Posted on Apr 20, 2014
Are there any veterans that joined Americorps Vista, USAID, Peace Corps organizations? Foreign Service Officer jobs?
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After retiring in 1996, I had some personal challenges to go back to school and get my degree(s), because I knew from my family and friends that its the "haves versus the have nots" when it comes to upper management levels, and senior executive service job markets. Big bucks in job positioning. <div><br></div><div><div>My motivation for joining this type of service, VISTA was for education; 5.6k scholarship, which after 1 year of service I can use toward my doctorate studies. Secondly, to get outside the house and to physically help others. </div><div><br></div><div>Retired Military and Sill Serving America... </div></div>
Posted 10 y ago
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I cannot speak about VISTA because I never looked in to it, or the Peace Corps because I am ineligible for service (Military Intelligence activities), but I attempted to work for USAID and was struck by the intense prejudice I encountered as a veteran. <div><br></div><div>Before I joined the military, I worked with USAID as a contractor in Bosnia for four years. I ran a $10M contract. Prior to that, I had 15 years of work in higher ed. But my military experience seemed to completely overshadow that, and the word I was getting is that I would not be a good "fit." I will concede that it is possible that the remarks I heard are not USAID policy, but they came from fairly high level individuals, so really what's the difference? </div><div><br></div><div>They have a bunch of slick aids claiming they have a "commitment to hiring veterans," but I have seen no evidence of that (and they are not the only organization making this seemingly unsubstantiated claim). Their Vets Helping Vets contact person never returned emails or phone calls and basic research turned up that the individual did not work for USAID (don't know if he ever did, but didn't when I looked). <div><br></div><div>Like most other government agencies, USAID turned out to be a dead end.</div></div>
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SSG Mike Angelo
Cpt Ann, my experience with the VISTA application process was lengthy and took about 2 to 3 months of processing into the systems. I have not ran into any displeasure while applying for the position required, however once in, I had to pick up the pace, be a self-starter. Kind of like, take the ball and run with it.
With the VISTA, I had the opportunity to call the Attorney General's office, Washington DC, Civil Rights division with an issue. The people there were nice and they did listen on conference call. I did receive great satisfaction, as Faribault, MN was put on the map for national modeling of multiple manufacturing career training programs. However, my issue was related to early childhood literacy, Pre K to 3rd grade. I get the parents too, who have migrated toward manufacturing locations in my region.
I suppose USAID and Peace Corps have the same up-chain with the AG in DC too. I have not delved into those organizations as you did; Thank you for your service in Bosnia!!!
I believe that this is my direction and path serving in a non-profit organization. I kind of fell into it. As a VISTA my student loans are in forbearance and now I will be consolidating for one bill.
I discovered too that coming from a military background can be intimidating toward individual and organizational behavior; sensing/feeling versus judgemental et al.The challenge for me was identity by oath of office, my role and position, and what the gaining organization expects me, the VISTA to do, to wit, VAD...VISTA Assignment Description. Sometimes we need an icebreaker to set the tone.
My icebreaker was humorous. Because I am a program developer with indirect services toward Early Childhood Literacy, I procured a 3 foot Cat n the Hat stuffed animal and hung it on my office door next to my name and organization logo, AmeriCorps VISTA.
I have had no issues with individual or organizational behavioral constraints or biases at this point in time. Team player/integration techniques in a non-profit may require different approaches. The pay is not so great but I have the opportunity to be the doctoral learner/practitioner in a national program.
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Hell yeah, great to hear!! (I may be late)
I was Americorps for a year before joining the Navy. I plan on going back too lol.
There is no beating the amount of help you provide by serving on the TRUE frontlines of our country... not afghan, china, or poland lol
Americorps teaches citizens how to budget, come up with idea when there is not infrastructure. As a veteran, you are the best for the job, you've led men/women, balanced a budget, worked in a diverse culture. You're ready for Americorps. Dont let the pay discourage you either, I had 9500/year, and that included rent in Seattle lol. VERY humbling compared to even the military.
Again thank you for your service. So many of our vets think that carrying a m4 around their shoulder a few years is service enough to their country.
I was Americorps for a year before joining the Navy. I plan on going back too lol.
There is no beating the amount of help you provide by serving on the TRUE frontlines of our country... not afghan, china, or poland lol
Americorps teaches citizens how to budget, come up with idea when there is not infrastructure. As a veteran, you are the best for the job, you've led men/women, balanced a budget, worked in a diverse culture. You're ready for Americorps. Dont let the pay discourage you either, I had 9500/year, and that included rent in Seattle lol. VERY humbling compared to even the military.
Again thank you for your service. So many of our vets think that carrying a m4 around their shoulder a few years is service enough to their country.
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Due to the dynamics of change in planning, operations and executions, the veteran stands out in the application process, duty assignments, tenure, and job positioning in upper level management and increase responsibilities.
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CPT (Join to see)
All I can say is that I absolutely did not find this. First, I want to explain the difference between USAID/other government agencies and VISTA/Peace Corps. The latter organizations are volunteer opportunities. I was looking for full-time employment with the government. I am now a DoD contractor and I have personally, directly heard hiring managers say that they specifically DO NOT want to hire veterans. They cite unspecific "bad experiences" or claim that veterans don't have the right background. It is very disheartening. None of these people had military experience, or close relatives in the military. The big kick in the pants? We work for the Army! Should the Army be giving management positions to people who do not want to hire military vets? A woman who is a DA Civilian in the group I work for was hired a few months before I came on. She commented, "good thing you didn't apply for my position. You are so much more qualified than me." I did apply and did not get the job. How did an completely unqualified civilian get a job over a fully qualified disabled veteran? Her husband works with the hiring manager's husband. Why didn't I pursue legal action? Because I need a job. How would I work with people after I forced them to hire me?<div><br></div><div>If I sound bitter, trust me, I am.</div>
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SSG Mike Angelo
Hi Cpt Ann...Oh, I hear ya on civilian hiring practices. Nepitism, favoritism, cronie-isms...needless to say, the civilian world is riddled with these isms. I think you have good grounds for a civil rights case, to wit, disabled veteran hiring practices. However, you stated that you need the job. Oh, I get that...totally.
As a VISTA, I receive a biweekly stipend. My current tour is 1 year. I can serve as a VISTA for another year, but not in the same program. I am looking at applying for other VISTA positions, but I am not putting all my eggs in one basket.
Backing up to and revisiting the Military Intelligence clause. Yes, it is true if Peace Corps and a USAID applicant has or been affiliated with the federal intelligence community, no need to apply further. Why?
I really wish I knew, may be my best guess is that these government agencies run in conflict with the Military Intelligence agencies. The United States Code is specific to organizational design and structure with diverse missions, as per U.S.C Title #.
My understanding is that MI agents can be assigned anywhere with any rank, title, or position as a supported outreach. This practice goes way back.
Another phenomena is that Peace Corps, USAID, and other foreign services are socially progressive organizations with a utilitarian mindset and/or agenda; modeling for the greater good. The leadership may want and desire to keep the peace within their organizations and with their clients and stakeholder. IMO
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