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

7. Keep the position. Companies may not hire you if they think that you are a job hopper. Keep your first job at least a year. Just like the military, learn the position well, then learn the company, and then suggest changes based on measurable data. Make a difference, this is not a "retirement" job, this is your new career. Transitioning to a civilian career will be hard. The way they function may be very different to what you are used to. Use tact at all times, have patience, and try not to show your "shock" on some of the things they do or say. Be humble and willing to learn. Both you and the people you work with will learn from each other. They may not be used to this but it will help you tremendously; just like the military, do not talk crap about the people you work with, build your team, mentor your peers, and help your boss in being successful. Build your network and worth.

6. There are jobs out here. I was able to find a great position quickly with a whole month of transition leave still to go. Make sure to tailor your resumes to the specific position. Pay just as much attention to your application as to your resume. It may be that application that is looked at first to reduce that pile of applicants to a reasonable amount (as such, they may never even see that great resume that you spent so many hours on). Once you get that interview, show off your experience by giving them real world examples. Remember, some will narrow you down to just your last Military Occupational Specialty and have a Vietnam era view of the Military. Use the interview to show them that there is a lot more to you than that and demonstrate how you can benefit their company. I initially applied for a county manager position, but was hired a Director of Human Resources position instead.

5. If you are looking to get out before retirement, I highly recommend that you reconsider. Coming out with a retirement in hand is well worth it. That cushion reduces your stress so much. You will most likely make less take home pay when you get out. It is nice to be able to choose your next career as opposed to having to take a job. Tricare for your family is a huge benefit! I was able to resign from my civilian Director of Human Resources position and concentrate on college because of my retirement/disability and my GI Bill/Illinois Veterans Grant.

Wow, where to begin:

1. BA Degree is the new High School diploma. So many people are looking for work that many companies list a BA Degree as a requirement just to narrow the candidate list to a reasonable level (Even though the position is not one that really needs a degree to do).

2. Do not take time off after you retire. Use that transition leave to find that new career. A lot of companies are looking to hire local applicants. They are also looking to hire applicants that are still employed. It is a lot harder to find a position if you are unemployed.


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