why-commissioned-officers-struggle-transition-kofi-annan

Thanks for sharing Sgt Joe LaBranche
Every time I hear or see Kofi Annan's name my mind drifts toward my favorite hot beverage.
Most of the commissioned officer I have known over the decades were very sure about what they wanted to do and what skills they had acquired in the process of serving in the US military.
I expect I served with a different group of commissioned officers than Kofi Annan has counseled :-)

Having been through it myself, I think that the author hits on some important points. Transition takes some thought. In many cases, especially for O-3 and below under 30 or 35 years old, there is a mismatch in expectations. A CPT leaving likely has significant experience, such as leading a 100+ person organization. Yet, that CPT is probably prepared for only an entry level position, if that. Lacking industrial technical skills, civilian corporate leadership experience, and experience in the less regimented environment of the civilian world, junior officers generally aren't ready for mid-level or above roles in the corporate world. Worse than that, military officers are woefully ill prepared to enter civilian life as an entrepreneur where there are no guideposts and the world is completely unregimented. No rules and regulations.

The good news is that experience as an officer is quite valuable. Jumping into an entry level or junior leadership position with that experience and maturity is a big advantage. The abilities to rapidly aquire skills, be undaunted by trivial challenges, and think/act rationally in high stakes situations are great differentiators. Most civilians will never aquire those abilities in their lifetime.

There is no reason to feel out of place starting in a junior role. Your peers will range from 22 year old snot nosed college grads to gray hairs with retirement on their horizon. Unlike the military, the corporate world often values people who become good at something and never rise above that position. It's perfectly OK to spend an entire career being good at what you do and not rising to your Peter Principle limits.