What has been your biggest roadblock as you transitioned into civilian life?

PO1 Eric Corralejo, I'm not sure what companies you interviewed with but I would say they are a minority. Most employers see Veterans as a strong employee to have. We have a track record of working well in both large and small groups with or without supervision. If the company you are interviewing you comes up to you with that excuse, then I would love the chance to talk to them. I've spoken with a lot of companies and I can tell you 99.9999% of them want to hire Veterans.

When I left the Air Force in 1992, after 10 years, I applied and was accepted to become a Las Vegas Police Officer. The problem with that was the next academy date was a year or more away. In the mean time I had a difficult time getting a job, that would utilize my military experience and feed my family of 4. I was either over qualified or lacked so called real world experience. After a few months a casino security director (USAF Veteran) gave me a chance. I never went to the police academy, stayed in the casino business and for the last 22 years I have been paying it back.

I know it's a little off topic but I think it's important for veterans who are in positions to hire employees to tout the successes of hiring veterans who succeed. Prove that the negative stereotypes are wrong, show that the positive stereotypes are true. I have hired dozens of veterans, some haven't worked out for what ever reason, but the majority have worked and have become very successful.

PO1 Eric Corralejo Mindset. After spending 23 years in service my mind was not where it needed to fully and properly transition. Maybe it's still not - but life does not wait for you to get your mindset in the proper lane. Listen to the hints given by the interviewers - don't be the poster child for "how NOT to be a military veteran".

My grandfather served - but you'd never know it from his discussions or actions. It was only after I had been in for several years and returned home on leave that he would talk about his service. Be proud, yes. Be boastful, arrogant - not in your best interest. You know what you bring to the table at an interview, but it's far better to not overwhelm those who have never "been there, done that" - especially when they're the ones that might hire you. Show the interviewer you can adapt, adjust, overcome - not how you can destroy, mangle and overwhelm.

When I returned from Vietnam I tried to go to work for the National Weather Service. I was a trained and experienced meteorological observer and could operate the rawinsonde system (weather balloons collecting upper air data). I was told that because of affirmative action, they could not hire me. They were mandated by the feds to hire minorities, even if they were not trained. Then I ran into the problem of being a veteran and public opinion toward Vietnam vets was anything but positive. After two years I was able to get hired by a family friend and worked in the oil field for two years until the oil crunch of 73. That job ended and I finally got a job where veterans were honored, the police department. It took me four years to find my niche and overcome the bias felt toward veterans.

Understanding that I had way more maturity and experience at a young age and civvies did not understand or translate that into their viewpoint.

It is always hit in miss. You will have companies tell you that they are military supportive, but really aren't. Most companies run on making a profit, so when you interview, show your ability to make that happen. Be confident, barney down, and don't be afraid to clear up any misconceptions about military veterans. The link provided is from Center for American Security. It shows the choke points many employers have when hiring veterans. One major choke point is the hiring managers ability to fully understand individual veterans abilities. Hope this helps. http://www.cnas.org/files/documents/publications/CNAS_EmployingAmericasVeterans_HarrellBerglass.pdf

Honestly, some of my unit leadership have been the biggest roadblock...not very supportive that I am leaving on my own terms.

purley a mindset problem, the military taught us how to adapt and overcome. I never had a problem getting a job once I got out. I didnt highlight my service, but if I was asked about it I was open and upfront about everything they asked. the only roadblock I encoutered was some of the older guys treating me like a typical kid with no life experience. I ran that roadblock over like an abrams over a prius. civilian life is good.

At first, it was finding a job.
At my first job, out of the Army, as I recall: My boss even mocked me.
I had/have a 100% s/c disability. I was/am mentally ill; and I had/have a stress disorder.
Now that I have been diagnosed with PTSD, from all of the trauma I have been through: It really can be prohibitive; in the sense that I go into rages, and cry.

AGE DISCRIMINATION AND DISCRIMINATION OF US IN MILITARY AS VETS!!!!!