Why are some service members afraid to get out of the military?

2015-01-28T17:49:41-05:00

Military Transition: Retirement, PCS Moves, EAS, Medical Separation, etc. Either way, we all have to leave. Why are some service members afraid to get out of the military?

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Jan 28 at 2015 5:51 PM

2015-01-28T17:51:21-05:00

I know I was when I got an European Out back in 1993, "the world" s so much different!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 28 at 2015 5:57 PM

2015-01-28T17:57:13-05:00

Because it's the second biggest change you will probably go through, right after bootcamp.

You've dedicated so much of your life to one thing... You've essentially worn the same thing every day for the last 4-30 years, and now you have to actually think about it. You have to think about whether or not to wear a belt. Whether or not the mustache looks stupid (mine does). Where the hell those grey hairs came from.

You have to constantly think about everything. All the time. It's just overwhelming.

I know it sounds stupid. But I miss not having to think about stupid little things. There was so much I didn't have to think about. Or more importantly different things which were "absolute."

I hope that makes sense.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 29 at 2015 9:28 AM

2015-01-29T09:28:20-05:00

1stSgt Timothy Lucas, good question.

Everyone fears change, Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made some great points on specifics. I think the services can perpetuate this fear, perhaps accidentally, perhaps deliberately.

I think the fear that Veterans and Retirees will not be able to find fulfilling work, that pays comparable money and benefits keeps many people in the military past when their intrinsic motivation and dedication to mission and joy in the work has subsided.

Response by 1stSgt Timothy Lucas made Jan 29 at 2015 9:35 AM

2015-01-29T09:35:15-05:00

While I understand the uncertainty of military transition, I believe that we (veterans) should be motivated to influence our societies using the skills, talent, and experience that we learned in the military. We have learned to thrive in the most austere environments; we have worked with/for a diverse group of individuals (i.e. race, sex, rank, social class, age, etc.); we have learned to do more with less and come out victorious; we improvise and overcome; we make everyplace better because we were there. I encourage all service members to face their fears, overcome anxiety, and prepare for the transition. I have been retired since 2010 after 21 years of Active Duty service in the Marine Corps and have found the companies are looking for veterans to hire because of what we bring to the table. Embrace your season of transition and show the world what you got!