For the people that have transition from the military to civilian, what would you do differently if you had the chance?

SGT Daniel Lindsey — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 13:03:11 -0400

What do you think are the most important things to accomplish before exiting the military, that would contribute to a successful transition?

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Sep 17 at 2013 1:37 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 13:37:48 -0400

Great question. I would've started resume writing much earlier and taken private classes to get all of my bullets translated into a civilianized format.
If RallyPoint was around, I would've started networking a lot earlier with vets that made the successful jump. Easy to locate and connect with these guys that work for companies you might like. Explore the RPU.

Response by CPT Brian Hughes made Sep 17 at 2013 3:07 PM

CPT Brian Hughes — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 15:07:41 -0400

I think about that from time to time, myself. I would make a list of everything I loved about the Army and everything I disliked about the Army, and then try to identify a position that captures (and adds to) the positives with as few negatives as possible. Transitioning was the right decision for my family and me, but it's helpful to figure out what you truly value before leaving the security of the military to launch a new career.

Response by SGT Daniel Lindsey made Sep 20 at 2013 4:45 PM

SGT Daniel Lindsey — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 16:45:18 -0400

Great advice, I will do my best and put this advice to good use! Thank you so much for your insight!

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2013 8:10 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 20:10:06 -0400

Great question...I am in the same boat looking at transitioning to the civilian world in the next 2 years. Glad I attended TAPS GPS as this opened my eyes to the future realities. I realized after attending the class, I am not ready for the transition.

Response by SGT Thomas Sullivan made Sep 24 at 2013 11:22 AM

SGT Thomas Sullivan — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 11:22:12 -0400

Having just transitioned myself, I can say that having a fantastic resume is your best step towards getting a job, that and knowing exactly what you are worth so you don't short change yourself at the negotiating table.

Response by Capt Frank McClung made Sep 25 at 2013 9:13 AM

Capt Frank McClung — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 09:13:38 -0400

Start trying to do the job or create projects in the military that are related to the civilian work you want to do. This gives you the applicable training and a focused resume ready for transition to civilian life.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Sep 25 at 2013 1:17 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 13:17:31 -0400

I really would have started my planning process earlier, and that includes reaching out to people similar to me who had already made the transition. For example, as a 13A Field Artillery officer, I would be interested in learning what former 13A officers had been able to achieve in the civilian sector. I started my planning process pretty late in the game because I didn't want to distract myself from doing my military position as well as possible. This led to some really late nights of hectic planning and worrying in private.

Response by SFC Rory Kempf made Sep 25 at 2013 6:21 PM

SFC Rory Kempf — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 18:21:47 -0400

Realise that no one knows what I went through and they have their own lives with problems. Basically be a listener.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2013 9:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 21:47:20 -0400

I am not transitioning currently, but for the past 2 years I have been working with transitioning Soldiers. I get the opportunity to see some of the Soldiers who chose to stay in the area and they ALL say, they would have begun ACAP processes 2-5 years in advance, that all the financial classes, business classes they would've taken complete advantage of. That they would've definitely been more proactive with college classes. I even had one of the old transitioning Soldiers come back and provide this wealth of info to the current Soldiers.

Response by LTC Chad Storlie made Sep 26 at 2013 1:00 PM

LTC Chad Storlie — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:00:54 -0400

There are a number of factors to a good transition - (1) maximizing your leave (60 Days); networking (ask other vets their top 3 should have done's); and learning how to translate and apply your military skills to business so you look valuable to an employer.

http://www.combattocorporate.com/free-resources/

Response by SPC Jason Maxwell made Oct 3 at 2013 1:21 PM

SPC Jason Maxwell — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 13:21:33 -0400

Education and transferable skills to a career. After the infantry I had to go to school, work odd jobs, and provide for my growing family. More education and finding a skills that I could use on the outside is what I wish I did.

