Leaving the Military? Become a Veteran Leader

2015-07-22T16:08:19-04:00

Humans are tribal creatures. Each of us belongs to a group larger than ourselves. Family, posse, company, church, biker gang or sewing circle – we’re all part of something big. With the existence of these groups comes the need for leadership.

Any military veteran can tell you but without leadership, there is no purpose, direction or motivation and the group will not accomplish its mission. As service members transition from the military, it quickly becomes evident to many that there is a leadership vacuum in the civilian world. Tough words? Maybe. True? Perhaps. Leadership roles are not as clearly defined out here. Authority in many cases is based on title. Are there exceptions? Of course. There are some great leaders doing magnificent things every day. Do we need more of these great leaders? Like you wouldn’t believe.

This is the part where you come in. I’m talking to the service member who’s on his/her way out of uniform for the last time and to the veteran who took off the boots months or even years ago and has had a tough time de-militarizing to fit back into the civilian world.

I have great news: You don’t have to turn off the military!

There is no switch or lever that needs to be flipped to transform you into a civilian. In fact, the world needs what you have and you’d be doing all of us a tremendous service if you just stay who you are and make an impact in a way that is uniquely yours.

Does this mean you should kick in the door to a new job and declare yourself the new CEO? Probably not, but if you’ve done it like that and it works, then congratulations! What it does mean is that you must intentionally start engaging and seeking out ways to continue your service. Here’s a few ideas to get you started:

- Join the VFW or American Legion
- Support a local election campaign
- Throw your hat in the ring and be in a local election
- Go to church, they’ll put you to work quick
- Join the IAVA, Team Rubicon and Team Red White & Blue
- Start a business that helps people
- Start a blog that helps people
- Start anything, just keep moving

As you move forward, reach back and pull someone else with you. The possibilities are plentiful. Just as your country needed you to go to a God-forsaken desert/valley/jungle/ (fill in the blank here) and endure what you endured, it needs you now. We need you to engage. The leadership part will happen when you do.

Many of us are already there, others of us are in limbo. Don’t be. Get up and get in step. Your mission to serve continues. You will provide the purpose, direction and motivation we need. Above all else, continue to be you. Bring your scars, skills, shrapnel, grit, resilience, and dedication. If anybody has earned the right to be himself/herself, that would be you.

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 22 at 2015 4:11 PM

2015-07-22T16:11:20-04:00

Continuing the service helps our brothers and sisters, our communities and the nation as a whole. Well said sir.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 22 at 2015 4:20 PM

2015-07-22T16:20:25-04:00

SSG Gabriel Lord, MHRD Thanks for the awesome and profound post. Very well written and I'm sure you have gotten some veterans attention. Now I see why you are in the Talent business for your healthcare network. I would really like to connect with you on LinkedIn if you have an account. Please send me an invitation if you don't mind. Thanks

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 4:20 PM

2015-07-22T16:20:49-04:00

Great post. Stepping up & getting involved in something rather than withdrawing benefits the veteran as well as the community.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 4:25 PM

2015-07-22T16:25:13-04:00

Thanks for posting this it's well thought out and written. Veterans can make a decisive, immediate, and lasting impact on their workplaces as well as at places they volunteer.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 4:44 PM

2015-07-22T16:44:45-04:00

SSG Gabriel Lord, Great advice and comments to our transition veterans. This site on RallyPoint is another way of communicating with others. also on LinkedIn. Again, I salute you for your time and effort of your personal view on how things really are. JK

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 22 at 2015 4:46 PM

2015-07-22T16:46:58-04:00

Great post!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 4:59 PM

2015-07-22T16:59:20-04:00

SSG Gabriel Lord, MHRD, very well written, and great information! I have seen so many of my peers separate or retire, and feel "lost." They find that GS job that equates to their military service, because the pension just isn't enough to support their family, and they lack the extra bit of something that gives them purpose. Like you said, you don't have to leave the "old you" behind, because that is still YOU! You just need to find a great way to direct those qualities, and the ideas you list are a great start! Thanks for the post!

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Jul 22 at 2015 6:05 PM

2015-07-22T18:05:25-04:00

I cant believe to tell you how much this has helped me! This is an Excellent Post! I have been trying to do this for the Longest time!

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 22 at 2015 7:01 PM

2015-07-22T19:01:46-04:00

Don't forget DAV, PVA, WWP, BVA, etc...

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 10:06 PM

2015-07-22T22:06:19-04:00

The VA is ALWAYS looking for volunteers. There are so many veterans who need rides to and from their appointments and there aren't enough drivers.

Response by Capt J A made Jul 22 at 2015 11:26 PM

2015-07-22T23:26:44-04:00

SSG Lord, outstanding post! Your words are a motivating call to service, which does not have to end when the uniform is put away. I am grateful to be involved in community service with military veterans, and look forward to seeing many more!

Response by PFC David Ryba made Nov 20 at 2015 7:56 AM

2015-11-20T07:56:25-05:00

You're absolutely right, Sargent! Most of us continue to serve our nation through some sort of public service. Born to lead, that's what we are.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 1 at 2017 9:56 PM

2017-02-01T21:56:35-05:00

This piece was well-written and I enjoyed reading it. I hope he writes more stuff here on Command Post.

Response by SGT Cynthia Barnard made Feb 2 at 2017 12:02 AM

2017-02-02T00:02:44-05:00

You make some excellent points one thing that I also did was I got involved in the local community and reached out to the schools that have afterschool programs and started to Cadet Corp which is in itssecond year and has tripled in size over those two years to the point where we now have to start a second company. helping shape the leaders of tomorrow in a world where discipline and honor seems to be disappearing with our children it's a wonderful way to use some of your military experience to bringit back to them in a fun way