General Casey: 6 Keys to a Successful Transition

GEN George Casey — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 11:53:12 -0500

I think there are 6 keys to a successful transition:

1) Don't sell yourselves short! Any time you start something new, you always feel a bit uncomfortable as you get the feel of the new environment and learn its acronyms. But the reality is that you already have the skills that CEOs are looking for. The Conference Board, a business intelligence company, surveyed a group of CEOs several years ago, asking them what skills they were looking for in their employees. Here's what they said: good work ethic; good values; ability to work as a member of a team; good written and oral communications skills and ability to solve complex problems. Sound familiar? You've already got the hard to train skills.

2) Learn to ask for and accept help. You've come from an environment where it was all about the team and not the individual. Your training taught you to be part of a team, so it feels awkward to ask for help for yourself. Get over it! There are plenty of folks and organizations out there from both the public and private sector that are looking to make your transition back into society easier. It's OK to use them.

3) Build and use your network. One of the things I hear most as I talk to transitioning vets is, "What I really miss is the camaraderie." Over your service, you built bonds seared in combat that you will never forget. Yet we seem to go our own ways when we leave the service and lose track of our comrades. The U.S. military is a band of brothers and sisters that should be as strong supporting each other after we leave the military as we are when we are in it. That's where networking comes in. I don't have to tell you all about the power of social networking, but staying connected can reinforce your sense of still belonging, help you through your transition, and help you find a job. Platforms like RallyPoint will keep you connected, in touch, and maybe even employed.

4) Stay fit. Any time you go through a transition, it can be stressful. Staying physically, mentally, and emotionally fit takes work, but it will keep you resilient and help you get through the process. Make time to get the gym during the week, and if you know you are having trouble with something, get help quickly. You'll be stronger and more successful if you do.

5) Graduate. You succeeded during your time in the service because you persevered through some incredibly difficult situations. Your country and your family need you to take full advantage of the GI Bill to get the education you need to move this country forward. We need leaders with character and competence in both the public and private sectors. You can't be one of those leaders unless you graduate. You’ve always finished what you started so don't stop now.

6) Be Bold. My favorite quote is the one from Theodore Roosevelt about the "Man in the Arena." Don't let your "souls be counted among those cold and timid ones that know neither victory nor defeat." Nobody succeeds all the time, so everything you try won't be a huge success; but if you learn from your mistakes, do your homework, adapt and keep moving boldly forward, you'll be surprised what you will accomplish.

Good Luck!

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Nov 7 at 2014 11:57 AM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 11:57:49 -0500

Sir, these are excellent suggestions and ones that I wish had been instilled in me at a younger age.

I have learned many of these throughout my years, but they bear learning and repeating to the younger leaders as they are up and coming.

Thank you

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Nov 7 at 2014 12:04 PM

CPT Richard Riley — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 12:04:33 -0500

Your keys to a successful transition are a good focal point for many members. With permission, I would like to also add this in the Resources for Veterans & Service Members transition section so that members can easily find this information in the future.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 12:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 12:02:56 -0500

Sir, that is hitting the nail right on the head. Every ounce of success I've had as a businessman can be traced to those principles.

Never selling yourself short is the most important one for me!

Response by PO3 JoseLuis Breton made Nov 7 at 2014 12:27 PM

PO3 JoseLuis Breton — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 12:27:27 -0500

Would be proud to Vote for him as POTUS.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 7 at 2014 1:12 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 13:12:12 -0500

Wow! How awesome is it to have GEN George Casey, a former Chief of Staff of the Army, writing directly to all of us here in the RallyPoint community! Thank you for taking time to get engaged with all of us, Sir.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 5:24 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 17:24:06 -0500

Yes this great advice to those in any kind of transition, as well as within service transition. I myself have sometimes forgotten that it's important to, 1. Sell myself, 2. Ask for help, 3. Network, 4. Stay fit, 5. learn, 6. and take the next step, whatever it may be, in service or life in general.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Nov 7 at 2014 7:39 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 19:39:10 -0500

Great advice, especially for someone currently transitioning out of the Army! Thank you GEN George Casey!

Response by SGT(P) Harry Clyde Jr. made Nov 8 at 2014 1:45 AM

SGT(P) Harry Clyde Jr. — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 01:45:58 -0500

You hit the nail square on the head sir. It is always great to receive positive advice when it comes to changing someones pessimism to optimism in finding work after looking hard and about to give up hope.
Everything works itself out, it just takes a lot of patience and sometimes a willingness to start at the lower levels of a job to put food on the table. You can almost always work your way up, getting your foot in the door is almost always the first and hardest step. Just have to tell yourself if I can make it through the military with all the hardships that come with it, then I can do this.
My 2 bits.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2014 5:14 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 05:14:25 -0500

Sir, I agree wholeheartedly with all six points. Though I have a ways to go before I'm in the transition period, I fully intend on keeping these points in mind when the time comes.

