Do you think that veterans have realistic expectations when they leave the service?

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 08:46:45 -0500

I know that when I left, I did a lot of things to prepare myself like obtaining degrees and certifications, because I entered the civilian job market like it was a military operation. I found that there seems to be extremes in the veteran community and always wonder what is the best way to help them?

Response by SGT James Elphick made Jan 29 at 2015 9:27 AM

SGT James Elphick — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 09:27:43 -0500

I'm not sure if it is possible to have realistic expectations if the service is all one has ever known. I got promoted 3 times in 3 years and got a yearly pay raise on top of that. The civilian workforce just doesn't compare. Not to mention being highspeed in the military often does not translate to the civilian world, no matter how you put it on your resume. You can demonstrate it once you find a position but it can be difficult to find that first civilian job. Not to mention the fact that with deployments and training we all did some very cool/difficult/exciting stuff that just doesn't happen anymore once you get out.

The best way to help veterans is to have those who have gone before them mentor them and prepare them for the realities of civilian life. In my opinion that is the biggest hurtle to overcome.

Response by 1SG Mark Colomb made Jan 29 at 2015 10:15 PM

1SG Mark Colomb — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:15:43 -0500

I spek at the TAP sessions here at Knox. From my observations most do not have a clue what the private sector is like. Seniors can be the worst. The biggest challenges are not preparing academically, professionally, or financially. Most juniors leave without a degree, or a plan to get one after ETS. Some seniors as well. Most in both groups have bought into the hype that companies are waiting with baskets of money to hire Vets. What I tell them is their hard technical skills get them hired and the soft skills get them promoted.

Response by SFC Mark Bailey made Aug 17 at 2015 10:00 AM

SFC Mark Bailey — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 10:00:22 -0400

I had expectations and plans which 9-11 very much altered.
I probably would not have been as prepared as I thought I was had things turned out differently