Is the military adequately preparing soldiers to transition to civilian life when they leave service?

2014-03-04T01:16:59-05:00

When I left the military, I had my checklist in hand and had to go to various places to get stamps and initials so I could properly 'clear'. One of those stops was the equivalent of an External Employment Office where there were some print outs of job listings and a couple of civilians who taught basic resume writing classes every so often. That was pretty much all I remember. The question is - is that enough? Military life and civilian life are very different. Most civilians cannot relate to the life of a soldier, and soldiers have a hard time 're-entering' civilian life. RallyPoint is a tool in the transition process, so lets use this venue to air some thoughts and ideas. What is in place these days to help soldiers in the transition, and is it enough? I have only touched on career transition in the dialogue here. How about transition from hostile zones back to garrison then to civilian world? We are put in situations that most will never face and then we are trying to assimilate into regular society and workforce. Is there enough being done to help soldiers in that transition?

Response by SSG Zachery Mitchell made Mar 4 at 2014 1:22 AM

2014-03-04T01:22:06-05:00

I feel that the Army has addressed this problem. They have a very good transition program now that helps Soldiers ETS. I'm sure it still has flaws, as with every program, but it has vastly improved from when I first joined.

Response by CPT Lance Cutsforth made Mar 4 at 2014 1:52 AM

2014-03-04T01:52:19-05:00

Thanks for the comments so far from my Army brothers - how about other branches of service? How are your transition programs?

Response by SPC Eric Chambers made Mar 10 at 2014 10:38 PM

2014-03-10T22:38:02-04:00

It's not what the Army is or isn't doing... It's what is the individual doing. I always knew there had to be a better way than 9-5 after the Army but it took me a few years to find it. Now that I have corp America can Kiss It ! What so many fail to realize is theirs more than just a J O B ( What We Marketers Like To Call Just Over BROKE ) out their & a change of mindset is key. The economy is shifting to ONLINE & that is just reality. I don't care what you may have heard before from someone who may have tried & failed & then QUIT & then goes & says O that don't work. I will stand here & tell you I FAILED several times because I did not know what I was doing. But I learned how the right way to work a home business. I found the right leadership, team, company & people to follow. A famous Army Quote "It Behooves Of You" If you want to find Success after the Military My team would gladly help you with that. Looking for a job is not the answer & Yes I have other business partners who are also Veterans themselves. The way of the future is online home based businesses. If you want help & to know more I'm more than HAPPY to help you just have to reach out for it. My email [login to see]

Response by SFC Charles W. Robinson made Mar 11 at 2014 1:58 AM

2014-03-11T01:58:44-04:00

In the civilian world Soldiers need certifications and
professional licenses.

They need to build their resume throughout their career.

They need performance appraisals that are done properly to
give deserving Soldiers those quantitative bullets that they need for resumes.

From day one, supervisors need to start training and
documenting Soldiers performance and training and making sure that Soldiers are
building their resumes and portfolio’s.

As a Soldier, you never know when you will be injured and forced
into the civilian world.

Soldiers must be educated and prepared for the civilian
world from day one.

As leaders, we must prepare our Soldiers!

Response by 1SG Mark Shreve made Mar 12 at 2014 9:38 AM

2014-03-12T09:38:47-04:00

I left the Military after 22 years in 2001 and entered into the civilian job market unprepared. I was initially hired as a security guard for a fortune 500 company. Even though I had extensive leadership training it was difficult to relate those skills into the corporate world. In the 13 years since I began this second career journey I have progressed to become a leader in my organization. I carried over the successful behaviors I had in the military to the corporate world. Here are some examples.

1) I used the Army Green to Corporate Gray book to create a resume.

2) I researched the company and learned the mission and the vision.

3) I learned the leadership principles of the company by looking at the learning material. Most companies have a basic philosophy. Some use Jack Welch, Aubrey Daniels, John Maxwell or Stephen Covey.

4) Once I was hired I worked 2nd shift which allowed me to take corporate classes two days a week. ( I didn't ask for overtime)

5) I reached out to Human Resources to ask for an exception to take leadership classes.

6) I continued my formal education by getting certified in my industry and completing the Harvard ManageMentor Course.

