When should a 'transition' program begin?

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 21:23:00 -0500

Currently (in the Army...other services feel free to interject), the Army mandates that ETSing Soldiers receive transitional services (Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP)) 12-months from separation date...retiring Soldiers 24-months from separation date.<br><br>Is this sufficient time to transition (this isn't full-time) or should the Army (or other services) expand this or add annual transitional training to better prepare for the eventual life after the military?

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 3:26 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 03:26:07 -0500

I think a lot of it depends on the quality of the program. One year SHOULD be sufficient. Due to a MEB, I had to go through it. I had to do it electronically. It was literally death by powerpoint. It also bothered me that it would ask you in every section if you wanted more info. For many sections, I replied yes, yet never got that info I needed. I even tried calling to speak to a live person and found my efforts fruitless.

Response by MSG Donald R. Lee, M.B.A. made Mar 7 at 2014 3:28 AM

MSG Donald R. Lee, M.B.A. — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 03:28:06 -0500

Transition (on an individual level) should begin as far out as it needs to. By that I mean that if a service member knows he or she wants to be an accountant after the military, for example, but doesn't have an accounting degree, then transition for them should begin 4-5 years out so they can complete their degree prior to leaving the military. I've shared my recent experience (retiring) with many of my former Soldiers and told them it is never too early to start thinking about life after the military.

As far as what the Army (or any other service) does, the programs in place are probably adequate. The real kicker is whether the unit will allow the service member to prepare; a week long transition course provides good information, but is no substitute for training, education, financial preparation and networking necessary to have a good transition. Those activities take time and energy and if a unit keeps an individual in key positions until their last day, well, they probably won't have a good transition.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2014 10:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 22:57:28 -0400

SGM, having just recently passed into the 'Undiscovered Country' of retirement, I can say that there is never enough time to be prepared for this. My latest advice to friends still serving is to do SOMETHING for their transition every week; make a connection, read an article, work on a resume bullet, research a career field. Whatever it is, the process is more important than the actual act. Anything that gets your mind prepared for the inevitable day where you hang up the uniform for the last time is valuable.

That said, from an institutional standpoint, I don't think it's practical for the service to actively provide pre-transition services more than 24 months out.

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Sep 19 at 2018 9:42 PM

MAJ Rene De La Rosa — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 21:42:45 -0400

Transition is a stressful time for all, to include the family. Where are you retiring to, the next job, savings for the time period, etc. Causes much angst, anxiety, and apprehension. Planning is the key to getting to where you need to be, and there is no such thing as it being to early on the game. If you are two years out, it's time to start.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 20 at 2018 3:56 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 15:56:10 -0400

I highly suggest your wife attend transition briefings with you. The briefers will throw a lot at you, and 4 ears are better than 2. It will also make her feel like and integral member of the transitioning process. Good luck!