For all the retiries and future retiries, when did you start applying for jobs?
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:
(2) http://www.military.com/Opinions/0,,Storlie_Index,00.html