Cpl Ray Fernandez 75354 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Funny or insightful we've all had some lessons that we learned when we transitioned when we left active service and had to relearn how to be civilians. <br> 2014-03-13T16:28:15-04:00 Cpl Ray Fernandez 75354

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Funny or insightful we've all had some lessons that we learned when we transitioned when we left active service and had to relearn how to be civilians. <br>

2014-03-13T16:28:15-04:00 2014-03-13T16:28:15-04:00 SFC James Baber 75417

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>That most employers and businesses really don&#39;t care for or appreciate the military as much as they try and claim they do.

2014-03-13T18:01:22-04:00 2014-03-13T18:01:22-04:00 SPC David Wyckoff 75418

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>To expound on SFC Baber's comment, most employers don't accept or recognize your military training certifications, such as mechanical certs, military police training etc. So whatever training you need to do the job you are applying for, you will most likely have to take all over again.

2014-03-13T18:10:13-04:00 2014-03-13T18:10:13-04:00 SFC Lawrence Marcus 76150

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I learned that being a civilian or a Soldier, it was all the same BS, just different bosses and a distinct lack of the ability to put me in jail, and a lack of camaraderie.  <br>

2014-03-14T21:34:16-04:00 2014-03-14T21:34:16-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 85214

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>"Deuces, Ft. Bliss! Got my DD 214, headin' East!" 2 hours later "I...I'm hungry...DFAC? Shoppette? NOOOOOO!"

2014-03-25T23:06:08-04:00 2014-03-25T23:06:08-04:00 SGT Thomas Lucken 91044

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Learn that the civilian world is more backwards then the military world!!!!!!!  :-)<br>

2014-04-01T19:10:05-04:00 2014-04-01T19:10:05-04:00 SPC Daniel Shafer 91101

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I learned that lack of discipline in the work place is just horrible.  Sure, in the military there can be a lot of lack of discipline, but this can be dealt with.  When I see someone sagging their pants, or acting inappropriate, in a professional environment it makes me bite my tongue to not yell at them.<div><br></div><div>I never was an NCO, but I know it bothered me bad when people acted inappropriately or immature in my presence while in uniform.</div>

2014-04-01T20:53:14-04:00 2014-04-01T20:53:14-04:00 SFC William Swartz Jr 91108

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have learned that most of my hair is still here and it is still gorgeous 26 years later lol, and I have learned that to most people away from a base, that 26 years and a $1.50 will buy me a cup of coffee. Also that most employment opportunities will not even give you the courtesy of a call back or an e-mail to inform you that you are not what they are looking for in an employee. I also want to throat-punch a great many individuals that I run across on a day to day basis, but my will is strong. :-D

2014-04-01T21:07:54-04:00 2014-04-01T21:07:54-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 91879

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>1. People in the grocery store who loiter in the middle of the isle do not react well to &quot;Move out!&quot;.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;2. People look at you sideways when you scarf down your chow and leave promptly.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;3. Although civilian vehicles may be faster, people seem to drive them slower than a convoy of HETs.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;4. People don&#39;t appreciate being told they need to &quot;execute&quot;, &quot;square that shit away&quot;, or that they &quot;look like rag-bags&quot;.&lt;br&gt;

2014-04-02T15:47:15-04:00 2014-04-02T15:47:15-04:00 MSgt Curtis Ellis 91978

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>That you are no longer Active Duty... A strange feeling indeed, and a hard lesson to learn for some...<br>

2014-04-02T17:20:05-04:00 2014-04-02T17:20:05-04:00 LCpl Charles Ross 158305

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I spent my Childhood , and till I turned 18, in a Military School , half "Navy" and half "Marines", 1000 cadets in all. My Dad Was a Marine Captain, and the Commander was a Marine, I of course was put on the "Marine" side. I went straight from there into Marine Corps Boot camp. It was a harsh world out there, and it took me many years to make the transition. Sometimes I wonder where me starts,And the Marine in me ends ? It doesn't end. Once A Marine, Always A Marine. My room mate swears I ought to be A Marine Corps Drill Instructor. Good thing He's a New Generation Marine, or else .........? You never truly stop being A Marine. We don't have a shut off valve, SEMPER FIDELIS run's pretty strong through our History. What is transition like ?