The basic disciplines I learned in the Military have carried me through into a successful 2nd career. Remember that your current title does not equate into a great paying corporate career. Get your foot in the door and your training will take over.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Mar 26 at 2014 1:09 PM

2014-03-26T13:09:22-04:00

As one who is retired and went through the TAP programs etc, I had no idea how to write a resume TAP helped me. But also in the recent years the Government and VA has pushed programs like VAforVets, VaCareers, Hiring our Heroes job fairs etc.

But remember this...The military is doing the best they can to point you in the right direction...now you need to help yourselves...I talk to a lot of veterans who say I deserve this position now hire me....Then I look at the resume and wonder why should I hire you. You resume is written in crayon.

Response by SPC Joshua Meadows made Mar 28 at 2014 9:24 AM

2014-03-28T09:24:29-04:00

I felt like the biggest shock to me was living in a house all alone. No more barracks. No more soldiers. No more formation. No more accountability to anything. I literally laid on the couch, in the dark, and made no effort to do anything for several weeks (possibly even months). Except I did somehow manage to enroll in college, taking advantage of my GI Bill, which didn't mesh well with the whole laying on the couch doing nothing. I flunked out after one semester.

With all that being said, I don't know that there is anything the military could have done to prepare me in advance for that empty lonely feeling. I remember getting the checklists and clearing all the different stages. I think it was just circumstantial in my case. I've gotten involved with several organizations, such as the VA, Wounded Warrior Project, and now RP. It helps to surround yourself with others who have (or are currently) going through a similar transition. It's still a transition that takes some effort but at least you don't feel like you've been dumped and dealing with it all solo.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2014 5:11 PM

2014-03-28T17:11:22-04:00

Here at Motorola solutions we just recently developed a Veterans Business Council to target Active Duty soldiers for hiring.

Response by LTC Chad Storlie made Apr 11 at 2014 3:26 PM

2014-04-11T15:26:50-04:00

Two Books on Amazon :

(1) Combat Leader to Corporate Leader - http://www.amazon.com/Combat-Leader-Corporate-Lessons-Civilian/dp/ [login to see] /ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid= [login to see] &sr=1-4

(2) Battlefield to Business Success - http://www.amazon.com/Battlefield-Business-Success-Chad-Storlie-ebook/dp/B00598JLJO/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid= [login to see] &sr=1-7&keywords=storlie

Authored Articles:

(1) Article about me in Georgetown Alumni Magazine - http://alumni.georgetown.edu/career/career_81.html

(2) Harvard Business Review Blog - http://blogs.hbr.org/2010/11/dont-play-golf-in-a-football-g/

(3) Harvard Business Review Blog - http://blogs.hbr.org/2010/10/the-value-of-military-skill-se/

(4) Patriot News Op - Ed on Veteran's Day - http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2013/11/five_things_to_do_to_make_this_veterans_day_different_chad_storlie.html

(5) Podcast on Translating Special Operations Skills to Business - https://soundcloud.com/#ournorthwestern/01-14-careertracks-chadstorlie

(6) Podcast on Book Combat Leader to Corporate Leader - https://soundcloud.com/#ournorthwestern/career-tracks-chad-storlie

(7) Federal Computer Weekly - Hiring Veterans - http://fcw.com/articles/2011/11/07/comment-chad-storlie-hiring-veterans.aspx

(8) Oxford Leadership Journal - Managing & Leading in the Midst of Uncertainty - http://www.oxfordleadership.com/journal/vol2_issue1/storlie.pdf

(9) American Legion Magazine - Business Lessons of the Tuskegee Airmen - http://www.legion.org/careers/215804/tuskegee-airmen%E2%80%99s-business-lessons

(10) Fox News Detroit - http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/20072030/best-practices-and-success-trends-for-military-veterans-in-career-transition-and-2nd-career-advancement

(11) Omaha World Herald - Memorial Day - http://m.hutchinsonleader.com/news/opinion/commentary-mission-for-veterans-talk-about-friends-you-lost/article_b7ff4076-aa72-11e1-9f06-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=jqm

