Posted on Oct 23, 2015
Hello RP! USAR CSM Luther Thomas here, what questions do you have for me?
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From RallyPoint Team:
CSM Luther Thomas, is the Command Sergeant Major of the United States Army Reserve, and was recently selected to be the next Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Assistant SecDef for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. He has been an invaluable supporter of RallyPoint, and we are honored to welcome him here for a live Q&A next Tuesday, October 27th.
CSM Thomas would like to focus on transitioning to the civilian work force, and great ways to prepare for that change.
Please post your questions below. They will be answered live on 10/27 at 4:00pm EST.
If you'd like to follow CSM Luther Thomas you can also do so here:
https://twitter.com/CSMLutherThomas
CSM Luther Thomas, is the Command Sergeant Major of the United States Army Reserve, and was recently selected to be the next Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Assistant SecDef for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. He has been an invaluable supporter of RallyPoint, and we are honored to welcome him here for a live Q&A next Tuesday, October 27th.
CSM Thomas would like to focus on transitioning to the civilian work force, and great ways to prepare for that change.
Please post your questions below. They will be answered live on 10/27 at 4:00pm EST.
If you'd like to follow CSM Luther Thomas you can also do so here:
https://twitter.com/CSMLutherThomas
Army Reserve
Transition
Employment
Q&A
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 29
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SGM Luther Thomas please advocate the Soldier of Life Transition Program to the fullest extent. A lot of transitioning Soldiers and Leaders never have heard of it.
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SGM Luther Thomas
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL - Can you share an example with the RP community on how SFL helped you? Thanks!
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SGM Luther Thomas roger that, then ACAP(Army Career and Alumni Program) then now known as Soldier For Life (SFL) helped me in the following way for transition.
1. It prepared me mentally for the tough road ahead with the necessary tools for a successful transition to civilian life with the navigation tools to succeeded.
2. The TAP classes(5 day work-shop) were very helpful with resume, interviewing, finance, entrepreneur, education,(VMET, JST-Army transcripts), Veteran Affairs information, counseling, financial counseling and job-outlook strategies for preparation to succeeded.
3. There were a lot of classes for transitioning and job fair information available with counselors to assist for me. I used the computer lab to craft my resume with the counselors for a SOLID RESUME. I had a chance to NETWORK and put everything together to come up with a comprehensive strategy for success. It really helped me and my confidence to properly Retire out the Army with the tools I had acquire.
4. I shared all information with other Soldiers and Veterans that I got to ensure all, were setup for success.
5. I took a lot of classes two times e.g., HIGER LEARNING and FEDERAL AND CIVILAN RESUME CLASS OVER to ensure the task was understood completely. It was always something to learn each and every I took a class.
Looking back the Soldier For Life is a great program, I am glad I took advantage of it!
https://soldierforlife.army.mil/
1. It prepared me mentally for the tough road ahead with the necessary tools for a successful transition to civilian life with the navigation tools to succeeded.
2. The TAP classes(5 day work-shop) were very helpful with resume, interviewing, finance, entrepreneur, education,(VMET, JST-Army transcripts), Veteran Affairs information, counseling, financial counseling and job-outlook strategies for preparation to succeeded.
3. There were a lot of classes for transitioning and job fair information available with counselors to assist for me. I used the computer lab to craft my resume with the counselors for a SOLID RESUME. I had a chance to NETWORK and put everything together to come up with a comprehensive strategy for success. It really helped me and my confidence to properly Retire out the Army with the tools I had acquire.
4. I shared all information with other Soldiers and Veterans that I got to ensure all, were setup for success.
5. I took a lot of classes two times e.g., HIGER LEARNING and FEDERAL AND CIVILAN RESUME CLASS OVER to ensure the task was understood completely. It was always something to learn each and every I took a class.
Looking back the Soldier For Life is a great program, I am glad I took advantage of it!
https://soldierforlife.army.mil/
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SGM Luther Thomas these are some of the courses I am referring to in the picture. Great curriculum!
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CSM Luther Thomas:
Greetings CSM Thomas. I am not convinced that the current standard (or average) number of drill days per year for drilling Reservists is inadequate for most Reservists in their particular MOS; that said, drilling soldiers are all too often spending half of their drilling weekend, as well as time during AT, on administrative work and required classes instead of soldier training and doing their jobs. If anything negatively affects the drilling soldier's training days, it is that.
