I'm on 7 years out now. Do any of you still struggle with the transition?

SGT Chris Hotchkiss — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 21:20:13 -0400

Response by SGT Chris Hotchkiss made Aug 23 at 2017 9:21 PM

SGT Chris Hotchkiss — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 21:21:20 -0400

Transition*

Response by LTC Bill Koski made Aug 23 at 2017 9:27 PM

LTC Bill Koski — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 21:27:29 -0400

Yes. I don't like it. I want to still be in but my body tells me I can't do what I used, so I have to move over and make room.
I have fortunately found a job on a military base as a contractor, similar to a command position and can feel back in.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 23 at 2017 9:49 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 21:49:40 -0400

Out almost 15. Biggest thing I miss is the people. I'm not going to say it gets better. But it does get different.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Aug 23 at 2017 10:36 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 22:36:18 -0400

Of course... it's hard and it's an adjustment. Hell, I've been out 2 1/2 years and I woke up in a panic this morning because I hadn't run my PFT for score yet. It takes time, but I don't think it ever goes away completely. I currently work with Marines because I enjoy the feeling of camaraderie and being able to share stories. But it also helps remind me sometimes that I'm glad I got out.

Don't know what you are currently struggling with, but I think we all struggle in our own ways... especially if we enjoyed our time in uniform.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2017 10:48 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 22:48:06 -0400

SGT Chris Hotchkiss I was discharged when the Dinosaurs roamed the earth. I worked and went to school full time. Keeping very busy helped me to stay focused on reaching my goals and helped with the transition. For 33 years, I gave my heart and soul to the Space Shuttle Program. When the program ended, I was out of sorts for two years. Again, staying busy helped me adjust to the new reality. Good luck.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Aug 23 at 2017 10:57 PM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 22:57:19 -0400

I too, have been out for seven years now. Since I have not been able to find employment that has comparable salary or benefits as the military, it's been a tough road. Just take it a day at a time.

Response by PO3 Jacob Jenkins made Aug 23 at 2017 11:55 PM

PO3 Jacob Jenkins — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 23:55:37 -0400

SGT Chris Hotchkiss this is an interesting question!! You are not alone there are many people out there that still struggle with all different aspects of transition. Just know there are people out here that care about your transition and want to help. With whatever your struggling with RP is a great site to help you and anyone struggling to connect with organizations that specialize in helping veterans in different areas. I encourage you guys to speak out in updates/questions like this and have guys like me that will mention people to spread the word and get you connected with people that can help ya. As veterans we should keep the level of commitment that we had for eachother when we were in! The brotherhood doesn't stop when you receive your dd-214. Col Private RallyPoint Member COL Mikel J. Burroughs SPC Douglas Bolton SGT Private RallyPoint Member CPT Jack Durish PO3 Steven Sherrill Steve Durgin PO3 Bob Perry SSgt Amanda Boyd PO3 Private RallyPoint Member Mark Heick Camille Marino Jennifer Farley SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth PO2 Richard C. SPC Margaret Higgins PO2 Harold Ashton PO3 John Wagner TSgt Joe C.

Response by PO2 Richard C. made Aug 24 at 2017 12:55 AM

PO2 Richard C. — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 00:55:00 -0400

I've been out 47 years, 3 months and 23 days and have a hard time remembering last week. But there are still things about my time in I remember and wouldn't mind doing again. I joined the Navy because I loved going out in the ocean to fish as a kid. I still miss the special experience of going out topside in the middle of the ocean at night, with no light pollution and a sky full of stars that are displayed like God intended us to see them. I went out almost every night we were underway, weather and seas permitting. It's not a struggle, but it is a yearning. I got back some of the military comfort when I went to work in nuclear security. Pretty much a military setting.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 24 at 2017 3:18 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 03:18:16 -0400

I've been out 44 years now - it gets easier.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 24 at 2017 5:35 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 05:35:01 -0400

It took me a while to be accustomed to not going to drill every month, missed the unity I had with those that I trained with.

Response by SGT David T. made Aug 24 at 2017 10:20 AM

SGT David T. — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 10:20:43 -0400

I have been out just over 10 years now and I think there is always a struggle to a degree. It got easier for me over time, but it is still there. Some days, when things get complicated I think back to the simplicity of those days. I never had to worry about what to wear, what to do, or where to be. That being said, I don't regret my decision to get out. It is hard to believe it has been 10 years already. The time flew by. It seems like yesterday that I was in. Hell, I sometimes wake up thinking I am late for PT lol.

Response by SSG Toryn Green made Aug 24 at 2017 2:45 PM

SSG Toryn Green — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 14:45:25 -0400

Every day. Civilian life is boring and I've struggled with the transition since I got out a year ago. I recently made the decision to go back to active duty as for the first time in 5 years, they're accepting E5-E-6 with decent reclass options. I'm currently awaiting my date for MEPS. Figured I might as well finish out my 20 and get the benefits.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Aug 24 at 2017 6:57 PM

PO1 Aaron Baltosser — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 18:57:12 -0400

No sir. I was ready from the time I was a lowly E-1 to transition. I began counting the months, days, and years until retirement then. It gave me something to do to pass the time until I could put that into effect. I was lucky and physically survived until I had enough years to retire. Some of my friends were not so lucky. Finding forums like this has helped. I still mentor on Sailor as she explores the choices of either continuing to a full career or transitioning to a Veteran status and taking up work in the civilian community. As a retiree that helps pass the time, as does riding a motorcycle.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2017 7:38 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 19:38:21 -0400

It has been thirty -two years for me. I reckon I'm STILL transitioning.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 24 at 2017 7:51 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 19:51:45 -0400

I think if you're on any military site like this you miss it, I know I do and these sites help fill the void. Retired since 2006 and still miss it.