What's our advice to NCOs making transition to civilian life?

Don't get out! Actually make sure you have a degree and any certification you can get from your MOS before you get out. Write a resume for a civilian job and for a DoD civilian job. Start sending them out a year before you retire.

I've been out almost two years and I still haven't found anything even close to adequate to be able to support my family on. I lost out on one job I was well qualified for because they asked for 3-5 years Logistics Experience and a BA degree and all I had was over 20 years of experience. The degree is important because employers want to see the paper and experience is secondary.

And get out quick.

3. Target your applications/resumes/cover letters to positions that you really want. Most companies check up on you to include doing a credit check. A lot of credit checks damages your credit rating and makes it harder to get employed. Make sure you find out your credit score before getting out to know were you stand.

4. You do not have to have a Master's to get a great career, but it is worth it. Don't be afraid of going back to school, I took the plunge in January 2014 and I am having a absolute ball! I am rocking a 4.0 and I am exploring a new career in digital marketing.