I understand Army & unit admin responsibilities, and I know there are some required classes that NEED to be covered throughout the year, but we are being tasked to do in two days per month what the Regular Army has 30 days a month to accomplish. With all due respect to the policy makers, it’s ridiculous.
My question to you CSM Thomas is this: Can the currently required classes not related to our respective MOSs be reevaluated for their true value to Reserve soldiers and eliminate the dead weight which is weighing down our training time?
Thank you for your time & consideration,
SGT Dave Tracy
Greetings CSM Thomas. I am not convinced that the current standard (or average) number of drill days per year for drilling Reservists is inadequate for most Reservists in their particular MOS; that said, drilling soldiers are all too often spending half of their drilling weekend, as well as time during AT, on administrative work and required classes instead of soldier training and doing their jobs. If anything negatively affects the drilling soldier's training days, it is that.
I understand Army & unit admin responsibilities, and I know there are some required classes that NEED to be covered throughout the year, but we are being tasked to do in two days per month what the Regular Army has 30 days a month to accomplish. With all due respect to the policy makers, it’s ridiculous.
My question to you CSM Thomas is this: Can the currently required classes not related to our respective MOSs be reevaluated for their true value to Reserve soldiers and eliminate the dead weight which is weighing down our training time?
Thank you for your time & consideration,
SGT Dave Tracy
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SGM Luther Thomas
I agree, units should have Battle Assemblies and not Administrative Assemblies. We do have a lot of mandatory training requirements. Units should not spend all weekend in the drill hall doing mandatory training via power point.
The Army is an outdoor occupation and units need to spend more time doing individual and collective training. Soldiers joined the Army Reserve to participate in “Hooah!” type activities. They did not join to sit in the drill hall and watch power point slides.
The Army is currently looking at how they can reduce the mandatory training thus giving more time back to the commanders for individual and collective training.
The Army is an outdoor occupation and units need to spend more time doing individual and collective training. Soldiers joined the Army Reserve to participate in “Hooah!” type activities. They did not join to sit in the drill hall and watch power point slides.
The Army is currently looking at how they can reduce the mandatory training thus giving more time back to the commanders for individual and collective training.
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SGT Dave Tracy
Thank you. I really feel we are better served with targeted classes when needed, not a day every Battle Assembly dedicated to classes for every pet issue send down from on high.
I am with a bulk fuel hauling transportation company. Most of us are not professional drivers as civilians, and don't get much seat time in our trucks. So it’s not only important in a "holistic" sense to be training for Uncle Sam, it’s also safety issue as I see it. Luckily my unit tries hard to get us on the road during our monthly drill, even if it is only once, but that cannot always be guaranteed.
Again, thanks for your insight CSM Thomas
I am with a bulk fuel hauling transportation company. Most of us are not professional drivers as civilians, and don't get much seat time in our trucks. So it’s not only important in a "holistic" sense to be training for Uncle Sam, it’s also safety issue as I see it. Luckily my unit tries hard to get us on the road during our monthly drill, even if it is only once, but that cannot always be guaranteed.
Again, thanks for your insight CSM Thomas
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CW3 Kim B.
CSM Thomas -It would facilitate th ability t conduct MOS training if our weapons and individual equipment was closer to our unit. Many of the units I was didn't have their equipment close than 50 miles. Also, many Reserve units are not authorize enough individual equipment for each Soldier. Weapons, individual gear etc should be on site for so that it doesn't take 1 to 2wks preparing for "battle assembly" weekend. That's whyy drill turn into "administration assemblies" and "Death by PowerPoint "!
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SGM Luther Thomas, I know you wanted to focus on civilian transition, but I really want to take an opportunity to ask about this issue while I have your ear.
First Army Chief LTG Tucker, recently mentioned that the Guard and Reserve need more days to train to fulfill their roles in modern operational reserve. Do you agree with this assessment, and what can be done to help get the training budget increased and to better equip the part-time forces towards this goal?
v/r,
SSG Squires
First Army Chief LTG Tucker, recently mentioned that the Guard and Reserve need more days to train to fulfill their roles in modern operational reserve. Do you agree with this assessment, and what can be done to help get the training budget increased and to better equip the part-time forces towards this goal?
v/r,
SSG Squires
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SGM Luther Thomas
I agree that the National Guard and Army Reserve need more training days. We have the same number of training days today as we had 30 years ago. 30 years ago we were a strategic reserve and today we are an operational reserve with an OPTEMPO that is significantly higher. There needs to be a re-look at what the correct number of training days should be for the RC.