Response by PO1 Jotham Anderson made Oct 3 at 2013 3:16 PM

PO1 Jotham Anderson — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 15:16:50 -0400

I think whatever command you are in, they should follow policy that is listed in DoD INSTRUCTIONS

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2013 3:40 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 03:40:32 -0400

study more for promotion boards, make sure i met TIS requirements for next rank, and become a warrant officer if i were to stay in

Response by CPT Jerry Johannesen made Oct 20 at 2013 12:19 PM

CPT Jerry Johannesen — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 12:19:03 -0400

I would have taken taken 2 full weeks to clear post. When I got my paperwork back from the MEB, I rushed to getting out. When I came back into the military, I prepared myself as I was getting out. I did this by picking a MOS that I could use the civilian world and made sure I had a degree before getting out. It was close on the degree. I told my soldiers that they need to plan as they were getting out. If they did this, they would move up in rank and would be ready when they got out.

Response by MAJ Jeff Beauchamp made Oct 20 at 2013 2:26 PM

MAJ Jeff Beauchamp — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 14:26:20 -0400

Save as much leave as you can. My civilian employer didn't pick us up on there health plan for a full month... So try to have as much leave as you can so your still covered

Response by SPC Corbin Doades made Oct 20 at 2013 5:56 PM

SPC Corbin Doades — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 17:56:50 -0400

I would have stayed in and pushed to go active duty. I have been having a hard time finding a good employer that will let me put my experiance to good use. Not vey many good paying security jobs out there.

Response by LTC Chad Storlie made Oct 23 at 2013 1:29 PM

LTC Chad Storlie — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 13:29:56 -0400

The real challenge for an effective transition is to have a broad transition strategy. A resume is merely a tool to have an effective strategy. A transition strategy is finding WHO you want to be employed with, WHAT you want to do, WHEN you want to do it, WHERE you want the career to be, and WHY you want to leave the military for a new career or educational pursuit. As part of your strategy too many veterans only look at 1-3 companies. To be effective you need to network with hundred's of executives, look at 8 to 12 different companies, and 3-4 seperate geographic locations. Hiring today is a buyer's market for companies. Finally, veterans must look at how they can translate and apply their military skills to their future careers.

SOME RESOURCES: http://www.combattocorporate.com/free-resources/

Response by TSgt Dave Whitford made Nov 18 at 2013 8:45 PM

TSgt Dave Whitford — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 20:45:29 -0500

For me personally, I would have "cast a wider net". Don't narrow your focus to any one industry or technology. After separation from active duty, I ended up work for IBM in Poughkeepsie NY for 13 years. Not that was a bad job, but as the large computer industry foundered and sank, so did the job. I continued with "high tech" moving to MA and joining Digital Equipment Corp, which was sold piecemeal, along with the job. Having had a lifelong nterest in trains (doesn't every you boy have a facination with trains or any large piece of equipment?) I've settled into a career with the Mass Bay Transit Autority here i Boston. Wish I had followed my boyhood dream back in 1980. With that, do get into the "separation anxiety" mindset. Remember your dreams, then take action to follow them. Getting into something you really enjoy, it'll seem like you never "work" another day in your life.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2013 8:54 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 20:54:30 -0500

I would have stayed 20 years, and enhanced my credentials as a Meteorologist. I learned a lot from pilots and a practical look at weather and how it affects my own abilities.

Response by TSgt Karl Kurtz made Nov 19 at 2013 9:40 PM

TSgt Karl Kurtz — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 21:40:10 -0500

I had a choice: Family or Fortune. I chose family and not fortune.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2013 6:18 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:18:15 -0500

As a soldier who just recently retired (Oct 2013) with 22 years; I would have done some things differently. I do not regret by any means what I have done, but if I knew then what I know now I would have done some things like:

1. Invest ( I never had folks or leadership preaching it to me like they seem to be doing a little better at now).

2. Planned better farther out from retirement. It is easy to be so involved in your and your soldiers' lives that time slips by and the next thing you know, you're about ready to step out the door. Use this time to focus on yourself, but remain there for your troops.

3. More effective networking prior to separation. We as soldiers travel a lot, and meet many folks in whatever profession you're in. If you establish good contacts this could enable you to have a "foot in the door", so to speak.

4. PREPARE yourself for a lifestyle change and budget yourself accordingly. Make plans and even try to pay ahead on some of your more significant investments /bills.