2014-06-19T01:35:18-04:00 2014-06-19T01:35:18-04:00 Sgt Joel "Mike" Dunlap 158742

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I learned was civilians<br />1st cant follow orders.. <br />2nd Attention to detail "sucks"<br />3rd not much pride in there work..<br /> I went to work for my self and all of that changed!! Just saying if you do not like working for someone that drags ass then build your own business!!

2014-06-19T15:28:31-04:00 2014-06-19T15:28:31-04:00 MSG Floyd Williams 158957

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I learn that there isn&#39;t no pride and team work in most civilian employment.

2014-06-19T22:18:44-04:00 2014-06-19T22:18:44-04:00 Cpl Brian Frawley 159092

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>One of the things I learned in a very short time, is the VA was not put into place to help vets!<br />Throughout the years that I have had to deal with this inept branch of the government, has made it very difficult to see why now it is making front page news, when it has always been unable to do its duties in a timely manner!<br /><br />If you ever want to really experience happy sunshine blown right out your ass, go spend any amount of time in a VA hospital or care facility! Then you will understand what I&#39;m talking about!

2014-06-20T02:35:42-04:00 2014-06-20T02:35:42-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 159973

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I learned that a hate civilians. Almost all of them. Did not like working with them, talking, drinking, or anything. Tried to go back active duty but ended up AGR in MA.

2014-06-21T08:30:13-04:00 2014-06-21T08:30:13-04:00 SFC Andrew Kretz 160123

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have learned that I do not know as much as I wish I knew now, that I did not know then. <br /><br />Transitioning for me was difficult (and at times still is) because it seemed that from the start there was no direction to which I was heading. Sure, I had already earned my Bachelors degree and began work in the Department of the Army Human Resources Command a month after my retirement, but that was a dead end life. This year, my friend introduced me to a new direction where I can still be a leader, a business owner, entrepreneur, and a happier retiree. <br />Today, I do not work the usual 9 to 5 zombie trot and I am on my way to earn my MBA by the end of the year. <br /><br />I choose the civilians to be around, not the other way around. <br /><br />I report to no one, but me, myself, and I. (Oh yes, and my wife, sorry, forgot that one)….<br /><br />If you work full time, part time, or are unemployed, I recommend (if you have not already), find your direction, and look into the future on how you can earn a full time income on a part time schedule, to have more time to spend on what really matters….. Not the boss, not the company, but you, your spouse, your children, your grandchildren, and any other person that matters in your life…..You live only one life, why not live it unlimited!

2014-06-21T12:33:14-04:00 2014-06-21T12:33:14-04:00 PO1 William "Chip" Nagel 160169

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you ask anyone "Where is the Head" they are going to look at you funny!

2014-06-21T14:05:02-04:00 2014-06-21T14:05:02-04:00 SSG Richard Stevens 160180

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>That is true. I have been out for fourteen years, and I am still learning how to be one

2014-06-21T14:50:12-04:00 2014-06-21T14:50:12-04:00 LTC Donald (Don) Bachler 160944

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Hard learned lessons so far:<br /><br />1. The name/reputation of the college/university is more important than your GPA.<br /><br />2. That being said, degrees don&#39;t count as much as certifications. Recommend obtained civilian certifications in your field instead.<br /><br />3. Civilians don&#39;t care or understand your military service. If you quantify your accomplishments they won&#39;t believe you at best, or at worst believe that you are a liar.<br /><br />4. ACAP/TAP is a waste. It is now contracted out vice being taught by DOD instructors, as it did when it first started. Our instructor also worked part time as a waitress. If you haven&#39;t cracked the code on civilian employment, why should I listen to you?<br /><br />5. You need to have civilian contacts to land a civilian job. Job fairs are a complete waste of time, unless you want a minimum wage job. Online applications are a black hole, and I haven&#39;t meet any one hired through the process yet. Online processes mean that thousands are applying for the same job, overwhelming HR staff. Who knows how they work the process.<br /><br />6. In this time of drawdown, you can forget GS jobs. They don&#39;t exist.

