What or who helped you the most with your transition into civilian life?

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 20:57:07 -0400

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 13 at 2015 9:01 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 21:01:19 -0400

I really did it on my own. I am self motivated and blessed ti be able to think for myself

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 13 at 2015 9:02 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 21:02:59 -0400

SPC Margaret Higgins what helped me was my peer support, and family. The Soldier For Life Program was instrumental in my success, from jobs, to benefits.
https://soldierforlife.army.mil/

Response by MSgt Erik Copp made Sep 13 at 2015 9:06 PM

MSgt Erik Copp — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 21:06:07 -0400

Luckily I work with a bunch of guys that retired before I did. The whole group helped. The first 3 months were the worst for me. Smooth sailing after that. Just the occasional desire to stomp someone's face in. Just kidding.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Sep 14 at 2015 9:15 AM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 09:15:45 -0400

SPC Margaret Higgins SSgt Alex Robinson SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL My transition was guided mostly by myself with input and support from my spouse. About 60 days after transition I located a retirement counselor who assisted me quite a bit also. Finally, when I broke out of my "shell of emotions" my former Commander (who had also retired) was of significant assistance and still is, today.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2015 9:47 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 09:47:35 -0400

My father-As a vet himself (E-5, 82nd), he saw things I myself didn't or wouldn't see and was always there to give me a dose of "reality".

Response by MAJ Anthony Henderson made Sep 14 at 2015 10:24 AM

MAJ Anthony Henderson — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 10:24:53 -0400

For me it was my wife. She was an ACAP Counselor at the time so she helped me with the process but we also had a friend that had retired from the Government civilian service that helped me with my resume and interviewing skills. The key thing about transitioning is you have to embrace it. The more you resist it the more time and energy you waste. Also truly find your passion and try to work in that area. Especially if you retire from the service because many of us choose sometime that is close to what we were doing but it is not what we are passionate about. Let this phase of your life be driven by your passion and not someone else's passion.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Sep 16 at 2015 12:02 PM

SGT Scott Bell — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 12:02:03 -0400

My wife

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Jul 30 at 2017 1:17 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 01:17:13 -0400

i helped Myself, I'd already figured out what I wanted to do and geared My education and work to do exactly that. It was Law Enforcement in the Air Force and that also what I did as a civilian. when I got married after My wife had two of Her sisters also married to Police Officers. She never tried to change My profession and I wasn't going to anyway. I'm not in the habit of letting anyone else think for Me and anything I plan to do isn't done until its done.

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Jan 19 at 2019 1:11 PM

SSG Byron Howard Sr — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 13:11:58 -0500

The only problem I could see is that digital was coming up real fast and it looked like I would not find any photo work. I went to school got an R,T,F and a broadcasting degrees. Had a lot of fun in Radio.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jan 19 at 2019 3:26 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 15:26:33 -0500

Combination of people and resources.

This site and LinkedIn are great tools, but they require strong profiles and proper understanding in order to use for advancement. There are some successful veterans or military retirees, but learn more about their values and knowledge first before attempting to network. There are great schools who can educate and support veteran alumni, but be careful since some for-profit places are exploitive.