5. Make use of this transition time and ALL the transition programs that are out there. For some soldiers who may have served for 2,3 or 4 year enlistments will have different requirements than one who served, essentially their who adult life, so plan and use programs accordingly. There are a lot of them out there to aid and assist. Just my 2 cents though.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 12:28 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 00:28:22 -0400

I wish I would have been able to talk with someone who actually knew what they were talking about. it was tough at first

Response by SPC(P) Delcina Myers made Mar 22 at 2014 12:33 AM

SPC(P) Delcina Myers — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 00:33:25 -0400

Wish I had this advice when I first ETS'd... It took me 2 years to get out of 'military mode'... Now I'm right back to square one. Lmao.

Response by SPC Michael Hunt made Mar 22 at 2014 12:37 AM

SPC Michael Hunt — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 00:37:51 -0400

Be sure to take the exit physicle and mental exams, advocate for yourself if you feel something might be wrong.

Response by SPC(P) Delcina Myers made Mar 22 at 2014 12:39 AM

SPC(P) Delcina Myers — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 00:39:33 -0400

I would have never ETS'd in the first place, if I had known what it was going to be like.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Mar 24 at 2014 2:18 PM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 14:18:45 -0400

The only thing I would do differently is prepare better at the end of my career. I retired rather quickly after going past 20. My leadership at the time was questionable so I dropped the paperwork and rushed through TAP etc. I had a job waiting for me a week after retirement so I was fortunate. For anyone else out there take full advantage of every training, education etc. Utilize TAP, VAforVets, VAcareers, Hiring Our Heroes etc. These are great programs---USE THEM!

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 14 at 2014 11:52 AM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 11:52:43 -0400

Obtain my degree while in the service.

I worked on it after getting out. I took classes at night while I worked full time. it took me 12 years to get through my Masters. Had I done some school in the military, I would have leveraged my earning power and years much better.

Response by SFC Andrew Kretz made Apr 14 at 2014 9:37 PM

SFC Andrew Kretz — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 21:37:42 -0400

I think the most important aspect of transitioning is getting certifications that can be used in the civilian market. Unless you are planning to work for the Government a majority of the military certifications are good for memories only. The only problem with this, is that the military does not offer all of these certificates that would benefit the service member. Would be nice, if while at the leadership schools, that they also offered PHR, SPHR, Six Sigma, project management, or here is a good one that many senior enlisted could have easily attained - a certified personal trainer. This is something that should be given to Drill Sergeants.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 3:37 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 03:37:55 -0400

About two years out I re-enlisted for a duty station of choice which was Fort Hood being so close to Austin and Dallas for tech savvy companies. But I did not prepare myself well enough for the job market. I did however take some college classes there through Central Texas College there in Killeen but I failed to connect to people in the "networking" department. People skills are definately worth their weight in gold no matter what job you are pursuing.

Response by SPC Stephanie Oanes made May 13 at 2014 3:21 PM

SPC Stephanie Oanes — Tue, 13 May 2014 15:21:48 -0400

I'm in the middle of my transition right now. One thing I regret though, I wish I would have taken more advantage of going to college while I was in. I changed my major three times in the duration of 8 years, and now walking away with an Associates in Criminal Justice. (I have an interest in law enforcement) I also wish I had more of a skillset that I can use on the civilian side.

Response by SrA Donald Griffith made Jul 10 at 2014 8:27 PM

SrA Donald Griffith — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 20:27:41 -0400

This is more education related, but I would've stuck with using my G.I. Bill on a reputable and well-known college, not a private for-profit school like I did.

Response by SSG Christina Watkins made Jul 13 at 2014 11:55 AM

SSG Christina Watkins — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 11:55:29 -0400

Being a reservist I didn't have quite as many problems myself, but I used to talk with active duty guys and try to get them to understand the importance of money and education before they separated. I now work for the Veterans Employment Services branch of the Salvation Army and one of the saddest things I see are people exiting the military with these great backgrounds and skill sets, but none of the civilian certifications to go along with it. I can't get them a job in the field they love and know because it never even occurred to them to get certified on the civilian side after their military training. That is probably the biggest recommendation I would make to service members, second being take advantage of the transition programs and start job hunting before you leave so you aren't scrambling when your unemployment runs out.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 9:07 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 09:07:07 -0500

Determine career choice early on and focus on building a network in that industry/career field. But, its not as easy as it sounds.