How long did it take you to fully make the transition into civilian life, after you were discharged?

Wait....there is life after the military?

Never go full civilian!

Watch the clip and replace retard with civilian!

Crass and offensive language warning.

https://youtu.be/X6WHBO_Qc-Q

Tribute to Tropical Thunder!

You know, the reason I believe that I have fully made the transition into civilian life-despite mental illness, a 100% service-connected stress disorder, and PTSD-is because I served during the Cold War and never saw combat.
This is not to say that I didn't go through some 27 years of absolute hell and agony; trying to get well.

SPC Margaret Higgins

I don't expect I ever will. Especially now that I went back as an Air Force civilian.

I left active duty in May 1975. Began a new career in August.

Then I joined the Army Reserves for 8 1/2 years. I worked for a company that moved me. My new home was 200 miles from my drill site. We worked a deal for a transfer. But after 2 months a LT decided he did not approve and I was directed to drill at the old location. I drove to drill, filled out retirement papers, and was released by the battalion commander.

I forgot about the Army before I was back home.

Retired 09/30/1993. Never fully transitioned to civilian life and really don't want to. Family is all military or LEOs. Friends are all former military or retired LEOs. Co-workers from second career were all Former military or former LEOs. I'm 100% A-Okay with that. Vets bond faster with other vets and are more willing to help each other. The biggest thing about civilian life is NO ONE is in charge! Well except my wife. LOL

Served 24+ years. Been retired for 18 months and still transitioning in my mind. Tried transitioning my healthcare to VA but they're just not what I expected. VA did do a pretty good job with their compensation for my injuries. It was really weird at first going on vacation without being on leave. No formations, PT tests, or that high level of accountability from the military. So you have to be more self disciplined in certain areas. And on a good note you can let yourself go a little and grow your hair, drink an extra beer, get whatever tattoo wherever you want it, and be as free as you always wanted to be while in the service.

Still doing it in a way! 18+ mos so far!

I retired in 2012, and I was out the door and running, that is after spending 3 months trying to find a job! I do miss aspects of the military, although it's been a fun and interesting transition to civilian life. It is an ongoing process, and will most likely be for sometime to come, but finishing one chapter and starting a new one has been fun...and challenging.