What information does someone who is fixing to retire really need before they hit the civilian world ?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 10:52:28 -0500

Based on my experience since I have retired I have realized that alot of my fellow soldiers are not really asking or doing the right things in order to succeed past retirement. This discusssion is for all who are fixing to retire, and want to succeed either in the civilian world, or want to try to GS world. There are alot of us here who have retired and have been through the trials and tribulations you are fixing to go through. We want to help. Ask your questions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2014 11:16 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 11:16:15 -0500

Great discussion topic. As NCOs, we need to network better prior to retirement in order to better prepare for the civilian sector. Officers do it very well, so should we.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 3 at 2014 11:29 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 11:29:27 -0500

This type of thing goes beyond those of you that are retiring. Every service man and woman needs to ask the right questions, take the correct steps and complete certain tasks in order to ensure a successful transition out of the military, regardless if you did 4 years or 34 years of service.

Through my work as a Veteran Advocate here in the Pittsburgh area, I cannot tell you how many times I've tried to use the lessons I learned through my transition as an example to others making the same move. Questions ranging from how do I apply for my VA benefits to what do I wear to a job interview are all good questions to ask. The civilian world is obviously much different than the world you have lived in for the past few years or decades of your life.

The best advice I can give to any one looking to transition out is stay connected! Get involved and get to know the people in and around you. You will be surprised by how many other Veterans you come across on a daily basis. Don't bunker down and think you can go about it yourself. While you might be able to make a few good steps; it will be a lot easier if you are connected and able to talk to someone in your area that has transitioned out as well. Don't reinvent the wheel; take their advice and choose how to apply it within your situation. Some things may not apply to your situation but all advice is worth something.

Response by SFC Joseph Bosley made Mar 3 at 2014 11:48 AM

SFC Joseph Bosley — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 11:48:44 -0500

I retired in 2009, the biggest thing I wasn't prepared for was the culture shock. It's been my experience that civilians do not care about each other and will jump over each other to stab you in the back so they can look good for their superiors. All the things I was taught and valued in the Army, like taking responsibility, seeking responsibility, duty, even integrity and honesty mean very little to many I have worked with. Getting ahead in the civilian world can be very difficult as they view our leadership skills as inferior, although we know they are in fact superior. Many managers look down on the capabilities of us as they have never served themselves and do not understand what we are capable of. I have found it extremely difficult and frustrating to break that ideology. Once you begin to break through the culture shock, civilian life isn't all that bad.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2014 9:57 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 09:57:11 -0500

SFC Scott, I agree 100% with your comment.

I was lucky my unit gave me the time that I needed in order to take care of myself. I started this discussion, because I still see some of my my coworkers that I retired with about a year ago. still looking for work. What I learned I feel truly is worth sharing. Simply put take care of yourself.

A. Have 2 resumes (civilian/usa jobs)

B. Start about a year out applying for jobs

C. I got a feel of what i needed to work on my resume before I hit the 60-90 days critical time before retirement.

D. NETWORK ! NETWORK ! NETWORK !

E. The opportunities are out there, you just have to put in the work.

To those that are fixing to retire ask questions, there are people out there who want to help you find or assist you in a smooth transition on to your next job.

Bottom line we want to share what we have been through. To help you.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2014 8:26 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 20:26:13 -0500

Gentlemen,

Great responses. I too am ACAPing as we speak....1 Jul 14 is my retirement date Transition leave 30 Apr 14. Started late ( Jan 14) I am behind schedule but finally taking the time to take care of me....one should really start 24 months or at a minimal, 12 months, especially if u have a family. I am single so I can and have been lazy....

I will tell u, u better start learning how to conduct interviews,,,,complete ur Resume's now so u can define it as time gets closer....I just completed two interviews with USAA and it was the hardest thing I ever have done. Studied the company for two days from periods of 1922 to present and not one question was asked....it was all personal situational questions and inquiries....

End state: Stay on top of ur acap and ask a million questions. DOD has an ok program which is getting better everyday but u have to make the time to attend. There r great Americans in these programs willing to help u....

Good luck Soldiers.

SGM Cruz.

Response by Capt Christian Olson made Jul 24 at 2014 1:07 AM

Capt Christian Olson — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 01:07:48 -0400

Good responses above and throughout.

Another problem I have seen with may veterns is inflexibility to move. Unfortunately, if you are not going to a job that is defense related yo will likely have to move. Some want to go back to a place they liked alot in their past. That does not mean there are jobs there my friends!

To get hired, you have to be willing to move to where the jobs are. Telling a recruiter I am limitied to city, state or region X is going to turn him off and result in a far more difficult time in finding work. I understand we had to move alot in the military and we are looking forward to having more control of our lives in the private sector, but honestly, freedom and control of your life is alot easier when you are getting a pay check.

Bottom Line- Be willing to move!