I was moved to comment by point six- that quote has always inspired me. It reflects the spirit of the United States of America. We're not afraid to get dirty, to have our faces marred by dust and blood in the pursuit of our goals and what is right. The indomitable spirit of this great nation made it what it is today. I pray we never lose it.

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made Nov 8 at 2014 9:16 AM

MAJ Dallas D. — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 09:16:16 -0500

GEN George Casey Thank you for your insights. I wish more young Soldiers thought about life after the military and had a plan before they transitioned.

The staying fit is key, I think it is the one thing that keeps me sane, it's the best stress reliever out there.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 8 at 2014 10:54 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 10:54:20 -0500

ALCON -- great to see everyone's excitement (mine as well!) to see this personally written piece to all of us in the RallyPoint community from GEN George Casey.

Here is my question for everyone -- what next topic or question would you love to see GEN George Casey tell us about next? For example, one idea would be "Tell us about a time you faced a difficult decision while running the Iraq War, and what you learned from that experience."

Response by MAJ Jeff Coulter made Nov 8 at 2014 12:18 PM

MAJ Jeff Coulter — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 12:18:46 -0500

Thank you so much for the guidance, sir. It's an honor to serve.

Response by SFC Dave Joslin made Nov 8 at 2014 1:23 PM

SFC Dave Joslin — Sat, 08 Nov 2014 13:23:56 -0500

Sir, having transitioned just shy of two years ago - these were critical to my success. I was selected for my position because of my military leadership experience, and in my final three interviews (it took seven to get my position), they wanted to see a Leader sitting in front of them, my new leadership team wanted to see a bold leader who was confident, unafraid to lead change in an organization, who embodied certain principles and values - it's what made me win the fight for my current position - one that I love and that is (almost) as professionally rewarding as serving our Nation!

Response by CPL Jerry Daugherty made Nov 10 at 2014 10:23 AM

CPL Jerry Daugherty — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 10:23:20 -0500

Fantastic points to remember! All of these would have been so helpful to me when I transitioned to civilian life. Especially the Graduate, and the Learn to Accept Help. I could have been so much further in my career now had I followed just those two more.

Response by CPL Jerry Daugherty made Nov 10 at 2014 10:26 AM

CPL Jerry Daugherty — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 10:26:23 -0500

Sharing to FB...

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Nov 18 at 2014 2:23 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 14:23:50 -0500

I think my first key to a successful transition would be to make the rank of Genral. If you are able to transition from the military as an NCO, life can be a little rough but if you are leaving with your own flag with Stars on it...it is different kind of rought, and I would be willing to trade.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 25 at 2014 7:01 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 19:01:04 -0500

I shared this to another social media site and they ask, "General Casey has his own web site?" Other people wanted to know how long General Casey and I had been friends....haha.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Jan 28 at 2016 5:15 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 17:15:06 -0500

General Sir. I am glad to have someone like yourself to give a high level overview of transitioning from on job to another whether federal, state or local or a local company in a state area.

Response by Cathy Suarez made Jan 28 at 2016 6:50 PM

Cathy Suarez — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 18:50:16 -0500

So well said! We can all learn from this.

Response by SGM Earl Richburg made Jan 28 at 2016 7:01 PM

SGM Earl Richburg — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 19:01:36 -0500

Hooah Sir, well said.

Response by SPC Matthew Birkinbine made Jan 28 at 2016 7:23 PM

SPC Matthew Birkinbine — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 19:23:54 -0500

I appreciate the sentiment and the reminder. I agree with the point that LTC Private RallyPoint Member made, that these are skills that need to be honed in and out of service. I fully believe that this' the reason I have thrived in my albeit short career so far, because I know my job, I know how to network, and I know how to communicate with my network for and accept help. I do intend on using my benefits to the max of my ability to graduate, but fitness and boldness are holding me back. Spiritually and mentally, I consider myself fairly fit. Physically, I struggle, so I tend to keep my boldness reserved for when it's needed, which may hold me back when I perceive that it's not needed.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 10:09 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 22:09:41 -0500

Thank you, Sir, for sharing such valuable insights to finding success both professionally and personally. What an honor!

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jun 16 at 2016 8:45 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 08:45:03 -0400

Well stated Sir.

