What advice would you give to active duty Service Members in all aspects of the military/transitioning?

2016-10-01T16:34:13-04:00

I am retired nowadays, but I always have active duty Soldiers/Sailors to ask what would I do in their situation. I always tell them do the hard right over the easy wrong. To stay in the military and retire if possible. I respect all Veterans whom are leading the charge nowadays and the future Veterans to come. I always tell the ones getting out to make sure their medical records are up to date.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 1 at 2016 4:50 PM

2016-10-01T16:50:25-04:00

The title doesn't make sense since by definition veterans are not on active duty unless they are recalled SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL.
As far as giving advise to transitioning military service-members, I would advise:
1. They ensure they have electronic and/or pdf copies of all orders, including assignment, promotion and awards.
2. They ensure they have paper and electronic copies of all military medical records for themselves and their family members and copies of all civilian treatment recorded which occurred while they are were in active military status.
3. They contact a Veterans Service Organization to start the VA disability application process between one year nd six months before they ETS or retire.
4. If they are not retiring I would encourage them to continue to serve and use their skill sin the reserve components - USAR, national guard, etc.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2016 4:51 PM

2016-10-01T16:51:49-04:00

My advice to anyone still working either military or civilian is to do you current job to the very best of your ability. That includes seeking ways to improve always.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Oct 1 at 2016 5:04 PM

2016-10-01T17:04:35-04:00

Take it one step at a time: moment by moment, day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year....
Register at your local VA Hospital; to receive the V.A Hospital's services: as soon as possible.
-Best, Margaret C Higgins US Army (Ret) SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Oct 1 at 2016 6:56 PM

2016-10-01T18:56:32-04:00

Right place, right time, right uniform, and right attitude. If you can get those right, you won't have too many problems. Do what your told and when it's done, THEN ask questions why. With the way things are going in the civilian world, stay in. The grass isn't greener, and just because you see a six figure job, doesn't mean you'll be the one making six figures. If you do, you'll soon see that that six figure job be eaten alive through taxes and other necessities the military gives for free.
I'd tell them this: Combat Arms is one hell of a way to start your career. I wanted to be a 11B when I enlisted (WTF does flat feet disqualifying me make any sense?). In MP school we had two full platoons of 11 series guys, and the one thing they all agreed upon, it was great, it was fun, but there is no direct job on the outside for that MOS. Look at the big picture when choosing a career field. The one you pick might not be sexy, but should you get out, it'll be helpful in so many ways.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2016 7:47 PM

2016-10-01T19:47:44-04:00

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL The most important thing I would pass on is to live a life with integrity. I like the way that you have worded it better, "Do the hard right over the easy wrong." I will add:

1.The service instills discipline, drive, and leadership skills that will be assets going forward.
2. Use your education benefits to obtain the education needed for the career that you desire.
3. Manage your money wisely. Educate yourself about budgeting, saving, and investing.
4. Plan and then do.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Oct 1 at 2016 9:50 PM

2016-10-01T21:50:55-04:00

Education! They can't take it away and it opens so many doors of opportunities you'll miss with just your military experience/knowledge!

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2016 12:36 AM

2016-10-03T00:36:02-04:00

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL Have a plan, not just a dream or an idea. Personal experience - My ETS back when the earth was beginning to cool had me on the way to Los Angeles where the streets were paved with gold and the aerospace industry was eager to hire recently released radar techs. Wrong on all counts! Fortunately the telephone industry did wind up a 40 year fit, so things did work out, though it was squeaky for a while.

To the leadership of those in the transition phase - make certain that your subordinates' plans are executable, and that they have verified their aspirations as achievable. That will be the best parting gift you can provide.

Response by SFC George Smith made Oct 3 at 2016 6:14 AM

2016-10-03T06:14:34-04:00

good deal...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2016 7:41 AM

2016-10-04T07:41:33-04:00

SFC Davis is right on point and I would add only one thing: "Maintain a copy of your entire MPRJ and keep it in a safe spot!" The day will come when you will be happy you did that versus sending a SF-180 requesting copies from St. Louis which you may or may not receive all of what you are searching for!" Better to have the records and not need them, then need them and not have it! - Top

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2016 12:13 PM

2016-10-05T12:13:14-04:00

I might suggest the series that I have started on LinkedIn, if interested. I received a job offer while on active duty and curtailed my orders by 60 days in order to accept the job.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2016 2:46 PM

2016-10-06T14:46:05-04:00

SFC Davis. As a prior Service Infantryman who spent time in the IRR. I highly recommend scouting out local Reserve units for any open vacancies or possible Reclass MOS jobs and Bonuses available. Although I am a Career Counselor now for the Reserves (AGR), I spent 3 years in the IRR before I even knew I could be in a Reserve unit after Active Duty. Getting qualified for free Tuition assistance, Tricare, etc, is a plus, and you are only wearing the Uniform part time. I did not even need to eat into my GI Bill. I changed my job to medical as a 68X in Medical Field. This allowed me to work as a civilian Psych Tech on Camp Pendleton as GS (Federal) employee. This was my story, but I hope, if they are not at the end of their service or retirement time, that Soldiers consider adding an extra skill to their resume that may be aligned with their civilian goals as well as get a degree in the meantime.