Counselors (N = 49) interested in working with the military population described what is needed to feel competent and confident counseling this population in a mixed‐methods research study. Findings suggest counselors do not believe their programs are preparing them to work with this population. Participants indicate strategies which would increase their ability to work with the military. Results provide implications for counseling programs on how they can better prepare students to work effectively with this population and increase the employment rates in serving the military.