What do you find the most challenging when transitioning from military to civilian life?

Jordie Kern — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 01:38:43 -0500

Your insights matter and your experiences can help us better support veterans during their transition. Let's hear your thoughts!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2023 2:10 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 02:10:34 -0500

Thanks for the share.

Response by Maj John Bell made Nov 8 at 2023 3:26 AM

Maj John Bell — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 03:26:32 -0500

Civilians

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Nov 8 at 2023 8:21 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:21:58 -0500

Understanding which military habits are "good habits" to bring to civilian employment, an which ones are "bad habits."

We are constantly told that we have valuable skills and that we are highly sought after as veterans because we bring all of these intangibles. But then we unleash those intangibles, we are told we are toxic.

So, we try to be "non-military," and get looked at like a shitbag for going too far the other way. "I thought you said you were in the Army, dude, how did you survive with that weak attitude?"

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Nov 8 at 2023 9:09 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 09:09:28 -0500

I think adjusting to the new life post military life. I was med boarded and that process was a little different because I wasn't leaving on my terms or because I decided it was time to leave. Due to an injury my career was ended at 11 and 1/2 years and that was a little harder to find closure. I struggled for a few months defining who I was after leaving the Military because that was so much of my identity for a long time. Once I was able to find hobbies and friends out of the military and especially after having kids I was able to come to terms and be satisfied in not being in the military anymore.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Nov 9 at 2023 6:57 PM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 18:57:24 -0500

INTERACTIONS WITH CIVILIANS AND REMEMBER IF YOU WERE IN A LEADERSHIP POSITION IN THE MILITARY, THE CIVILIAN WORLD ID A LOT DIFFERENT.
NETWORKING AND COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Nov 12 at 2023 2:19 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 14:19:25 -0500

I didn't have a problem with the transition, within one month went from working Military Law Enforcement to the same as a civilian. Continued the college I started in the military and got My BS degree. The Police Department I spent most My civilian career with 95% of the Police Officers were prior Military including WWII, Korean War and Vietnam Veterans. We had the same teamwork concept We learned in the military and even haircut and uniform standards and training very much like in the military service. Even when I was in the military I hadn't lost touch with the civilian community. I never found adaption a problem. I also live in a Community that was NEVER anti military and the overwhelming majority of the males I went to high school with entered the military services either right away or later after college as Officers.

Response by CSM Eric Biggs made Nov 26 at 2023 3:34 AM

CSM Eric Biggs — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 03:34:41 -0500

Translating roles and responsibilities of a Senior NCO into Civilian terms. People understand commanders but not their CSMs.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Dec 4 at 2023 7:23 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 07:23:56 -0500

Good morning, thanks for sharing.