What advice would you give to an active duty soldier transitioning into the civilian work force?

DECOMPRESS first. Look the hardest thing to deal with is the transition itself You are going from an arena where Top says FIX IT DAMMIT and you move to deal with it, to having to ask about the wife, the kids, the new car and suggesting there may be a challenge that needs to be addressed - and even then having an EEO complaint because you are too harsh..oh and hand holding them through it as they are not really used to having to think about it without someone stroking their ego! Those who have transitioned tell me I am wrong!

run....

As soon as you know when you're getting out, start saving your money. Rule of thumb (per Dave Ramsey & Suzie Orman) is to have at least 6 months contingency at all times. Also, take full advantage of any and all job search options/services that your post offers in addition to the required ACAP. I processed through the education center at West Point & in addition to the ACAP, they offered a 2 day program on education and getting into colleges which was great for me and they had other programs for people interested in entrepreneurship and other stuff. If there are free programs, take full advantage of them. If your unit tries to tell you no, if you're within 6 months of your ETS/retirement transition leave, they can't. I forget the regulation, but you're supposed to be focusing on your transition. Also, if you schedule your VA rating appointment within 6 months of your ETS/retirement date, it can be expedited, whereas if you wait until you're out, it will take up to a year.

Sit back and watch. Use those observation skills and be willing to LEARN. If you dont, you wont last.

Go to the va. Then school...

Start early before your transition date,be serious and put in the work be consistent, be visible and deliver results. Also start networing

Make sure you got an associate degree or higher. Always have several plan, because plan A-C might not be enough. Finally, market yourself like a product. Why do I want to work here and what do I bring to the table?

Take time to learn about the prospective company you want to work at.

The best thing you could do is make sure that your resume is tight and then send it to someone who is great at looking at them, then fix your mistakes and start working on your interview skills. Your resume will get you the interview, your interview technique will land the job.

in the military sometimes we have to yell to get our point across. Have you had a situation where you've lost your temper as a civilian employee?