How was your Transition from Military to Civilian life?

2023-11-20T19:14:00-05:00

This is not a question asking for advice, more of how was your transition good or bad adjusting to Civilian life afterwards. Do you miss being in, are you glad you got out, or are you indifferent? And lastly do you think being a Civilian now is much harder than being in such a structured environment? Thanks for your input.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2023 8:46 PM

2023-11-20T20:46:21-05:00

SFC Kevin Stampfly In Vietnam, I heard that we had landed on the Moon with Appollo 11. At the time, I thought that the Space Program would be a good career. Stationed at MCB 29 Palms, the Marine Corps had a bad drug problem. I made the hard decision to get out after four years and chase a dream. I moved to the Houston area, obtained a chemical plant operator job while going to school full time. I caught flack in College for having served and doing shift work made it hard because when I would take night classes, they were always a week or two behind the day classes. After five years, I had my degree and started a 33 year career on the Space Shuttle Program. Working and going to college helped with my transition because I was too busy to worry about adjusting to civilian life. I miss the Marine Corps but made the right decision. Being disciplined and organized made the transition to civilian life manageable.

Response by MAJ Mike Middleton made Nov 20 at 2023 9:46 PM

2023-11-20T21:46:56-05:00

Retired 28yrs - was easy for me....one can't stay in the Army forever, a planned exit strategy is the key -> no matter how long you serve/served; have noticed that those that dont have a good exit plan seem to have a hard time transitioning....

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Nov 20 at 2023 10:19 PM

2023-11-20T22:19:53-05:00

On my retirement from the Air Force as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in 1996 on a Friday, I was working the same job in the same town at the local hospital, with an increase in salary on Monday.
To be honest, I missed my military clientele and the work atmosphere in military.

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Nov 22 at 2023 11:40 PM

2023-11-22T23:40:38-05:00

I'm fairly recently retired after 30+ yrs AD. I had a great transition...the Army has a great transition program in place now for all Soldiers ETSing/Retiring (Soldier for Life-SFL). SFL is good, but the structure we are all used to has to be implemented by yourself and used for yourself going forward to the next stage after retirement. I absolutely enjoy the freedom to control my time and what I prioritize. Is being a civilian harder? Mmmm, am I a civilian now? I don't feel like one. I feel like a Soldier 100% of the time, even though I no longer do Soldier things or wear Soldier clothes. I made a life in the Army and now I make a living. It's very much a happy place to be.

Response by Sgt Sheri Lynn made Dec 3 at 2023 1:43 AM

2023-12-03T01:43:17-05:00

SFC Kevin Stampfly my experience was very difficult. I was nearing the end of my four years, and had decided to stay in. MST led me to change my mind kind of in a panic state, thinking it was the best way to take care of myself. In those days PTSD/MST weren’t even named as issues yet.
I was miserable as a civilian. Felt lost without the structure and camaraderie, despite the difficulties in my unit. And for decades I missed the belonging I had experienced.
I was unaware at the time of any programs in place for transitioning from military to civilian life. Now, there are so many… I highly recommend them. Especially those found in peer support groups. Having a buddy who has successfully managed the process can make the shift easier.