Homeland Chats with Country Artist and Former Secretary of State and Senator of Montana, Corey Stapleton. Homeland: Describe your time in the Navy - how long did you serve and where were you deployed? Corey Stapleton: I spent 11 years in the Navy.. initially enlisted into the Nuclear Power program, then served as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and USS Hue City (CG66), where I deployed mostly to the Mediterranean Sea. Homeland: You’ve had quite a diverse career from attending the Academy, serving in the Navy, to Secretary of State and Senator of Montana, and now releasing music as a country artist, with your debut album Sea Change out March 1. Talk us through those transitions, what advice would you give to someone who is transitioning to civilian life? Corey Stapleton: Actually, serving in elected office and serving in military uniform have a lot of similarities. Both are service to our country, under oath, and have an element of duty-before-self. I like the freedom of being able to lead in elective office better than the leadership meritocracy of the military--so that was an enjoyable transition for me. Much of being a successful political officeholder is communicating. Especially if you’re trying to accomplish something new or difficult, it’s vital to be able to articulate your ideas to a broad array of entities--sometimes hostile entities. So you become good at simplifying your words, repeating your message, and smiling. Kind of like a songwriter! My advice for someone transitioning out of the military back to civilian life is to use your discipline to your advantage (i.e. knowing how to work, showing up early, looking sharp, and assuming responsibility in any workplace you find yourself). Just have faith that the rest of society isn’t even close to where you are professionally. Get yourself a foothold financially, show your stuff, and then be prepared to seek promotion (inside or outside your organization) within 9-18 months. Take the risk! You’ll know what to do. Homeland: Tell us about your path to Nashville. Why music? Have you always wanted to write songs?
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WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / MARCH 2022
My advice for someone transitioning out of the military back to civilian life is to use your discipline to your advantage (i.e. knowing how to work, showing up early, looking sharp, and assuming responsibility in any workplace you find yourself). Just have faith that the rest of society isn’t even close to where you are professionally.