(12) Big Think - Recruiting Veterans - http://bigthink.com/experts-corner/recruiting-veterans-makes-a-huge-human-capital-difference

(13) Denver Post - What Military Leaders Can Learn from Business Leaders - http://www.americanhomecomings.com/news/2014/02/06/military-leaders-learn-thing-two-business-leaders-column/

Response by LTC Chad Storlie made Apr 16 at 2014 9:30 AM

2014-04-16T09:30:09-04:00

A new post by me on the value of military skills for business:

http://www.everyveteranhired.com/2014/04/16/3-military-leadership-skills-will-make-invaluable-civilian-boss/

These 3 Military Leadership Skills Will Make You Invaluable to Your Civilian Boss

As you move out of the military and into civilian work, bring your leadership skills with you. Your new boss will thank you.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2014 1:13 PM

2014-04-16T13:13:02-04:00

For the most part... NO.  <div><br></div><div>Now, my answer depends on MOS/Rate, experiences and rank.  </div><div><br></div><div>The military makes boys and girls into into men and women, and college kids into gentlemen.  For many civilian careers, maturity is a lacking virtue.  Further, every company needs managers, and the military produces the best managers in the world.  Aside from the practical and educational pieces that currently lace (i.e. certifications, degrees, credits...etc) which could make a huge difference... I think a lot of the disparity comes in professional development.  </div><div><br></div><div>The military prepares people to be in the military, rightfully so, until a few months before they get out.  The military isn't a job, it's a lifestyle.  Therefore, the culture of the military is one that promotes military life, not civilian life (or "nasty civilians" as we called them in the Marines).  The Army has arguably attempted to tackle the issue with the ACAP program... but they still fall short.  In my mind, the best way to prepare a soldier, Marine, Airman or Sailor for future successes is to build and mold them from day one.  What do I mean by this?  Classes and instruction should take a bit of time to address HOW the subject or material will be applied OUTSIDE of the military.  A lot of junior military members don't think in terms of "career"... get them thinking about career, and you will have a more professional military, and more successful military members.  </div><div>How do we do it?  Yes, even the infantry has relate able civilian skills.  Infantry leaders make exceptional managers... but they have to know how to lead in aggressive AND passive situations.  The Marine Corps (to list my personal experience) is most often aggressive and RARELY passive or low-key.  Everything we did was 110% and as fast, violent and thorough as possible.  So what happens without some cross-pollination?  The young Marine gets out and applies that "fast, violent and aggressive" mindset in a civilian function that looks at him like he's crazy. </div><div><br></div><div>The military, especially these days, needs to focus on creating diverse-thinking leaders.  People who can operate among military and among civilian.  I guarantee this would even solve some of the PR nightmare situations of bad behavior.  Get everyone's minds wrapped around 3, 5, 10, 20 years from now, relate the importance of their "right now", and teach them how to be successful in the future.  </div>

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Apr 16 at 2014 2:22 PM

2014-04-16T14:22:27-04:00

The Navy has something called a TAP class. Transition Assistance Program. It is a week long class that you are allowed to take twice before getting out. They also have a ReTAP for people retiring. It goes through how to make a resume, VA stuff, etc.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 16 at 2014 2:25 PM

2014-04-16T14:25:15-04:00

Short answer is 'BNo' but you need define adequately? I think a lot depends upon the mindset of those returning to civilian life. The right mind set...in just about anything...is going to be the real difference maker.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Jun 11 at 2014 3:02 PM

2014-06-11T15:02:28-04:00

No.

The military does not effectively prepare soldiers to transition to civilian life when they leave the service.

Particularly the enlisted ranks.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Jun 11 at 2014 9:13 PM

2014-06-11T21:13:30-04:00

There are several stigmas that civilians have toward veterans. While on the job, civilians try to be like someone they are not.

"Oh, we know how to lead vets, we just bark out orders and they will follow or go down the road." Really?

Another is that "Vets have to be told what to do while on the job." I dislike that one too. Demonstrate that you are a self-starter and can develop your own work plan.

"Vets are lazy and do not know how to work." show the people that you can get down and dirty.

I have seen these stigmas and have been victimized by them.

