What would you like to see in a transitioning program?

Elizabeth Rosa — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 14:40:32 -0400

Response by Jessica Luebke made Aug 31 at 2017 2:51 PM

Jessica Luebke — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 14:51:10 -0400

Interview guidance. One area I see a lot of really talented vets struggle. Not sure how to turn on the civilian face when in front of hiring leaders.

Response by 1LT Vance Titus made Aug 31 at 2017 2:58 PM

1LT Vance Titus — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 14:58:39 -0400

Job fairs focused specifically on civilian jobs for retiring and separating military personnel.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Aug 31 at 2017 3:01 PM

Col Joseph Lenertz — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 15:01:58 -0400

No one expects military ranks to translate over to civilian, but learning how to tell at what level you might fit into a company is a job search skill. A "Director" at Lockheed Martin is not the same (scope of responsibilities, # of direct reports, budget, etc) as a "Director" of Events within the Athletic Department of the College of William & Mary. Both are Directors, very different levels.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Aug 31 at 2017 3:18 PM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 15:18:19 -0400

Better development of resume writing program not just some 2 days course and a review and your ready to hit the job market.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2017 4:29 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 16:29:59 -0400

Awesome military people that have transitioned and how they won!

Response by CPL Dave Hoover made Aug 31 at 2017 4:41 PM

CPL Dave Hoover — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 16:41:19 -0400

An emphasis on taking unemployment. I wanted to work and took a job that I enjoyed, but paid less than unemployment. Almost three years before I had a job that stopped the financial bleeding, all because of pride.

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Aug 31 at 2017 4:48 PM

SSG Keven Lahde — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 16:48:08 -0400

Elizabeth Rosa Great question. When our unit got back from deployment, they made all of us who didn't have a job go too this 3 day class and it was geared towards Active Duty soldiers. We need more time with proper resume writing and skill translation from military to civilian language. I know that is where I struggle big time.

Response by PO2 Donald Walsh made Aug 31 at 2017 5:56 PM

PO2 Donald Walsh — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 17:56:38 -0400

Real partnership programs with corporate employers through community colleges that can pipeline transitioning vets upon their discharge.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Aug 31 at 2017 6:44 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 18:44:35 -0400

Honestly, I'd like to see it being done at the beginning of the military career and not just at the end. In the Marines, you are required to take a transition seminar before you get out. The standard stuff is discussed. Interview preparation. Job searches. Resume building. Veteran's Benefits. It also included a budgeting class. Basically how to set yourself up for success before you lose that guaranteed paycheck on the 1st and 15th.

The budgeting class was very helpful for me, because despite being good with money, this class made me better with money.

My biggest issue with the process, is that I was also in the seminar with a bunch of Marines who were being separated whether medically, legally, or administratively. With less than 2 weeks left in the Marine Corps, none of them even had the time to properly utilize all the information they were given.

Personally I feel if new troops were given the transition seminar upon their entry in the fleet, they would have significant time to properly utilize the budgeting information. And for the troublemakers who got kicked out, I honestly think if they knew the benefits they were losing beforehand, there would be less people getting into trouble for stupid things. Because the only thing recruiters ever talk about is the GI Bill which held no interest for me. But I bet they wouldn't be so quick to get in trouble if they knew the VA could also help them buy a house.

Response by SSG Toryn Green made Sep 1 at 2017 11:09 AM

SSG Toryn Green — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 11:09:16 -0400

I would see a lot more information on VA programs and benefits. When I went through the transitioning program, the information was very minimal.

Response by MSG Laura Washington made Sep 3 at 2017 4:07 AM

MSG Laura Washington — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 04:07:27 -0400

Reviewing the comments, they were about job/employment preparation. I would like to see the transitioning program grouped by the type of separation. First term separations, mid career, medical separations, and retirements can benefits from tailored information. specifically with the Blended Retirement System and the Forever GI Bill being implemented. Also, Veteran's Administration benefits, applying for disability compensation, importance of establishing a Department of Defense Self Service Logon and my pay pin and password due to loss of the service members common access card. Understanding TRICARE eligibility and benefits are also crucial to prevent a lapse of coverage.