What is the hardest part about transitioning into the civilian life? Personally I'm scared and excited all at once.

Even for a Reserve guy it was tough. After over 22yrs of service - one day you're doing your thing, the next day there is nothing! I never realized how much time I spent doing Reserve work during my time. There were some weekends I'd spend a full weekend at home doing nothing by Reserve work. Almost every evening I was on the net (after I got to NCOIC position) answering mail, doing power point, preparing for the next Corps exercise.
I can't imagine going from AD to retirement - and finding something to do. I was lucky I had a job and some hobbies to take over with. Good luck SSG John McCammon and enjoy it.

Understanding the difference between Leadership and Management. Realizing that every problem is NOT a nail, so a hammer is not the only tool you need in your tool box. Writing a resume that resonated in the civilian world. If you are an 11C, how are you going to translate "blowing shit up" into a skill people who don't "blow shit up" can recognize and respect?

One recommendation. Change your appearance. Longer hair, moustache, beard, something. If you wake-up every morning seeing the same person you've seen for the last 20 years, it will make the letting go part of your transition that much more difficult.

Nothing, accept you're not allowed to fuck idiots up and just keep the dedication we all develop but aim it toward school, your new job, ect. Save money now and prepare for financial burden but as stated keep your determination and dedication and remember you literal were taught the biggest skill anywhere. To be respectful and not be a whining useless moron.

It is normal to be scared and excited at the same time. Find a career that you love, stay busy, and the rest will fall into place.

I quit a job being an arcade manager. I couldn't put up with the greedy little brats saying that the games took their tokens, when it was obvious that they were working and only wanted a free play. With the children I saw over there, I snapped and politely unloaded on one of the brats. Then his mother confronted me about an employee calling her son a lier. I then politely unloaded on her too. I then called my manager and explained the situation and told him I needed to be replaced, because it was going to happen again. You can not give good customer service if you are angry at everyone you see as trying to take advantage of the system.

The unknown, the military give us such structure it's challenging to know there are no boundaries when your a civilian. The military needs to give a course on how civilians view vets.

The hardest part for me was given up my “Active duty” ID Card. I felt like I was thrown out of the door and now you are on your own. Dealing with individual in the work force that do not met the work ethic, discipline and standard that we as service members were held to. You will find yourself in situation in which your hard work ethics get you in bad with others co-workers. I once was told to slow down because I was making them look bad. Civilian workforce has a “I like you” you are safe. If I don’t, you are a goner. To be successful, try the “When in Rome, do like the Romans”, it works. My best suggestion to you is to give eight hours of honest/hard work, do your best and when in doubt, ask questions.

The hardest part is dealing with the civilian minsdet of mediocrity. They thrive on it. Most folks in the military are type A's. Not so in the civilian world and those that are, are not good at being team players.
It is a hard transition but doable as long as you manage your expectations.

SSG John McCammon, I retired in two years ago. It is important to try to pinpoint what makes you scared. I tried to do this and no one could really help me figure it out. On one hand you need to be psychic while on the other hand a jack of all trades.

I relied and still do on my faith in Jesus Christ. Turns out same way He protected me in combat He would came through for me during my transition.

I have a job that I can grow in and out of if needed. My physical disabilities forced me to abondon my dream of becoming a police officer. So I had to reinvent myself, and in my case the VA made it easy for me to get my foot in civil service. I am still trying to figure out what I am doing or where I am going.

I would suggest the job shadowing concept. Find a job you think you like and get the opportunity to spend some time with an organization. The best example is police ride-along programs.

My biggest obstacle was getting off the crazy train the unit mission requires you do. This was especially difficult for me to balance and caused enormous stress added to the whole process of out processing.

Hope this helps brother.

I was that way when I was getting ready to get out in 08, scared , alone , not knowing who you can trust amongst civilians. The only thing that got to me was the time I had on my hands, I was medically retired from the Army, and made the mistake to move back to my home town , police automatically think something you don't work have a nice home and 3 pov's in the yard. I even got stopped once by a policeman and asked
' What are you doing for yourself now? I replied the same thing your doing ""LIVING "" , after that, I asked" is there anything else I can help you with, or is that the only reason you stopped me, to get in my business. F$#%^& CIVILIANS