Obtaining my higher education allowed me to bust out of that stigma and persecution, all the while it has taken me a long time.

i am still learning

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Mar 15 at 2015 8:48 PM

2015-03-15T20:48:54-04:00

The only problem I have seen when I was transitioning out. The base transitioning office wanted to train me for another job, because of the nature of my Medical Discharge, Novell Network Engineering. My squad leader refused to allow me the time to train for this, as I would have had to attend training in Nashville, a 45 minute drive from Ft Campbell. I think if a soldier is transitioning out under Medical Reasons, he or she should be given time to choose and train for a job they can fulfill when they leave service.

Response by SPC Luis Mendez made Oct 3 at 2015 3:45 PM

2015-10-03T15:45:57-04:00

That's one line for the Recruiters. NOT really the job of the Military.

It is the individuals Responsibility to prepare himself as soon as he/she knows is a "short timer". Once you know you're "short" start calling, writing, family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances etc. telling them you're coming back soon and will need a job/school applications etc. I had HS and childhood friends who did exactly that. One of them took Civil Service Tests 3 months before ETS, one month after returning home had the job from where he eventually retired after more than 30 years.

Government Jobs are the easier ones to get for vets. Simply 'cause the Competitive Private Sector does not look at Military Service as a Plus, but rather Academics and OTJ Experience and Resumes as well as the good-old-boy network. Sometimes even often is the "Who you know" or the "Who you rub elbows with" Paradigm that works the best. Even "Who are your parents" or "Who your father rubbed elbows with" thing that matters the most.

Response by LTC Chad Storlie made Oct 8 at 2015 1:26 PM

2015-10-08T13:26:31-04:00

I wanted to share a few summary articles on the great skill sets that veterans have and bring to the workplace. Translating and applying military skills to business is the only way to make your military skills apply to your post-military career and convince employers that your military skills will go the distance for them.

(1) How to Get Ahead Using Your Military Skill Sets - http://taskandpurpose.com/get-ahead-using-military-skills/
(2) Five Military Skills That Can Help Junior Business Leaders - http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2014/08/5-military-leadership-skills-that-can-help-junior.html
(3) Translating Military Skills For Your Civilian Employer - http://www.everyveteranhired.com/2014/08/06/translating-military-skills-civilian-employer-primer/

In 2014, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and VetAdvisor sponsored a survey for military veterans to discover their job retention success. The survey revealed three primary findings:

1. ~50% stayed in their first post-separation position 12 months or less.
2. The three employment-related issues of greatest importance to respondents were: opportunities to apply their skills and abilities; adequate benefits and pay; and meaningfulness of the work.
3. Third, respondents’ biggest obstacle to obtaining initial employment was finding opportunities that match their military training and experience.

Source: Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families’ and VetAdvisor’s “Veteran Job Retention Survey Summary,” page 1, released 10/01/14.

The reason this study is so vital for veteran career success is that you have to ensure your position, company, and career possess the elements that caused other veterans to leave their positions. By understanding what drives people to leave, veterans discover what can cause them to join and to remain with a company that will help them have a successful post-military career.

Here are a few pointers how to discover what makes a great company:

Veteran Company Retention Point #1 – What Are the Steps to Your Next Three Positions.

As you interview and network within a company, ask what are the steps, timing, and qualifications necessary to move into the next three possible positions within the company. If people stumble, cannot cite examples, or state that everyone within their department has been their 10+ years, then promotion may not be something to expect in 2-3 years.

Veteran Company Retention Point #2 – Talk to Other Veterans In the Company.

The military has a unique view of promotions. In the military, after we complete assigned schooling, succeed in a position, and meet the qualifications for the next position; we EXPECT to be promoted. The military concept of promotion is unique and it’s best to talk to other military veterans to see how the company is similar and dissimilar in their concepts of advancement. A veteran-to-veteran conversation is the best way to do this.

Veteran Company Retention Point #3 – Determine How to Translate Military Skills to Your New Career.

For the vast majority of veterans (I was an Infantry and a Special Forces officer), there will be little direct relationship between your assigned military duties and your future civilian career. However, there will be hundreds of highly valuable indirect points of value from planning, competitive intelligence, creating safe working conditions, leading, and conducting After Action Reviews (AAR’s) that your employer will find incredibly valuable. It is translated military experience applied to business challenges that are valuable – you have to determine how to translate and apply your military skills.

