What is the Soldier for Life program and how does it work?

SSG Carlos Madden — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 15:35:45 -0500

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 3:43 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 15:43:19 -0500

From the website: Mission Statement: Soldier for Life connects Army, governmental, and community efforts to build relationships that facilitate successful reintegration of our Soldiers, Retired Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families in order to keep them Army Strong and instill their values, ethos, and leadership within communities.

In layman terms, its the process the Army uses when soldiers separate. The program provides information about how to navigate the VA process and then facilitates VA out-processing, how to build a resume and begin a job search, and what benefits a soldier is entitled to after he/she leaves the Army. Each instillation has different resources, so it is wise to contact the Soldier for Life Center on your installation as soon as you know you're separating to learn more.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 9:41 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 21:41:59 -0500

It replaced the ACAP program to assist transitioning Soldiers. (ETS/Chapter/retire etc.) There are mandatory classes that you need to attend. They will try assist with both federal and civilian resume writing, provide you with job fair information, show you how to budget etc. I found the "financial planning" meeting very intrusive and insulting. When you have to justify how much you spend in a vending machine weekly to civilian that isn't your wife or mother I tend to draw the line!
Some will say we came a long way, (I would hate to see where we came from) and others will say that it's a great program.(I would love to know what they are comparing it to)
Lets just say that I had a terrible experience. It felt like they were more concerned about covering their six (by implementing mandatory training) than they were concerned about actually helping transitioning Soldiers. Everyone is different and has different needs they had a hard time understanding that concept. A 20 year old SPC has much different aspirations and needs than a 34 year old E8. The employees working this program are contracted through a company called Serco.