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

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.

No.

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

Particularly the enlisted ranks.

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.

For the most part... NO. &nbsp;<div><br></div><div>Now, my answer depends on MOS/Rate, experiences and rank. &nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The military makes boys and girls into into men and women, and college kids into gentlemen. &nbsp;For many civilian careers, maturity is a lacking virtue. &nbsp;Further, every company needs managers, and the military produces the best managers in the world. &nbsp;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. &nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The military prepares people to be in the military, rightfully so, until a few months before they get out. &nbsp;The military isn't a job, it's a lifestyle. &nbsp;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). &nbsp;The Army has arguably attempted to tackle the issue with the ACAP program... but they still fall short. &nbsp;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. &nbsp;What do I mean by this? &nbsp;Classes and instruction should take a bit of time to address HOW the subject or material will be applied OUTSIDE of the military. &nbsp;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. &nbsp;</div><div>How do we do it? &nbsp;Yes, even the infantry has relate able civilian skills. &nbsp;Infantry leaders make exceptional managers... but they have to know how to lead in aggressive AND passive situations. &nbsp;The Marine Corps (to list my personal experience) is most often aggressive and RARELY passive or low-key. &nbsp;Everything we did was 110% and as fast, violent and thorough as possible. &nbsp;So what happens without some cross-pollination? &nbsp;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.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The military, especially these days, needs to focus on creating diverse-thinking leaders. &nbsp;People who can operate among military and among civilian. &nbsp;I guarantee this would even solve some of the PR nightmare situations of bad behavior. &nbsp;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. &nbsp;</div>

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

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.

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]