Advice: Transitioning out of the military

PO2 Zechariah Allison — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 12:00:43 -0400

So you are ready to get out. You are more excited about getting out than what comes next... Civilian life.
The military isn't for everyone and some its for life, but never forget that lifers aren't really their entire life span. With today's economy you will have to supplement in one way or another either out of financial needs or losing your mind because you don't know what to do with yourself. Please 6 months before retirement or getting out on your own accord, start looking for what you want to do next via School or another job (full time or part time). make a plan and try to stick to it with goals. Don't make your goals unrealistic either. You may have a lead at a friends or family members workplace but have a contingency and don't be afraid to fail your first time through.

Network!!! You will be amazed that someone you met one time at a school or conference one time you can actually contact again down the road to help give you leads and push you in the right direction. when you get the notion to get out or retire shoot that person an email or quick phone call and let them know that shortly you will be getting out and ask kindly that they keep and eye out for you, but don't stop there... once a week or every 2 weeks continue just a quick email or phone call on what your latest status is and just be that small voice in the back of their head so they don't forget about you.

Copy every bit of information you can find on yourself from the military and keep them in a safe location. all of your schools, training, job titles, commands... Everything. Employers want to know what type of experience you have and believe me that the Military gives you all OJT and experience anyone can ever ask for.

Make a resume. Be sure to research what your job is in the military and convert it to civilian terms. A lot of people don't know Military Jargon and you could be perfect for that job, but because you said it in military terms they may not understand.
Once its together flood places with your resume. monster.com, usajobs.com, linkedin, facebook, everywhere. The more people that see the better chance that you have.

Don't be afraid to pick up a smaller job not exactly at the level you want right now. Corporate world is different from the military and some companies want to see what you are capable of in civilian life.

Personal note:
my first job wasn't my ideal pay or even the part I wanted to do, but when I was there for a year and was doing very well the product I was working on has propelled my career even further than I was expecting.

The last bit I will say is Never Ever stop looking. even if your are comfortable update your resume once a month and just put it on a few places. You never know when that job that was made for you will fall into your lap.

Happy hunting and any questions I will be more than happy to help.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2014 2:06 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 02:06:43 -0400

Thanks for this post. This is not just for people getting out of the military, but the reserves component also has similar feelings of looking for a job. I have an old LT who is constantly looking for a better job and not trying to just settle for whatever he is currently in at the time. Do what you want to do and do not settle, but be realistic and realize it sometimes takes time and steps to get there.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2014 3:43 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 15:43:40 -0400

When you are ready to join civil life again, review your records. The transition counselors are not interested in you, they are interested in transitioning you. The quicker you are processed the better they look. Accountability is your responsibility. I have learned this the hard way. I received 0% disability because of a major hand trauma when I was active. However, the transition counselor only relayed that to me, did not advise me on going to the VA or file paper work etc. Now 20 years later, I have major issues with my hands directly attributed to the trauma received during AD. Because there has been no record of the injury past AD, VA will do nothing. Make sure you understand all that has happened to you and ensure you are properly documented.