What is the worst part, personally, about transitioning into civilian life?

You are going to miss the Comradery that you have in the military. No matter what anybody tells you, even if you don't miss being in the military, you will feel lost at some point. It took me 2 years after getting out of the Army to find something that was similar to what I did at my last unit I was in. That helped drastically with the transition. When you go to the VA talk to all the people you can, it wil help. Anybody no matter the Generation gap will have advice for you. Listen to it and see if you can make it work for you. See if you can get into counselling early. I did not start mine until it was almost to late. Get into some Veteran support groups and talk with other veterans that have similar problems with transitioning. It will help. Two comments below from Capt Waddell and SSgt Robinson will hold true and you will see it. Nobody works together. Use your GI bill also. Getting involved with the Veterans club, if the college you attend has one, will help as well. I have a lot more thoughts send me a message if you would like

Start your transition before you get out. Use the GI Bill.

The unknown is the Worst thing!

SGT Justin Anderson
My biggest issue personally was people asking me if I had PTSD. I dealt with that by saying "Not that it's any of your business, but it's also illegal to ask about my medical conditions."

Of course, that made people think I was intimidating, argumentative, and scary and I got "talked to" a lot by the supervisor at my first post-Navy job.

Disconnecting from your people, association, and what you relied upon for so long in order to survive. If you don't have that "web" of support, healing, and a good place with friends/family to provide what you need when you're completely out - then it's going to be very hard. Just don't give up on anything. Life & peace prevails.

As both an Army Brat and career Chaplain, I found that I didn't have a place to call home. I'd moved 25 times prior to military retirement. Like most, upon retirement I moved near a military base, but not so near that neighbors and friends were either active-duty or fellow military retirees. My point is I realized I'm not from anywhere except the military. I've fit in well enough in New England, but it has been a challenge. I went to where I could serve a church, and while I don't talk like the locals (nor does my wife) they respect veterans here. One Sunday I took off, and attended chapel at HAFB. When I came in and said we were retired military, they said, "You're one of us." It was a good feeling. I indeed was home.

Lack of follow up by the federally funded organizations to make you aware of all you are now worth for your services. Like VA- very low. State benefits. Make all possibilities of benefits available to you, Known and Understood and Demonstratable to others.

There are Veterans Employment representatives in every state. We are here to assist you with your transition. I advise you to sit down and speak to either a DVOP or LVER in your area. Go to your local workforce services agency in your area and ask to speak to the veterans rep. Trust me they know who you are looking for. You can talk to a counselor prior to your separation. I know this doesn't answer your question and the reason I did not answer is very simple. Transition is different for everyone.

I had a difficult time transitioning mainly because I tried holding people to the same standards as those in the military. I expected everyone to have a sense of responsibility, to work and live with a purpose and to take action to make things better instead of just complain about.
It took me awhile, I'd say a good 4 months, to learn to let things go when people acted as "victims" and not as adult humans with a conscious.
I realized quickly that people I used to be close with before I joined, weren't friends anymore because of differences.
It is a process and everyone copes with the transition differently, but what I found helped me was keeping in touch with army friends and finding a hobby (mine was bingo - I know I sound 90 and joining a gun club) that introduced me to new people with similar interests.
Remember that it is okay to get frustrated, but that everything is temporary and you'll find your place with whatever you choose to do.
Good luck and thank you for your service.

Make yourself Known to all available Union jobs in your area. Take the best for yourself and family. Live long and Make Good.