Putting Down the Rifle, Picking up the Books.

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 09:17:52 -0400

I transitioned from USMC FMF Force Troops at Camp Geiger North Carolina to Boston College at Chestnut Hill MA in 1956. So my advice to those members of the military who are thinking about taking advantage of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, I think you have a great opportunity to transition from military life to campus life. It will not be easy. But then again, anything worthwhile never is.

My transition included being accepted by Boston College and released by the USMC to return to college. My Commanding Officer also forwarded a Letter of Commendation to the Asst. Dean of the Business School at Boston College. The Veterans Administration was very helpful. They suggested I take the Civil Service Exam and be given extra points in the exam score for being a Veteran. I then was given a part time position at the Dedham Post Office in Dedham, MA. This extra income helped to cover some of the tuition at Boston College not covered by the GI Bill which was only $115.00 per month in 1956. I also believe that studying long hours in college and working part time helps one forget bad experiences in the military. You won’t have any spare time to dwell on things that may be unpleasant or traumatic.

There are several other things that helped with my transition.
1. I became acquainted immediately with other students who were also Veterans. We formed a close group that shared experiences and also helped each during the freshman orientation week.
2. I was fortunate to have a former Chaplain offer his assistance with my transition at Boston College and he enjoyed the fact that I saluted all of the ROTC Cadets.
3. I came to attention in class when called upon. I called my professors "Sir" or "Ma'am". He assured me it would only take a few weeks to become familiar with being a civilian again and not a Marine Sergeant anymore.

So to summarize my transition time from the Marines to Boston College, I would say you must manage your financial situation, network with other veterans and have the support and guidance of a college administrator or professor who has served in the military. Most find that after being in the military you will have been grounded in discipline and used to studying long hours to succeed in the classroom. I was fortunate to have attended several military schools, and had to burn the midnight oil because I wanted to be among the top in my class which helps to be promoted. This attitude can be applied to college life; it will help you get good grades and be successful.

In my case, being in the Marines for three years and then going back to college was an interesting transition. Without the moral values and strict discipline I learned in the Marines, I am not sure I would have been able to graduate from Boston College. One should really consider going to college, vocational school, or community college as part of their transition from military life to civilian life. You have the GI Bill so why not take advantage of it to better your life. Be a successful veteran who served one's country and, with a good education, can continue to do so as a civilian.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Oct 31 at 2017 9:58 AM

SP5 Mark Kuzinski — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 09:58:10 -0400

Great post - thanks Tom!

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Oct 31 at 2017 10:32 AM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 10:32:06 -0400

Good post, Sir. After spending 25 years in the Army, I got out at age 50, missing my previous life and not knowing what's next. After starting a civilian job, I developed an ulcer which caused me to lose that job. In August 2011, I began college, with the encouragement of my twin brother. It wasn't easy, attending class "with the kids" and working part time. With the same tenacity and drive I had in the military, I finished up my undergrad one semester early, then moved on to Grad School the next semester. I'll graduate this December with a Master's in Informatics. We'll see what happens next at my age.

Response by SSG James Behnke made Oct 31 at 2017 12:33 PM

SSG James Behnke — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 12:33:51 -0400

Some great tips! Although for me I would most likely need to stay busy to not dwell on the fond memories of my service and be sad I transitioned.

Response by CPT John Sheridan made Oct 31 at 2017 5:16 PM

CPT John Sheridan — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 17:16:54 -0400

Good post and sage advice. #1 has a lot to do with why I landed in ROTC. Having just left the Army as an infantry NCO, I quickly found that there were more than a few cadets in the program that were prior service (veterans). It provided a sense of structure and familiarity while I was getting used to the chaos of University life.

One piece of advice that I would offer to service members looking at transitioning to college is to take advantage of the college programs while on active duty. Exercise those skills like mathematics, writing, studying that may have atrophied before jumping into the deep end.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2017 6:06 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 18:06:54 -0400

Sgt Tom Cunnally Great advice. Some of my fellow students were not fond of the military or veterans, but I carried on. While others were partying, I was studying. My discipline and determination helped me set and obtain all of my goals. I also worked full time which helped because It left no time for distractions. The G.I. Bill is the best benefit that the service has to offer.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Oct 31 at 2017 9:44 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 21:44:45 -0400

Yeah... i went from FMF with zero skills & less education. What now?

First I had to prove I could handle college. So I started at a Community College & worked my way through a step at a time.

The biggest thing needed for success was a support structure, my fellow vets. We got real tight real fast. It’s easy to do when everyone hates you.

The next thing is keeping your eye on the prize. You are there for a purpose and that should not be killing time until you find yourself. Keep your goals in mind, and accomplish them.

Response by COL John McClellan made Dec 1 at 2017 3:59 PM

COL John McClellan — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 15:59:00 -0500

Well done!

Response by SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter made Dec 26 at 2017 12:18 AM

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 00:18:38 -0500

It was very challenging and rewarding for me.

Peace!

Response by SSG Robert Gibbs made May 24 at 2019 2:29 PM

SSG Robert Gibbs — Fri, 24 May 2019 14:29:52 -0400

Awesome!