What kind of challenges did you face when transitioning out of the military whether it was to go to school or work?

2016-05-06T08:20:35-04:00

I am preparing to speak with employers about the challenges military personnel face as they transition out of the military. I would like to have something fresh rather than what has been reported in the past AND I would like to have something written from those that have transitioned rather than from an article. SO - what would you like for me to tell them about your transition?

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made May 6 at 2016 8:34 AM

2016-05-06T08:34:51-04:00

Makes me think of The Rock movie. The Rundown

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2016 9:26 AM

2016-05-06T09:26:12-04:00

I would tell you to try to incorporate several courses of action to take so that if one don't work, you will be prepared for the next. I'm not sure how much time you have left but try to maximize the amount of money you save to prepare for unexpected life's situations. Apply for grants and scholarships for college and look for a job in your current field of work.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made May 6 at 2016 10:00 AM

2016-05-06T10:00:20-04:00

Greetings,

I was part of a group of individuals that considered themselves elite. It gave me great pride.

It never dawned on me, those I would work around would be without honor and not do what they agreed to. A warning might be needed to those getting out of the military. At least, out of a Victor Unit environment.

For example: Don't say anything to your fellow employees on why they haven't performed work, if they are having trouble at home, or constantly on the phone with their lawyer. Bring issues up with the Supervisor of the department. It will avoid conflict.

I can not write for everyone. But, my subconscious was programmed and I did not fully understand that. If I received an order, known as a request in the civilian world, I moved my ... as fast as I could. Civilians can take their time. Awareness of a few issues will help a smooth transition for active duty to being a civilian.

One last thing. Tell folks getting out of the military, when they go to compassion and sensitivity training and some over weight sweetheart with short hair tells everyone how ashamed they are to only know one language while in France, don't ask them how those that died so you do not have to speak Japanese would feel only speaking English. That appears to really upset globalists.

Kind Regards,

Mark A. Morris BS, RDMS, RVT

Response by MSG David Holmden made May 6 at 2016 10:08 AM

2016-05-06T10:08:00-04:00

First there are MANY differences between SM's retiring out. Everyone is different, location, education level, military MOS (does it transition to a civilian type job) family etc are just a few. My retirement was different as I got Med boarded after 17 years. I guess the biggest suggestion I could give would be save, save and save. As transitioning can be very expensive and remember you'll only get a percent of base pay, no BAH or BAQ. But bills still need to be paid. I know from my personal experience that the transition part of DOD that's supposed to help you with a plan for when you get out did nothing for me or my family. But again my situation was not the norm. I wish you the best of luck and God speed!!

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made May 6 at 2016 10:14 AM

2016-05-06T10:14:54-04:00

Transitioning from active duty to civilian, the main point I would stress is that the structure, motivation and initiative that good soldiers and service members show can many time seem intimidating to employers.

Managers need to understand the dynamics of how we are built, or Rather, "rebuilt."

Today's workplace is not like the workplace of years past, and just as the soldier may not be ready for an employer, many times the employer is not quite ready for the unique work ethic and drive of those service members who have strived to excel and thrived in the military culture.

I would suggest that employers spend more time with the soldiers. I know a training period should be given to everyone, but service members many times desire to know a great deal more about what is expected.

Let the employers know that they need to utilize those traitor such as initiative and motivation.

A very bold suggestion is to suggest a military transition program where a person is assigned to help the soldier adjust (much like happens to a soldier assigned to a new unit.

Veterans of our armed forces often times exhibit traits which can be misunderstood in a civilian work environment where there are no former military working.

Even bolder yet, design a small booklet or sheet outlining the "chain of command" in that company, and a concise list of items in the soldiers "lane."

Employers, take advantage of the personality traits which Veteran's bring to the table and allow them to help enhance the company.

One last note: most Veteran's do not work well under a micromanagement environment, LOL.

I'm typing this on my iPhone, so expect typo's and scattered thoughts.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2016 11:44 AM

2016-05-06T11:44:17-04:00

When I first got out of the Army back in '03, my first reactions (thoughts, really) was how am I going to inject myself back into "normal" society when these lazy yahoo civilians don't have the foggiest clue of real life outside of their particular nest.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2016 12:19 PM

2016-05-06T12:19:53-04:00

Amn Kim Bloodgood I transitioned in June 1972, and my biggest challenge was dealing with civilians. I had to watch what I said because there was hatred of the military by part of the population. In the military you learn to adapt and overcome, so that is what I did. I did not have any other major challenges because I planned every detail of my separation. I had money saved to live on, I found a job, started working on my degree, and then, after I obtained my degree, I started work at the career that I wanted. Have solid goals and objectives in place and then execute them.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made May 6 at 2016 12:22 PM

2016-05-06T12:22:46-04:00

AMN. I was fine for a couple of weeks before it hit me. All of a sudden I just had to get a job. Was offered 2 but they were dead end jobs and accepted one and cancelled the day before. I was scheduled to start school in a couple of month then rode that out until I started school. Before school was over I was offered a job with a large tire co. I took the job and 18 1/2 years I retired again. Now I am old enough to triple dip. The third pay is retirement from the tire co. This tire co. was very pro military in hiring so I was around a lot of retired military and vets. I had job satisfaction so I was doing what I liked.

