Student Spotlight

A Lifelong Commitment to Service

After 38 years in the Georgia Army National Guard, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Doyle Kobeck retired from service—but not from making a difference. His military career spanned diverse roles, from Blackhawk repair to senior automotive maintenance, including two tours in Iraq and Kuwait.

Though officially retired, Kobeck felt called to continue working in a role that aligned with the values ingrained throughout his military career. “Safety was always deep-rooted into every attribute of the military’s daily routine. Balancing these foundations is critical for maintaining operational readiness and soldier well-being.”

That lifelong commitment to safety inspired him to pursue a civilian career in the field. To prepare for this new mission, Kobeck enrolled in OSHAcademy’s 132-hour OSHA Professional Program and also completed the 40-Hour HAZWOPER for General Site Workers program. Kobeck says these programs strengthened his expertise and credibility.

Choosing the Right Training

As he searched for comprehensive, veteran-friendly training, OSHAcademy quickly stood out because OSHAcademy offers many individual courses and programs without having to jump back and forth between different training sites. Kobeck appreciated how relevant the courses were to his goals and the structure of the programs helped him stay on track and manage his time effectively. “The courses provided clear expectations that were established from the beginning, making it easy for me to stay focused and manage my time effectively,” he added.

Learning That Translates to Real Life

More than just theory, the training Kobeck received through OSHAcademy was rooted in practical, real-world application. “The use of case studies and industry examples provided an additional level of understanding to multi-layered concepts… helping me see the practical applications of safety enforcement.”

This hands-on approach equipped him with the tools to confidently identify and apply safety standards tailored to various work environments.

Armed with this knowledge, Kobeck has been able to build a strong culture of safety—one that boosts employee morale, job satisfaction, and overall workplace effectiveness.

Transitioning to Civilian Work

Transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce wasn’t without its challenges. Despite decades of experience, many employers did not recognize his military training. “Initially, many companies didn’t really accept my credentials and training from my military safety schools or experiences. They always wanted civilian certifications.”

OSHAcademy helped close that gap, offering civilian-recognized certifications that met industry expectations and boosted his resume.

Even once inside the civilian sector, Kobeck discovered that not all organizations valued safety practices. Many treated them as mere compliance checkboxes rather than vital workplace culture.

Advice to Fellow Veterans

Reflecting on his journey, Kobeck encourages fellow veterans to consider a career in safety and begin preparing early—ideally while still in uniform. “Safety personnel have a huge impact on the lives and well-being of employees. Start early—identify your educational needs and take advantage of military safety courses and OSHAcademy’s offerings.” By doing so, Kobeck believes, veterans can avoid unsatisfying job placements and instead find meaningful roles that match their skills and values.

Kobeck also praises OSHAcademy’s support of veterans, which extends far beyond discounted tuition. “Without the veteran programs, I don’t think I could have obtained the training without spending thousands of dollars for comparable training elsewhere. OSHAcademy’s commitment to veterans is an invaluable tool that carries a lifetime of benefits.”

He adds that many employers accept OSHAcademy certificates in lieu of college degrees, giving veterans more ways to access quality careers.

Kobeck continues to recommend OSHAcademy to veterans, employers, and anyone interested in a career in safety. And even now, his learning journey isn’t over.