Have you set goals for yourself in the next year after Military Life?

SPC Eddie "Nemo" Aiumu — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 02:29:14 -0500

Yes. New Years resolutions are cool but, you have to actually set up reasonable goals. Here is some ideas to help you with that New Year Resolution lists. At number:
10. Be realistic. You can't jump from a Honda Civic to a Lamborghini overnight (not saying you can't). Update your military records before you exit the Service. It's very hard to correct anything on them after you leave. So check and double check any and all things on your ERB and ORB.
9. Be proactive. If you're not prepared now you won't be later. Don't be afraid to ask for guidance from your Leadership and of course forums such as this. Keep your evaluation reports handy (the good ones..lol)
8. Stay in contact. Look everybody moves away eventually. So take this time to get Contact information from the ones who can help you land a job or career. Always stay in contact with them and also update them of your status after you leave.
7. Always budget. Its good to know the 1&15 will always be there. But once you cross over the reality of Civilian life isn't too great. So make sure your finances are solid. I cannot stress the importance of proper savings. Its good to know during that rainy season you have some sun in the bank.
6. Join a local Veterans group. A band of brothers is such an awesome thing. Main reason is that those Men and Women have gone through whatever you're about to go through. So join a Veterans network its important to be around people who can relate to you.
5. Register with a VA Hospital or Clinic. Yes. The VA isn't perfect but they've stepped up. Make copies of any medical records you have. This will be an easy way for them to treat you fast.
4. Be on top of your claims. Don't wait around for your claims to go through. Call them once a week to inquire about any claims you've applied for.
3. Go to the gym. The biggest stress reliever is that bench press. Stay active, I know its nice to sleep in but trust me you dont want to let yourself go.
2. Education. Use that GI Bill you've put $100.00 away for during your initial enlistment. If you just want to be a college student at least you can with money coming in to pay for bills. Also, look into Vocational Rehabilitation benefits. You'll be glad you did.
And Number:
1. Family. Blood is always thicker than water. Enjoy them because they've missed you. If you and your spouse are both in school or working and have kids. Its good to have them on hand to help with your Child(ren). Child care in most States can run you up to $400 a week per Child. And its a very good way for their Gramdparents to spoil them rotten (jk).
These are just a few things to consider while you're working on that List.

Response by SPC Rory J. Mattheisen made Dec 26 at 2015 2:39 AM

SPC Rory J. Mattheisen — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 02:39:26 -0500

I am sticking to the resolution I made in 2008, I will make no new years resolutions. My goal for the year is to get my back and shoulder under controll and to be back in school this summer!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2015 1:16 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 13:16:03 -0500

There's life after the military?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2015 2:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 14:55:21 -0500

One point I've heard about making a copy of your medical records, make an extra copy not only in chronological order but also by ailment. If you've had back issues for the last twenty years compile them in one section so when the VA asks for all records dealing with your back wham it's already sorted.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2015 7:10 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 07:10:23 -0500

I am not that much into new year resolution ... because it nearly never worked out. So I just use my to do list method, and keep going and going ...

Response by Deborah Meyer made Dec 31 at 2015 11:34 AM

Deborah Meyer — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 11:34:25 -0500

Goal 6 - don't forget many companies (if you are in a job search) have veteran groups. This is a great group to connect with and learn more about the organization, interviewing and if the best fit for you! Our company has an open group on LinkedIn - Anthem Inc. Military Veterans.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2016 3:23 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 15:23:28 -0500

Proud owner of Baisden's Healthzone LLC look me up on Facebook to connect or send me an email [login to see]

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Feb 17 at 2016 11:42 AM

SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 11:42:30 -0500

If I may interject.
In my humble opinion goals are more important that the skill it takes to reach them. Without the goal, you need not the skill.
My only advice is set short, mid and long term goals, all at the same time, building upon the one goal before. The abilities we to adapt and drive on have as Military folks makes goal setting a reaching a goal much easier for us.
Set them and never stop, never give up, dont let them go and make it happen no matter what.
Boom boom boom!