Response by SPC Anna Larson made May 6 at 2016 12:49 PM

2016-05-06T12:49:28-04:00

One of the biggest things I had an issue with was where to live. Without having a job the day I left the military and not sure exactly when I would find one, my biggest concern was having a place to stay. I had to move back into my mother's house (she wasn't living there at the time since she was working in a different part of the state, but still it was my mom's house.) After finding housing, the rest was fairly easy. I was able to get unemployment to cover for a while, but that didn't come for a month after I moved home.

Response by SFC Andrew Miller made May 6 at 2016 12:53 PM

2016-05-06T12:53:14-04:00

My challenges were more emotional and getting used to the environment. Financially and professionally, I was about as prepared as you could be. My wife and I had started working on plans a few years before retirement and did what we could to set ourselves up for success. I spent a lot of time researching benefits and programs in the various states we were looking at moving to and are extremely happy with how things turned out.

My first job after the army was as a contractor in Afghanistan. This isn't for everyone, but provided me a good stepping stone. You have just enough of the rules in place to feel like you are military, but you can take baby steps towards civilian life. After that I spent three years working in higher education and then was blessed with the chance to become a veterans service officer for an adjoining county.

I now get to spend my days helping other veterans connect with benefits. Tomorrow I will be facilitating a transition/benefits portion of a retirement briefing for National Guard soldiers either at or approaching retirement. I'm truly living the dream.

The best advice for employers I could give is to understand that many of the processes that we use for operations and maintenance in the military on a daily basis are not that different from their own. The terminology is usually a little different, so there can be a disconnect when a potential employer is asking if the candidate has experience with something in particular. The veteran may have been using almost the exact same system, but doesn't recognize it based on the verbiage used. While I firmly believe that it falls on the veteran's shoulders to educate themselves in preparation, employers should also understand that they could be dismissing a potential valuable employee due to miscommunication.

Response by PFC Alexander Oliveira made May 6 at 2016 1:22 PM

2016-05-06T13:22:24-04:00

transition isn't a quick thing. ive been out 3 years and still am trying to completely establish myself as an independent adult. I hate civilian employment because they don't have to give you any notice of terminating you. and more than likely you will gain some weight. the last part is completely on you as a person.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made May 6 at 2016 1:47 PM

2016-05-06T13:47:41-04:00

Generally speaking, every transitioning military member faces the same disadvantages when entering the civilian job market. Most jobs are found through one's local network and contacts created from friends you grew up with or the local industry group to which you belong. Transitioning military members miss out on these advantages since they tend to separate from a location away from where they want to settle. People tend to hire those who they know or someone who was recommended by a trusted friend or colleague.

In my view, the best comment you could make would be to get the hiring managers to be open minded and to realize military members typically have accomplished a lot more from a leadership point of view than most. These managers need to see beyond their own backyard.

Just my humble opinion.

Response by SGT David T. made May 6 at 2016 3:43 PM

2016-05-06T15:43:27-04:00

Manage your expectations. The civilian world is not all rainbows and unicorns. It's harsh, unforgiving, and most people don't actually care what you did in the military.

I have $13k saved up when I got out. It went quick. I thought I was going to be able to find a job pretty easy since I had a lot of great experience from the Army. I was dead wrong. I couldn't find a job. I was under-qualified for any good jobs and overqualified for the bad ones. I couldn't even get hired at Walmart. My biggest hindrance was my lack of education. I decided to pursue a degree and 3 years later I got it. Two months after I graduated, I started my career with the Civil Service. One of my biggest challenges was figuring out I was. I knew who Sergeant Thomas was but I didn't have any idea who David was. That took some time. I can go on for hours about this but I'll spare you that lol.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 6 at 2016 10:15 PM

2016-05-06T22:15:50-04:00

Well my transition was stressful. My 2nd daughter was due 2 weeks before my EAS. Granted I saved up my leave so I had some buffer room. But it was hectic trying to locate a job so I could decide on a place to live all before my daughter was born.

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made May 10 at 2016 10:25 AM

2016-05-10T10:25:49-04:00

Personally, my biggest challenge was not wearing a uniform. The identity and rank don't transition with you. As a woman, with back problems, epilepsy and breast cancer, I don't think anyone looked at me as a veteran. I applied for a low level job in the school of nursing at a University teaching, and didn't get the job. I'm not sure why, but I had plenty of experience and the credentials, but there is this assumption that women aren't veterans too! We don't all have severe health issues, but what helps us is work, support, being around other veterans and that it is a slow change.