What do you think is the most difficult part of transitioning off of active duty?

2014-01-29T14:31:41-05:00

What were the challenges that made your transition difficult? What were some techniques you used to make it successful?

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 29 at 2014 7:09 PM

2014-01-29T19:09:54-05:00

Not having the full focus of the VA for assistance in supplying veteran assistance, it is like pulling teeth to get questions answered or even giving guidance on where to go.

Another issue is getting people to even consider talking to you about a job position, as many are focusing on the stereotype of you being a combat veteran over the last decade plus and possibly having PTSD and are going to flip out and kill everyone, the old school stereotype that is still highly prevalent today and even more so I believe.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 9:54 PM

2014-01-29T21:54:18-05:00

If you're transitioning off active duty to civilian life, it's hard....but I say it's doubly hard transitioning to reserve duty if you don't go AGR...

On the one hand, you have the civilian life, and on the other hand, you have the culture shock of the Army Reserve....I've seen things in the last 12.5 years in the Reserve that would never fly in the Active component....not for a second.

Response by PO2 Frances Smart made Jan 30 at 2014 10:40 PM

2014-01-30T22:40:58-05:00

For me, it was being able to keep a job. I have known a lot of veterans who have the same problem when they first leave active duty. They have spent years of their lives in a situation where they could not quit, even though they wanted to, and so, when they get out, they quit a job at the first sign of trouble. It took me several years to break that cycle.

Response by CSM Stuart C. O'Black made Jan 30 at 2014 10:51 PM

2014-01-30T22:51:37-05:00

In relation to this topic I think this is an important article to read:

Thank You For Your Military Service — Now Here Are 9 Reasons Why I Won't Hire You

Use these to figure out what you may be doing wrong in your job search.

Response by SPC Sven Pacot made Jan 31 at 2014 4:31 PM

2014-01-31T16:31:24-05:00

I found getting back into Civilian work and shedding the formality and firm nature being in the Military brings. People were always telling me to relax and calm down.

Response by Sgt William Van Houten made Feb 1 at 2014 5:49 AM

2014-02-01T05:49:28-05:00

It's been almost 23 years and there are times that the world is the same as it was in '91. Civ's no concept team training redundancy of in the team.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made May 16 at 2014 1:19 AM

2014-05-16T01:19:46-04:00

Different language, culture and overall niche. Coming from a disciplined institution, and living in an independent life style requires a certain action plan.

To learn this plan, I went back to college, learning to become competitive in a open and free society. During that same period, I worked with horses, bovine, and other animals.

I believe that attaining higher education is key, being a life long learner.

Prayer is key too.

My advice is not too aim too high on the job market until you earn your spurs. Collaborate and build your network.

Response by PO2 Shawn Sommerkamp made May 20 at 2014 1:19 PM

2014-05-20T13:19:38-04:00

The most difficult part (and I can remember it as if it were yesterday even though it was 20 years ago) is thinking that civilian life is different than military life. Each time I let those thoughts creep in ("This is so different") I became anxious, scared and doubtful. It was after my second new job that I realized nearly everything was the same. It is all a mindset. Success is focusing on the good and achievable, not what is strange or scary.