For the benefit of our brothers and sisters still serving, what was the one thing that you were not prepared for when you transitioned out?

1SG Robert B. — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 13:09:34 -0400

Response by 1SG Robert B. made Jul 3 at 2015 1:11 PM

1SG Robert B. — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 13:11:05 -0400

For me it was how much I missed being around my fellow Soldiers. After I retired I moved to an area I had not lived in for 25 years, and didn't know many people. I miss the guys and gals I served with, and miss just being around them.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 3 at 2015 1:14 PM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 13:14:33 -0400

Co-workers, to include superiors, calling me by my first name!

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 3 at 2015 1:20 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 13:20:16 -0400

The OP Tempo going into slow motion.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 3 at 2015 1:34 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 13:34:54 -0400

We always talk about the culture shock of joining the military, but we never talk about the culture shock of rejoining the civilian ranks.

Going from a hierarchical structure to the corporate world however was hard transition.

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Jul 3 at 2015 2:11 PM

MSgt Jim Wolverton — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 14:11:52 -0400

Missing all the little things about being around my fellow Airmen, mostly just being around a base and interacting with like minded people. I miss it more than I thought I ever would, it just took awhile to really hit me.

Response by SSG Eric Trace made Jul 3 at 2015 3:43 PM

SSG Eric Trace — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 15:43:12 -0400

The lack of knowledge to take military schools and get civilian certification for that school.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 3 at 2015 5:32 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 17:32:24 -0400

Lack of purpose in life. I am on a journey without a destination.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Jul 3 at 2015 7:38 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 19:38:29 -0400

I agree with Maj. Landgren when I separated I just sat around the house with no purpose.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jul 3 at 2015 8:54 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Fri, 03 Jul 2015 20:54:49 -0400

I had several civilian businesses near different bases tell me they didn't hire retired military because we would take the first job that opened on base.....

Response by Sgt Christopher Colbert made Jul 5 at 2015 1:25 PM

Sgt Christopher Colbert — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 13:25:26 -0400

The change in tempo