What are some things that you wish you did different, or worked well for you, when transitioning from the military to civilian life?

SSgt John Axtell II — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 11:20:43 -0400

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2017 11:29 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 11:29:26 -0400

I think the benchmarks on timing (Retiring, ETS) need to be pushed back to the left 6 months to 12 months depending on each individual circumstance. For instance: after deciding to depart the Service one should scout out the Company and job title that they would like to transition to. Look at the job requirements and if civilian credentials are required. Examples that I have seen are PMP, PMI, LLS, ect. The transition period is the time one's needs to get prepared so that by the time they land on their feet in their new base of operations that they are ready to walk into a job on day 1 and get to work.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Oct 17 at 2017 11:31 AM

LTC John Shaw — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 11:31:53 -0400

SSgt John Axtell II Worried about it less. Build your checklist, execute it. Don't worry about those items you don't have control over.

Response by CW5 Ranger Dave made Oct 17 at 2017 1:35 PM

CW5 Ranger Dave — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 13:35:58 -0400

First, I was glad that I had a military skillset that transitioned straight into the civilian world. Second, in the civilian world NO ONE is in charge. With that said, YOU will have to be your own personnel manager. Depending on your desire for a civilian career track, study, study, study that data via the internet to become a SME on the who, what, where, how, and why of the career. Prepare a knock your socks off resume. Talk with people in that field. Don't be afraid of asking questions. Use your military experience as an advantage. When I interviewed potential employees, looked for a resume that was clear and consice prior to the interview, this gave me an impression prior to the actual interview. During the interview, I looked for appearance, folks that looked me in the eye when I asked questions, and the manner they replied to the questions. Additionally, I always asked the applicants if there was anything they would like to add. Many just said Thank you, yet some explained their passion for why they wanted the position. The best answers were the ones where they expressed how their employment would better the organization. Lastly, START early. If you have a firm date for exiting the military back off at leadt one year. Have that job locked down for when you leave the service. The easiest time to look for a job is when you have one!

As you prepare for the military to civilian transition the internet is you best tool for researching and resources. Very best of luck.

A Triple Dipper

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Oct 17 at 2017 3:47 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 15:47:05 -0400

Not settling for the first job that came along...btw, I lasted only 5 months at that first job out of the military.

Response by SSG Jeremy Sharp made Oct 17 at 2017 6:38 PM

SSG Jeremy Sharp — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 18:38:04 -0400

I wished that the education benefits guidelines had been explained better or tha I had endeavored to discover the "wearout" date for mine. I found out 6 months too late that I could have used them to help my daughter.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Oct 17 at 2017 8:44 PM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 20:44:53 -0400

Transition for me, from military life into civilian was fairly simple, except for the tough guy stand when my decisions were challenged or when another leader insulted me. Remember; competitive behavior in civilian careers is far more than in the military and, if you get ruffled, the aggressors win that battle. The tough boy stand is seen as a weakness and, not your strength.

Go easy and learn the drill, before taking any reins; don't lead others, unless you are a doctor in that process or procedure. It doesn't make us inferior to learn a new drill from subordinates or peers.

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Oct 18 at 2017 10:33 AM

SSgt Holden M. — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 10:33:31 -0400

For me one of the best things I did was make sure I had my resume done for the most part and started applying for jobs while I was on terminal leave. I only ended up spending one month on unemployment.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Oct 18 at 2017 11:32 AM

SFC Dennis A. — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 11:32:49 -0400

401's, Roth's and anything else dealing with old age and retirement were the furthest thing from my my mind while in the military. I wish I had put more thought into that prior to getting out.