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SGM Luther Thomas, Thanks for your terrific support of RallyPoint from its earliest days. I can't really explain how critical it is for us to have feedback from you and your Soldiers. As networking and social media become more utilized by today's military personnel, I'd like to know how you see the RP platform as a career tool for the US Army and US Army Reserve. I'd also like to hear your thoughts on what we can do better to support the future needs of your Soldiers.
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SGM Luther Thomas
Sir,
Rally Point does an awesome job of connecting service members with one another and of having senior leaders engage with the RP membership.
I see RP as a place where service members can go to get answers for service specific and leadership questions and advice when they can't go anywhere else.
Keep up the good work!
Rally Point does an awesome job of connecting service members with one another and of having senior leaders engage with the RP membership.
I see RP as a place where service members can go to get answers for service specific and leadership questions and advice when they can't go anywhere else.
Keep up the good work!
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CSM,
I am concerned about the budgetary issues in regards to PME. Commands push that PME is a priority yet seats are being cancelled due to no funding. In my Battalion, there are only 4 NCOs allowed to go to PME. We are not able to use AT funding for schools. Is this Army Reserve wide or is it only the 108th command?
As a Miltech for my unit (and DTS approving official), I see what goes on behind the scenes and am concerned about the frivolous spending for change of commands and conferences and Soldiers (myself included) being denied important schools. I personally know of 3 Soldiers that had to file congressional complaints to get their cancelled seats back. Are Congressional complaints the only way to get these schools that are required for promotion? Is this our future?
My own situation is one of many. ALC seats cancelled FY 15 due to funding yet sent to AT for 29 days. Resubmitted ALC packet and was denied PH2 due to a new Division policy of only one phase allowed a fiscal year. Resubmitted packet again and it was denied Phase 1 because we are only sending 4 soldiers to PME this year.
I truly do not understand the push for PME and then the constant denial of these seats. This is a hot topic in my unit right now, so perhaps you can shed some light on this situation?
Respectfully,
SSG Jones
I am concerned about the budgetary issues in regards to PME. Commands push that PME is a priority yet seats are being cancelled due to no funding. In my Battalion, there are only 4 NCOs allowed to go to PME. We are not able to use AT funding for schools. Is this Army Reserve wide or is it only the 108th command?
As a Miltech for my unit (and DTS approving official), I see what goes on behind the scenes and am concerned about the frivolous spending for change of commands and conferences and Soldiers (myself included) being denied important schools. I personally know of 3 Soldiers that had to file congressional complaints to get their cancelled seats back. Are Congressional complaints the only way to get these schools that are required for promotion? Is this our future?
My own situation is one of many. ALC seats cancelled FY 15 due to funding yet sent to AT for 29 days. Resubmitted ALC packet and was denied PH2 due to a new Division policy of only one phase allowed a fiscal year. Resubmitted packet again and it was denied Phase 1 because we are only sending 4 soldiers to PME this year.
I truly do not understand the push for PME and then the constant denial of these seats. This is a hot topic in my unit right now, so perhaps you can shed some light on this situation?
Respectfully,
SSG Jones
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SSG (Join to see)
I have had the COC from my squad leader up through the Bn CSM and Commander, up through the Brigade CSM and Commander actively trying to get me into ALC. The results still come down through the Division from the 108th that they're not distributing or releasing funding for NCOES, at least for fy16, prior to December 11th at this point. Yes, I have been aggressively utilizing my COC as well as the S3 at Bn. and Bde, levels.
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SSG (Join to see)
They were able to get me as a walk on for Phase I, DL in the last two weeks of the most recent class by virtue of the help of the AMEDD NCO Academy Commandant so that I could walk into the 3OCT phase II/III portions. I completed the eight week DL phase I in a ten day period in preparation for 3OCT but when the time came to walk me into phase II, it was all shot down because Brigade could not get monies released so that I could complete ALC.
Sad to say now, that I fear that I will remain an E6 until the end of my career in 2020.
Sad to say now, that I fear that I will remain an E6 until the end of my career in 2020.
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SGM Luther Thomas
SSG (Join to see) - I spoke with the 108th CSM yesterday day. He will look into the funding issue at the 98th.
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SSG (Join to see)
SGM Luther Thomas - Thank you CSM Thomas. I fear that I will not make my 3Nov ALC report date at this point. I have an A1 application at Bde and waiting for a rabbit to be pulled out of a hat. At least this inquiry will help all the others from this point forward. Thank you again for your assistance.
