Any one have luck with getting a civilian employer to offer employment (in writing), even though you have months left in service?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 19:17:15 -0400

I ask this question because of the Voluntary Early Separation Program the Army is offering enlisted Soldiers.

Part of the "application process" for this early out involves producing an offer letter with salary, position, and start date.

The problem with this is that the offer letter would have to be in hand 4 to 6 months before a Soldier would be able to start the civilian position (keeping in mind that the Soldier's ETS award has to be submitted in time enough not to be considered late with his or her unit leadership).

Example:

My ETS is November 2015, but I have an "unofficial job" offer. Counting back 180 days, my early out ETS could be May 22, with transition leave from March 4 - May 21. This could allow me to start civilian employment on March 5 if I wanted to. However, I would have to submit DA Form 4187 requesting early out, with offer letter by the end of October. That's 5 months before I could even start. I have not heard of any companies that would go for this.

So, has anyone had luck with a company offering employment months before you could even start?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2014 5:31 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 17:31:11 -0400

Even though there are a few vet hiring incentives around various states it is still hard to nail down a job before you get out. I would like to stay in my state but most of the good incentives are in states I would care less to be in. Guess thats why they are offering them.

Response by SSG Em Vang made Nov 9 at 2014 7:19 AM

SSG Em Vang — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 07:19:14 -0500

Yes, I got a job offer before my ets date. Now, I just have to put in my 4187 request for early sep. Do you have a copy of the 4187?

Response by SP5 Rod Cross made Nov 10 at 2014 10:42 AM

SP5 Rod Cross — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 10:42:29 -0500

Waste Management, Inc offers a wealth of employment opportunites for qualified personnel tranisitioning from the military. Candidates interested in seeking employment should visit our website at http://www.wmcareers.com. They may also contact Rod Cross at [login to see] .

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2014 10:14 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 10:14:24 -0500

Before getting out get a good degree. Not a General or english llit degree. But a high value degree Like IT or Finance. Dont be lazy early and you will reap the benifits. Aviation BA. Starting a GS 9 next month.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 2:11 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 14:11:29 -0400

Yes. I nailed down a start date and salary about 4 months before my terminal leave began. Then I had to get a legal review before starting work since it was on an Army contract.

The higher the level of the job and the more specialized experience required, the more likely you can.

Response by Sgt John Ervin made Mar 22 at 2016 12:44 PM

Sgt John Ervin — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 12:44:25 -0400

Back in the 80's I had several jobs as a mechanic after I got out of the USAF. Back in these days the treatment of EX military was not very good. In my area of the country it has not gotten any better. It is always good to have a job to go to after the military. But sadly do not expect the first job to be a long term one. The civilian world is very different than the military