If you feel the job is written way passed your skills and knowledge of expertise, still apply. CAE is worth working for.”

If you would like more information about SkillBridge visit the DOD SkillBridge website, or to apply to the program at CAE reach out directly to Michael Garcia and Nick Byrd

CAE’s instructor pilots (IP) play a pivotal role in nurturing young officers as they strive to become first-rate military aviators. It is an exciting and highly rewarding career allowing veteran pilots to continue the important mission of military readiness.

CAE operates and delivers the U.S. Air Force Initial Flight Training (IFT) program in Pueblo. Known as the “Gateway to Air Force Aviation”, the state-of-the-art training facility, supports Headquarters Air Education and Training Command (HQ AETC) with initial flight training for every U.S. Air Force aviation candidate. This means that all future U.S. Air Force pilots and remotely piloted aircraft operators start their aviation careers and receive flight instruction as part of the IFT program.

Greg Franklin recently joined the team at the CAE Pueblo Training Center as an Instructor Pilot. For the past six months he has been providing comprehensive flight instruction, ground training, and mentorship to new U.S. Air Force student pilot candidates which, as he explains, “in many cases, this is their first exposure to and taste of military aviation.”

Attracted by CAE's professional and robust program, Greg embraces the fast-paced and strict deadlines of the mission each day to provide every student with as much knowledge and instruction as possible.

Greg brings 25 years of military aviator experience and expertise to his position. Starting his day early, conducting formal mass briefings and guiding student pilots through comprehensive flight instruction, including briefs on local weather, airport, operation notes and practice emergency procedures he then steps into two to three flights a day

Having taught college for four years as an AFROTC commander and high school as an AFJROTC Instructor, for nine years, Greg continues to appreciate the rewards of working with highly motivated, goal-orientated individuals and enjoys the pleasure of now teaching the ground academics to the students.

We asked Greg to share a memorable moment during his time with CAE as an IP, he described,
“I was flying with a young officer. He was halfway through the training, and he was struggling. He was really frustrated with it, especially with landing. He was questioning if he was going to be successful. I had a similar experience to him when I was his age. I shared with him my struggles. He responded really well to that. He then soloed the aircraft three days later.“

In its safety-centric culture, from aviation, security, and maintenance to dining and lodging services, CAE fosters a dedication to excellence. Acknowledging each functional group's commitment Greg explains, “It’s a deeply rooted collaboration, the program is not just about meeting customer needs; it is about shaping skilled aviators, and I couldn't have asked for a more professional and dedicated team.”

Are you interested in joining the crew at the CAE Pueblo Training Center? Contact Monica Thigpen - [email protected].