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CSM Thomas,
Thank you for stopping by Rally Point and congratulations on the next position.
It has been an honor and a privilege to help other veterans in their transition after my own just a year and a half ago. I have been successful in my own transition and have enjoyed mentoring others to do the same.
There have been technological advances in how we are able to view, learn, and pass information on a global scale that requires little or no money. What steps or measures are being taken to broaden the functionality of the transition offices or capabilities of the transitioning service member with services and support from a digital standpoint?
What advice would you give to a leader who wants to be an entrepreneur?
What are your thoughts on entrepreneurship in the transitional period of a soldier’s career?
Why do you think the culture in the Military is prone to paint a negative picture on entrepreneurship and what can we do to change that?
Thank you CSM Thomas for your service and dedication.
Airborne
Thank you for stopping by Rally Point and congratulations on the next position.
It has been an honor and a privilege to help other veterans in their transition after my own just a year and a half ago. I have been successful in my own transition and have enjoyed mentoring others to do the same.
There have been technological advances in how we are able to view, learn, and pass information on a global scale that requires little or no money. What steps or measures are being taken to broaden the functionality of the transition offices or capabilities of the transitioning service member with services and support from a digital standpoint?
What advice would you give to a leader who wants to be an entrepreneur?
What are your thoughts on entrepreneurship in the transitional period of a soldier’s career?
Why do you think the culture in the Military is prone to paint a negative picture on entrepreneurship and what can we do to change that?
Thank you CSM Thomas for your service and dedication.
Airborne
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SGM Luther Thomas
SGT Hildenbrandt, entrepreneurs are the engine that runs our economy. I would highly encourage Soldiers with a desire to be a business owner to do so.
I would recommend that any leader who wants to own a business have a clear idea of what type of business they want to be in and what resources are required to be success in that business.
I would start prior to leaving to the service so that I can secure capitol and any licensing that may be required. The more you can do before you leaving the service quicker you can get started when you transition.
I would recommend that any leader who wants to own a business have a clear idea of what type of business they want to be in and what resources are required to be success in that business.
I would start prior to leaving to the service so that I can secure capitol and any licensing that may be required. The more you can do before you leaving the service quicker you can get started when you transition.
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Thank you CSM for stopping by. One of the issues facing transitioning soldiers is that there are so many resources out there that becomes overwhelming, but none of these resources seem to do particularly well. I think people mostly see this and their solution is to create yet another office or website which just compounds the problem. There isn't that one resources every service member knows about and goes to once they take the uniform off.
From your experience, what resource (organization, website, etc.) has worked best for service members? What would be your first steps as you transition out? Why has it been so difficult to create a functional, useful site for out military?
From your experience, what resource (organization, website, etc.) has worked best for service members? What would be your first steps as you transition out? Why has it been so difficult to create a functional, useful site for out military?
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SGT Alexander Hildenbrandt
SSG,
To help you and hopefully as many as I can out with this dilemma I ask you if you can do any better because if you can you should wrap it in a nice package and sell it to the government. Sense I got out and tried to tackle the problem in my own way I realized that many believe a resource should be a one stop shop. I found that it is a hard problem to tackle and due to many issues but most of all it is the brick wall between the transition office and the outside world which they claim to represent. The best advice I can offer as a prior NCO is that you first start with the end in mind. Where and who do you want to be when you retire years from now? Work backwards from there and figure out which group or clusters of organizations can help you move that direction. Tell every transitioning soldier who gambles on taking a job to be successful after the military the rule of 5, 15, and 80.
5% of people found employment through application and job sites.
15% through recruiters
80% through associated networks or colleagues. Networking.
This is the amount of time spent on each and that’s why many soldiers fall flat on their face after the military. Spend most of your time around business owners at networking luncheons, breakfasts, Chamber of commerce meetings, BNI if they let you in, networking marketing meetings in your local area. The reason there is no all encompassing recourses is because it would be too big, change too often and cost way too much to market. Make a real transition plan starting with what you want.
Good Luck Bud!
To help you and hopefully as many as I can out with this dilemma I ask you if you can do any better because if you can you should wrap it in a nice package and sell it to the government. Sense I got out and tried to tackle the problem in my own way I realized that many believe a resource should be a one stop shop. I found that it is a hard problem to tackle and due to many issues but most of all it is the brick wall between the transition office and the outside world which they claim to represent. The best advice I can offer as a prior NCO is that you first start with the end in mind. Where and who do you want to be when you retire years from now? Work backwards from there and figure out which group or clusters of organizations can help you move that direction. Tell every transitioning soldier who gambles on taking a job to be successful after the military the rule of 5, 15, and 80.
