Is there life after the military?

SPC Edward Tapper — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 00:49:59 -0400

I have several friends that have known only war for their entire enlistment and they're tired. They want out but are afraid of our stale economy and high unemployment rate, at least in N.C. I served during peace-time active duty and war-time ARNG. In '93, the economy as brisk, jobs plentiful. Easy decision to get out. I spent 11 years as a truck driver, 13 years in local government and nearly a year as an Ordained Minister. My question is "What do/did you plan for post-military life?"

Response by SSgt Chris Frey made Apr 8 at 2015 1:37 AM

SSgt Chris Frey — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 01:37:45 -0400

I got medically retired for ptsd tbi and to be honest I miss the military. There is plenty of work though and when planning for transition they should start developing a plan at least a year out. Build savings use gi bill document medical issues perfect resumees and develop a solid plan.

Response by Sheryl Verhulst made Apr 8 at 2015 11:50 AM

Sheryl Verhulst — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 11:50:15 -0400

I only ever wanted to be in the military. Unfortunately that no longer became possible. So now my goal is to work for the federal government or a non-profit. Actually, I currently work at a non-profit, but I am in transition to a better paying position. Most individuals who serve want to give back to their community or have a service driven soul (from my experience). I would recommend anyone leaving the military to look into NPO's and government agencies at all levels.

Response by CW2 John Brookins made Apr 8 at 2015 12:11 PM

CW2 John Brookins — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 12:11:24 -0400

The key to anything is prior planning. It won’t guarantee anything but helps to give you options.

Number one: Network. That old saying, it’s not what you know but who you know, is absolutely correct. Nearly every good job I’ve had has been with the help of others.
Put some money away. If you haven’t saved prior to getting out think real hard about your move.

Education: If you not taking classes while on active duty you’re missing out. It’s not easy. I took distance learning classes while in garrison and deployed. That cut the time I needed to complete my BS in half.

Vocational training is relevant and companies want documentation.

Take anything you can get when it presents itself. It’s important to keep moving, even if you have to take a low paying or part-time job. It keeps you in the right frame of mind. I worked for nearly a year part time to keep my mind focused on work.

Think about where you want to live and work. If you’re not prepared to move to the work it’s a lot tougher.

The last and most important is perseverance. Never, ever give up.

You may have to change strategies every week but never stop trying.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 16 at 2015 3:36 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 15:36:30 -0400

No...no there is no life in the civilian world.

In truth, if they are willing to get the skill training or education they need, I.E. get a Class A CDL, then there is hope but they need to be careful what they ask for.

Response by SPC Jesse Bruno made Apr 17 at 2015 1:06 PM

SPC Jesse Bruno — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 13:06:09 -0400

i learned most are afraid to humble them selves and take work that they feel is below them. every one seems to think they will find a 60-70k job right out of the military. i knw i was that way. i couldnt find work anywhere untill my wife told me she was prego. so i humbled myself and got a job at wallmart changing tires and oil for $9 an hour. later i ran into my old first sergeant who offerd me a job at a range and introduced me to the contract world. so what ive learned in the past 9 years is this be humble and take what you can get untill you find something better and network, network, network.

Response by SPC Mathew Brady made Apr 17 at 2015 1:30 PM

SPC Mathew Brady — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 13:30:53 -0400

I always planned to return to farming but didn't find it fulfilling like I did before the army. Once we chose to branch out and help veteran beginning farmers get started it gave me new life and a second wind. That's when Purple Heart Acres was born. I get more satisfaction out of helping my fellow commrades succeed then me just farming on my own. Helping our commrades can be the best transition out really. Keeps the brotherhood going and your still serving the best community there is, our veterans and military. It helped me a lot atleast.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Apr 17 at 2015 2:55 PM

LTC Hillary Luton — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 14:55:23 -0400

Sure. Life is what you make it, whether you're in uniform or not. Prior planning certainly helps, but understand that life doesn't always go as planned and you may have to adjust fire. And as a rule of thumb, you may not like the first job offer you get, but that doesn't mean you have to stop looking.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 17 at 2015 5:48 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 17:48:03 -0400

Be a good father, citizen, husband, and help veterans.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Apr 17 at 2015 6:06 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 18:06:11 -0400

I believe one of the things is helpful when you have a support group in place after military life for a smooth adjustment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 8:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 20:38:14 -0400

Seeing how I will be out soon I started by getting my degree, started that 4 years ago and jus completed last month. Second thing was to save money so I could have that cushion for "what ifs". Third, started reading/researching how to write resumes and the job interview process. Fourth thing was actually wrote my resume and had others in my chain of command review it and give me feedback. Now, I am waiting to take advantage of ACAP, or whatever we are calling it these days. I need to start networking, but don't have many people to network with, so that is my next plan of action. After that, hope for the best!!

Response by CAPT Stu Merrill made Apr 17 at 2015 9:44 PM

CAPT Stu Merrill — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 21:44:36 -0400

In general, hiring specialists in the civilian sector are conservative and unimaginative - make it easy for them. If you have learned a trade in the Service, then get your civilian certification to prove it. Explain how your military experience equates to their job description requirements. Describe how you can make their life easier and more productive my hiring you into their organization. And don't forget, in general, hiring specialists in the civilian sector are conservative and unimaginative - make it easy for them.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Apr 22 at 2015 9:24 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 21:24:14 -0400

SFC Randy Smith, Having your chain of command review your resume sounds like you are planning on re-enlisting?

Civvy Street has civilian wants for a resume. Please have your resume reviewed by a private firm that specializes in employment matters. Threads on RP offer great suggestions and sources for help. RP has available assets, please check them out. It is all about $$$$$$, desire and you doing your homework!

Do not walk in w/o doing a full recon, written, (for study purposes), of the firm you are approaching. Determine what you can offer the firm before going in the door.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Apr 23 at 2015 2:55 AM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 02:55:25 -0400

There's life after the military. The key is expectation management. Don't expect civilian life to be like the military. The civilian world don't think or act the way we do in the military sector.

I planned for getting out in couple of ways.
1) saved money- had an emergency fund and an account for short-term expense in case things didn't so well and i had to wait for an opportunity ( didn't need it. had a offer right away, but you have to prepared for the worse)
2) decided what my career after the military would be early. learned the credentials required in the civilian sector to compete. Made sure I obtained them for before I got out. ( a common mistake is thinking military training alone is good enough. you need to have the licenses/certifications/ education the job requires or prefers) Many employers can, but don't expect employers to interpret or decipher what you know from the military.