Response by CPT Bill Kieffer made Jun 16 at 2016 8:59 AM

CPT Bill Kieffer — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 08:59:12 -0400

All great points that will serve transitioning service members well. As a former army officer with nearly 20 years of civilian corporate leadership experience I will offer two additional thoughts for your consideration. "Language" and "Agility".
Language: While in uniform we learned the language of our service. Acronyms, phrasing, tone and tempo all developed over many years to enable clear, concise, and complete communication across our services. The languages of the civilian business world are also unique and have developed over time. Just as learning the military language was critical to your military success, learning civilian business language is key during and after transition. Not making this difficult transition leaves you at a competitive disadvantage, just as much as if you are speaking any other "foreign" language.
Agility - one of the great force multipliers our military members bring to the battlefield is the ability to effectively adjust to evolving circumstances. I'll suggest that this ability is just as important in the civilian business world. Our armed forces have a great tradition of thoroughly training members on how to do what needs to be done, how to make good decisions, and how to plan for the unknown. That level of training and expertise does not exist in most civilian organizations. That said, the business world can be extremely volatile, and successful leaders must be able to adjust on the fly.

My best wishes to all who are making the transition from military service to the civilian workforce. If I can help, let me know.

Response by BG Keith Gallagher, FACHE made Jun 16 at 2016 10:02 AM

BG Keith Gallagher, FACHE — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 10:02:05 -0400

Excellent words of wisdom Sir. My challenge in the private sector is selling your skills that can be transferable. This has been my greatest hurdle as civilians are suspicious of the work that we did and have no clue how to translate them into viable leadership and technical skills that they need in their job search. And, BTW only about 1 in 20 can do that even after you've spent 20 minutes explaining. My skills are in medical operations and still I have found the search firm executives and HR experts don't value my experience while on active duty. Good luck to all.

Response by SSgt Dwight Deatherage made Jun 16 at 2016 10:09 AM

SSgt Dwight Deatherage — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 10:09:18 -0400

Sir great words of wisdom from experience. I wish we had this kind of excellent overview available many years ago when I left the US Army. Finally I became a DA civilian and as I now enter the twilight years of my civilian career, I have seen each and every one of your key points proven time and again. Thank You for your advice and Thank You for your dedication and service to our country.

Response by SPC Matthew Birkinbine made Jun 16 at 2016 10:34 AM

SPC Matthew Birkinbine — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 10:34:00 -0400

Thank you for the advice, General Casey! I agree 100%!!!

Response by LTC John Phillips made Jun 16 at 2016 3:01 PM

LTC John Phillips — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 15:01:31 -0400

Think you read my book General! See you in the Fall.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Jun 16 at 2016 6:41 PM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 18:41:13 -0400

This would've come in handy 45 years ago for me and I'd urge anyone who reads it to take advantage of it. General Casey laid out the framework for transition as well as anyone could have. Thank you for your taking the time to give us your advice Genera, Sir.

Response by 1LT Tom Wilson made Jun 17 at 2016 8:04 AM

1LT Tom Wilson — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 08:04:36 -0400

While I agree without qualification with Gen. Casey's comments, I would offer an additional activity in anticipation of the military to civilian transition: work as a Domino's Pizza delivery driver for six months.

First of all, it's a lot of fun. Domino's is very mission oriented and you will feel right at home in the team atmosphere of the enterprise.

Each Domino's store is basically the same size as the old Company Mess Hall kitchen supported by a similar logistical train. Again, the economies of scale will be familiar. Also, the management model of the bakery is very transparent from the perspective of the drivers and this is a useful education in practical business management, just to see how it works in real time operations. Jim Kimsey, the America Online venture capitalist (USMA '62) owned a bunch of restaurants here in DC and they were important as an operational anchor for his other business ventures. My point is that Domino's offers a very useful, and practical, case study for your transition.

As a driver, you will earn tips. I paid for a masters degree driving for Domino's and earned an average of $16/hour, gross. I don't know what your attitude about tipping is, but it is virtually the only aspect of Trickle Down economics that works better than advertised. Especially for career officers, you need to develop this attitude towards cash that you presently don't have. I have heard a million hot shot officers leaving the military with the expectation of setting the business world on fire, only to echo the refrain two years or so later "Money isn't everything". I agree, but you are entering a milieu where money is the only thing and you are professionally unprepared for that.

Domino's Mission Statement: To deliver a hot, tasty pizza at a fair price and honest profit in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.

This is one of the best mission statements in the civilian economy. Seeing how it plays out in real time is an education worth the trouble acquiring, plus it's fun and profitable to do.

Response by SFC Thomas Holcomb made Jun 17 at 2016 2:07 PM

SFC Thomas Holcomb — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 14:07:51 -0400

The one thing i wish is a program for SM like my self that were declared unemployable. Ask me time and time again to go to school are fill out a resume when my short term memory is about 5 days now and the sizers have stoped for now and just helped me transition to my new situation would have been good. Just never give up when someone tells you you can't find a work around. Good days are ahead

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2016 10:45 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 10:45:07 -0400

1. Be the CEO and create your own business
2. Help yourself by helping others
3. Create a positive circle of influence
4. Positive habits lead to positive results, create your habits and they create you through design.
5. Specific training for employment with what you love to do as the end state
6. Keyboard rangers don't know