5% of people found employment through application and job sites.
15% through recruiters
80% through associated networks or colleagues. Networking.
This is the amount of time spent on each and that’s why many soldiers fall flat on their face after the military. Spend most of your time around business owners at networking luncheons, breakfasts, Chamber of commerce meetings, BNI if they let you in, networking marketing meetings in your local area. The reason there is no all encompassing recourses is because it would be too big, change too often and cost way too much to market. Make a real transition plan starting with what you want.
Good Luck Bud!
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SGM Luther Thomas
SSG Madden, you make a very good point. There are a lot of organizations that want to help Soldiers transitioning from the Army and Soldiers can be overwhelmed by too data and not enough information.
What is most important to Soldiers transitioning is to have clarity on what they would like to do when they transition. Once you are clear on what you want to do next you can begin to focus on the resources available to assist you.
I recommend once a Soldier is clear on what they want to do, they find someone who is doing that exact same thing and speak with them about the resources they use prior to and upon leaving the Army.
Best of luck to you in all of your future endeavors!
What is most important to Soldiers transitioning is to have clarity on what they would like to do when they transition. Once you are clear on what you want to do next you can begin to focus on the resources available to assist you.
I recommend once a Soldier is clear on what they want to do, they find someone who is doing that exact same thing and speak with them about the resources they use prior to and upon leaving the Army.
Best of luck to you in all of your future endeavors!
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I am a CSM whose tenure is going to be up in February 16. I have been looking and applying for new positions over the last 3 months. I've run into something called a CSM selection board which apparently selects the next CSM without input from the gaining Battalion Commander. I do not know who sits on these boards so my question is: What is the validity of these boards and when were these selection boards implemented as in my previous CSM positions I was selected directly by the Battalion Commander.
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SGM Luther Thomas
I am not familiar with any formal CSM selection boards in the Army Reserve. If you have a question about CSM vacancies, SGM Santiago in the OCAR Senior Leader Development Officer at HRC can assist you. You can also contact me on the USAR global.
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In going through the Soldier For Life program during my retirement process, I could see that many younger Soldiers didn't take the transition advice seriously. Some of them were joining the reserves. What plans do you have to improve on some of the great education and employment programs that are out there for reservists?
Do you believe that a grassroots approach is feasible from federally funded programs as great non-profit organizations focusing on such veteran focused issues in their communities struggle to cut through the red tape to even partner with VA centers in their communities, let alone tap into funds, which they can use much more agilely and responsively to help Veterans find and pursue their purpose, which has been proven to combat Veteran Suicide?
Do you believe that a grassroots approach is feasible from federally funded programs as great non-profit organizations focusing on such veteran focused issues in their communities struggle to cut through the red tape to even partner with VA centers in their communities, let alone tap into funds, which they can use much more agilely and responsively to help Veterans find and pursue their purpose, which has been proven to combat Veteran Suicide?
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SGM Luther Thomas
Sir,
I believe that Soldiers need to carefully plan their transition from the Army. The Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program https://www.sfl-tap.army.mil/
offers some great information. I would encourage all transitioning Soldiers to take their transition seriously.
There are a lot of organizations that help Soldiers and veterans. The MSO/VSO community does a great job. Sometimes young Soldiers can become overwhelmed with the number of organizations who are willing to help. But I believe it all begins with the having a plan and using the resources available through SLF-TAP.
I believe that Soldiers need to carefully plan their transition from the Army. The Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program https://www.sfl-tap.army.mil/
offers some great information. I would encourage all transitioning Soldiers to take their transition seriously.
There are a lot of organizations that help Soldiers and veterans. The MSO/VSO community does a great job. Sometimes young Soldiers can become overwhelmed with the number of organizations who are willing to help. But I believe it all begins with the having a plan and using the resources available through SLF-TAP.
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CSM, thank you for taking time to answer some of our questions. I have a concern more than a question. The availability of SLC for Combat Medics is quite frankly unacceptable. I know that there are numerous factors that influence having more school slots available. The fundamental issue is why should anyone not be promoted when they have done due diligence and applied for more than one school slot but are dropped for various reasons? To me it just does not seem like the best policy.
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