What advice would you give your fellow service members and veterans about transitioning back to civilian life?

2016-11-29T16:45:46-05:00

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Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 29 at 2016 4:48 PM

2016-11-29T16:48:21-05:00

most interesting...
looks like a good site...

Response by GySgt Bill Smith made Nov 29 at 2016 5:33 PM

2016-11-29T17:33:58-05:00

Start learning all about your GI Bill benefits and look into what college you want to attend a year before you exit the military. Make a 5 year plan and find a new purpose. After that right up a detailed plan on how you are going to accomplish your new mission.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Nov 29 at 2016 6:49 PM

2016-11-29T18:49:13-05:00

Have a skill or trade that's needed.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2016 8:28 PM

2016-11-29T20:28:57-05:00

Don't expect anyone to have your back that you don't know. In the service you can expect a degree of professionalism and integrity that just doesn't exist in civilian life. Great leaders dragged me kicking and screaming from ignorance into a proper soldier capable and competent in my expected skill set. From there I learned how to cross-train to be an asset to my unit. This mindset failed me in civilian life. I did not transition successfully, and it has cost me.

You are responsible for making yourself into a productive member of society able to support yourself and your loved ones. The methods for making this happen aren't the same in civilian life, and all of the responsibility for finding out how and accomplishing your goals is entirely on you. You're pretty much the only one who suffers when you fail, so there's no incentive for strangers to help you outside of taking your benefits.

To summarize: arm yourself with knowledge, seek advice FROM VETERANS, and set clear measurable goals, short term and long term. People have told me these things my whole life, but I made myself learn this the hard way. You don't have to.

My experience seems to be a bit different than most, and I don't mean to sound overly negative. My failings were mine, and they were certainly preventable. We here at Rallypoint definitely have your back. Share your difficulties. Collectively, we've seen and overcome every obstacle. You may feel alone, but you're not.

Response by CPO Henry Enterline made Nov 29 at 2016 9:40 PM

2016-11-29T21:40:36-05:00

Your colleagues will respect your service but won't have much interest in the way you did things in the past.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Nov 29 at 2016 11:52 PM

2016-11-29T23:52:23-05:00

I Would Join a support group or start one and it really helps post in the local paper and put some flyers out on what you trying to put out. Veterans wanted to adjust to the outside world.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Nov 30 at 2016 9:59 AM

2016-11-30T09:59:27-05:00

start building your resume and cover letter early because this is going to be the key to your success when you transition out of the military.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Nov 30 at 2016 10:43 AM

2016-11-30T10:43:55-05:00

1. Immediately deep six any "entitlement" ego.
2. Take advantage of bona fide "Hire a Vet" programs. Fed and States have them.
3. There's too much hype about "networking". It's more about right skill at the right place and time. Some networking can steer you towards opportunity but networking dry wells gets you nothing.
4. If you don't write well, take a couple writing courses before you get out. Writing gets you more places.
5. Seek out a good mentor that is familiar with the fields you have skill in. Good ones know where the market opportunities are. Mid to Senior level civil servants who are exMIL in your community at your base is a good start.
6. Work on a good resume that tells your story truthfully. See #4 above.
7. If there are Feds in your area, look at USA Jobs and see what the pay is for stuff you qualify for. It gives you an idea what one salary benchmark is.
8. If you don't know what you can qualify for, go to the OPM website under "series' and "classification". Positions are matched up to those concepts.
9. It all boils down to skill and experience foremost. Add to that good communication skills oral and written plus a good positive demeanor; you should be more competitive than most.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Nov 30 at 2016 4:22 PM

2016-11-30T16:22:20-05:00

Don't do it. Re-enlist if you can. The civilian world is over-rated.

Response by SSG Jeremy Sharp made Nov 30 at 2016 11:36 PM

2016-11-30T23:36:28-05:00

Prepare for separation before it happens. Save money for subsistence, have a target position or career in mind and do everything you can to prepare for it before separation. Be realistic with goals and expectations. If you did nothing in service but serve in a line unit, didn't get additional training or seek educational opportunities, then do not expect anything except an entry level position. If you sought out training and educational opportunities and were promoted ahead of peers then you may be well surprised by a middle management position especially if you have a tech heavy Occupational specialty. Do job market research and put effort into developing a functional resume. Window dressing will get you an interview but a professional appearance, positive attitude, self confident demeanor (not arrogance) and a marketable skill are the keys to employment. Approach the employment search like a job. Dedication, preparation and perseverance will pay dividends.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Dec 2 at 2016 12:54 PM

2016-12-02T12:54:00-05:00

I would take a break. If they can and have money saved, at least 6 months. They'll find that military habits won't go away, but being 'out' is again their normal. Keep it touch with your military buddies, join a VFW post, file a VA claim if applicable, etc. Most importantly, make time to help your fellow soldiers (still in), and veterans regardless of branch or age. Offer to give advice to someone becoming a soldier.
The VA Healthcare system isn't too bad. There are transition teams in every one. They help with almost everything: job training (paid for), financing, getting a job, benefits, etc. Active Duty military is on 24/7 call the entire time you are in. Leave can get canceled and units deploy with around a month's notice. Suddenly that lifestyle is over. I'm sure most soldiers leaving know they are not the same person as before.

Response by CPO Scott Hosler made Dec 2 at 2016 10:54 PM

2016-12-02T22:54:10-05:00

Has one of your thoughts been about approaching your PEER and letting him know how deplorable his remakes were and that type of disrespect and vulgar language will not be tolerated. Or some manner of assertion to deal with him directly.

The only reason I can think of that your coming to the masses is to have us help you establish enough advocates to deal with him.

News flash, he's wrong and should not end allowed to treat anyone like that. Period. Ask yourself, "do his actions pass the headline test?" I think not. Then ask yourself, "does my lack of action and lack of duty pass the headline test?"

Response by SPC Martin Malone made Sep 10 at 2019 8:02 PM

2019-09-10T20:02:30-04:00

Dude! Its your life! live it to the limit! I got lucky and met the woman of my life! But only after I went through a whole bunch of shit! Hang in there Bro, and if you need to talk I'll listen! And maybe have some advice if yer inyerested. 2nd Inf. Div, Second to none!!