For all the retiries and future retiries, when did you start applying for jobs?

1SG Alan Bailey — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 14:09:46 -0400

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Apr 8 at 2014 3:55 PM

CW2 Jonathan Kantor — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 15:55:29 -0400

I believe that you aren't supposed to apply for a job while you are still serving and you are supposed to use your terminal leave to find a job. I wouldn't do that though. I would look into employment at least 3-6 months before retiring. DAC jobs take months and months to secure. I don't see any harm in looking for work, but I don't think you can legally sign any papers until you are on terminal leave.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 8 at 2014 4:12 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 16:12:19 -0400

I started as soon as I started my clearing to outprocess.

Response by LTC Chad Storlie made Apr 9 at 2014 2:43 PM

LTC Chad Storlie — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:43:18 -0400

The challenge for veterans and for transitioning soldiers is that they apply for jobs too early in the transition process. The first thing in transition you need to decide where you want to live (Geography), the Industries that you want to work, and the Occupations within those industries. I call this the GIO framework and the goal is to develop 8-12 companies that fit this need. Then, when you have identified the companies, you need to do a robust networking campaign (I recommend letter writing and phone calls) to establish your presence and contacts within the company. Once you have a network, understand the company, and have internal supporters, then you apply. 8-12 months is required to really do this well.

Here are some resources that explain how to do this:

(1) http://www.combattocorporate.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Create-Options-for-Career-Transition-Planning.pdf

(2) http://www.military.com/Opinions/0,,Storlie_Index,00.html