When does the transition from service member to civilian end?

SFC Stephen Hester — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 07:46:26 -0500

I think that many current and former service members see the process as ending on the date of discharge or retirement. In my experience, the transition process continues well past our final day in uniform. I've been retired 5 years and only now feel like the transition is complete. What do you think?

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 12 at 2013 1:00 PM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 13:00:22 -0500

I agree with you Stephen, going on 3 years retirement and still going through changes and pangs about what I still need to do or regroup on. I think it is a long process, especially depending on how many years you put into service as well, I did 27, so I don't expect it to change overnight or within a few years. Good question.

Response by CPO John Dupee made Dec 12 at 2013 4:37 PM

CPO John Dupee — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 16:37:11 -0500

That is COMPLETELY dependent upon what the end game is. I myself had the goal of my current position. I retired in 2006 and there were no such positions available. Took a job within my skill set KNOWING that it wasn't The Prize. Did good work and bided my time until an opportunity presented itself. I was able to take advantage of that opportunity and I'm currently doing EXACTLY what I want to do for the foreseeable future. That took four years. Up until accepting this position I'd have been happy to admit that I was still 'transitioning'

Response by CMSgt Mark Lewis made Nov 17 at 2014 10:45 AM

CMSgt Mark Lewis — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 10:45:09 -0500

I think the "transition" period is unique to each individual. For some, it may take days, weeks, months or even years to fully transition. I guess it would depend on how invested they were in preparing for life after the military and what that life entailed - a new job, going back to college, or actually retiring and not working another day. My transition currently involves the first two (job and school) but in my mind I feel my "immediate" transition has been successful. I'm I done - no.

Response by PO3 Julie Allen made Feb 9 at 2015 1:34 PM

PO3 Julie Allen — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 13:34:52 -0500

Never

Response by MSgt Joanna Clute made Feb 18 at 2015 7:52 PM

MSgt Joanna Clute — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 19:52:07 -0500

Hmm, I know it's ongoing. I'm 2 months retired and my ABU's are still hanging in the closet. I think when I start a new job, maybe? When I have a well-established routine outside of the Air Force? Hardest part is losing my daily support group at work!

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Feb 18 at 2015 9:00 PM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 21:00:40 -0500

SFC Stephen Hester Brother... On 1 April I will be retired (retarded) for 10 years... I'm still in transition. That being said, I am a DA Civilian... my son is in the Army... I do still live in a military community (Leavenworth, KS)... not sure if I ever will.

Of course I should be honest with myself and ask.... "Do I really want too?"

Lifeblood 7 Out! (LOL)

Oh... my greens are still set up in the closet... and I can still fit in them!

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 28 at 2015 11:29 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Thu, 28 May 2015 11:29:57 -0400

The transition is ongoing and never ends

Response by SMSgt Donald Polaski made May 29 at 2015 11:43 AM

SMSgt Donald Polaski — Fri, 29 May 2015 11:43:15 -0400

I retired in 1999. Still find myself with one foot in. I don't think you ever really "check out for good".. Otherwise this Website and others would have no retirees chatting it up.

Response by SrA Derrek Cherry made Jun 22 at 2017 8:34 PM

SrA Derrek Cherry — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 20:34:42 -0400

I have been out for 6 years now and I find it hard to go to work to a civilian job! Hard to grow a beard and hard to let my hair grow! I feel like I'm failing to adapt to civilian life!

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Jun 22 at 2017 9:16 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 21:16:41 -0400

I'm close to 28 years retired from a 25 year career. You never leave many of the standards you lived by in the military behind, and they have served me well in my civilian positions.