Veteran Company Retention Point #4 – What Are Company Sponsored Professional Development Opportunities.

Distinct professional development opportunities tell a lot about a company. Ask about both formal and informal opportunities to learn, develop, and share skill sets.

If your current company or future company does not have all of these opportunities for professional development or future advancement, do not despair. Realize that you will have to exercise initiative to create opportunities for your own advancement and development. Remember, on the battlefield, the enemy rarely says, “It would be great if you could attack me here – I will leave this spot undefended.” Likewise, success in your current and future career depends on your own initiative and development.

Further Research and Reading on Success & Challenges to Veteran Post-Military Careers:

1. Veteran Job Retention Survey Summary - http://vets.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/VetAdvisor%20Report(FINAL%20Single%20pages).pdf
2. Monster Veteran Talent Index (2011 – 2014) - http://www.monster.com/about/veterans-talent-index
3. Center for New American Security - Employing America's Veterans: Perspectives from Businesses - http://www.cnas.org/sites/default/files/publications-pdf/CNAS_EmployingAmericasVeterans_HarrellBerglass.pdf
4. RAND – Veteran Employment: Lessons from the 100,000 Jobs Mission - http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR800/RR836/RAND_RR836.pdf

How To Get Ahead Using Your Military Skills

In the workplace, how you translate your military experience into competitive work traits matters

Response by PO1 Chris Morrow made May 27 at 2016 8:55 AM

2016-05-27T08:55:00-04:00

There are plenty of resources to help those that are transitioning. The problem mainly lies in the member themselves actually using the available resources. It is really up to the SM to step away and fully prepare for the transition. The COC has other stuff to deal with, and can and will deal with it, the transitioning SM needs to focus on themselves, and get their affairs in order.

Response by PO2 Paul Delacruz made Jul 31 at 2016 5:12 PM

2016-07-31T17:12:03-04:00

it would have been nice that you as a processing military to civilian would have a job already waiting for you before exiting the military life i did experience the joblessness when i got forced out. i was out of a job and 4 dependents and no job.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Oct 14 at 2016 3:52 PM

2016-10-14T15:52:01-04:00

yes! but the problems very from base to base, Some services I can't speak for, As much I love the ARMY I still struggled with resume and cover Letters when I got out. I do not know how many times I have rewritten my resume but I remember when I was getting ready to leave the service my resume was not that long, and that is the problem. Trying to make the wording from FIELD ARTILLERY to todays modern world. It is true, it can be done, with the help of friends, counterparts, In DOD we call them SES because of the Langue they know, and the supervisors I worked for as well, Field Artillery is in the past. But never forgotten because I have my Artillery button by my desk everyday I look up at because I know what I have been through. I know there are some REDLEGS out there who serviced with me or we went to school together for NCOES. I'm here to help. I've been in the CIV world for about 10 years now and I just learned from websites and a little time away, the correct way a Cover letter should be, and I feel my resume is very good, not the best but still, I got this job and I work for great agency, not company. SO I been on the other side of the tracks and know some who still are there trying to find their way, For transitioning soldiers listening up. that dream job will not fall in your lap. I was Senior Sergeant when I got with 2 years of college and where did I end up working PEPSI. Stocking and doing displays, I was sick of a 27 year old telling my old ass what to do, so I began to draft my resume some more, JOB after crappie job and then I worked for the prison. I had nothing left but I always want to do security and I used my Army background to get that job. Building more of the resume, NETWORKING was the key, So I said "I'm going to start putting all of this together and when I started posting my resume on line, on US JOBS and etc., the KEY came to me. I have to admit looking back at my resume to what I have today I had a crappie resume. I've been in this security position for 6 years and I'm not guard or a uniform person, I work security for an agency and for a FA guy I'm doing well. Right now looking for the dream job I want because I feel there are other security positions I can feel with my level of training. You can do it, You need help I'll help you, it takes time and dedication.
Any one in the services who had a shity job like me can get a good job. 13Z STEPHENS