2014-06-22T15:36:11-04:00 2014-06-22T15:36:11-04:00 PO1 G. Leslie /Stiltner 166330

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes I quickly learned about Overtime and what A time clock was!! I was a manager of a hotel and it used to burn my but when people would just leave in the middle of a job because it was 5 o'clock. When you are used to staying and completing the job even if you work past your scheduled getting off time. However as I was making them stay and finish they were getting overtime and I was getting Chewed out!!

2014-06-28T20:11:16-04:00 2014-06-28T20:11:16-04:00 MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca 166463

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No one understands the 24 hour clock. They all think 1700 is a year, not time to go home.

2014-06-28T23:19:49-04:00 2014-06-28T23:19:49-04:00 SPC James Oakes 210621

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Biggest shock for me was that good manners can be offensive. I held a door open for a girl on the way into a building to attend class. I got a dirty look and a "What? Am I supposed to give you my number now?"<br /><br />Second was that it's okay if that fat lazy kid forgot to shave and needs to pull his pants up. <br /><br />Third was that civilians are remarkably fragile in their social interactions. I've been out since 1998 and I still have to reword every thought I have so someone doesn't cry. Blunt but honest is rude. <br /><br />Fourth is that no one understands chain of command. I have students who could take a job as a mailroom intern and would not hesitate to shoot the CEO an email with their great new idea and address them by first name. <br /><br />Finally, the same things that set me apart will also earn me respect if channeled correctly.

2014-08-20T17:13:52-04:00 2014-08-20T17:13:52-04:00 CW5 Private RallyPoint Member 269328

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Watch out for the change in taxes when you leave the military. I retired in January (2006) and when I did my taxes for 2006 (in early 2007), it was a rude awakening. All those tax free benefits went away and I wound up owing the IRS close to $10,000 more. Yowza! I adjusted what was being taken from my retirement pay ASAP. I guess that's a good problem to have, but it's also an easy thing to overlook.

2014-10-08T12:51:15-04:00 2014-10-08T12:51:15-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 269342

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In the army I was used to my boss wanting me to succeed. My boss wanted me to learn his job to make his life easier. In the civilian world, your boss wants you to have limited success so you will not take his job. Your boss does not want you to have his skills because he is afraid of losing his job.

2014-10-08T13:01:01-04:00 2014-10-08T13:01:01-04:00 LCpl Karen Lowes 272973

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Great Question! This is what I learned quickly and harshly. After serving and having the ratio anywhere from 100-1000 men per women, my ego got a little ahead of itself. Returning home was a reality check. Had to eat some serious humble pie. I laugh just thinking about it.

2014-10-10T21:14:48-04:00 2014-10-10T21:14:48-04:00 Sgt Jennifer Mohler 273178

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Unemployment sucks and is very likely. Homelessness and hunger are real threats. There is no stability.

2014-10-11T00:44:32-04:00 2014-10-11T00:44:32-04:00 SGT Alicia Brenneis 273632

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Do not expect civilians to be disciplined. You can not be blunt with them when you expect something to be done. The just get offended and think you are trying to be their boss. Also don't forget that even though you are out, you still have many options like VA job fairs and resume assistance. Find your local VA center (not hospital). There is one in every major city and branches in most smaller areas as well.

2014-10-11T12:14:07-04:00 2014-10-11T12:14:07-04:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 273748

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There was not a lot of showing up early and staying late til the job was done, people would sneak in and snake out. Prior to OEF and OIF people in general really didn't care that much if you served in the military unless they did and had a positive experience. Not as easy to find good close friends like the ones you served with in peace or wartime, the ones you can count on to help you move, come pick you up if car broken down, to shed a tear with over a loss.

2014-10-11T13:40:13-04:00 2014-10-11T13:40:13-04:00 Cpl Heath Johnson 280027

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Was 12 years ago, and I&#39;m still in transition...I don&#39;t think I&#39;ll ever fully adjust..

2014-10-16T06:34:15-04:00 2014-10-16T06:34:15-04:00 SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member 357505

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="21439" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/21439-cpl-ray-fernandez">Cpl Ray Fernandez</a> ,The toughest lesson I had was someone complaining they only got a 30 minute lunch...I was appalled and said throw some sand in it and eat it in 10 minutes...and stop complaining...upon which a wrestling match immediately commenced. The work ethic is non-existent in 1stCivDiv, unless you are a supervisor or self-employed, from my personal experience.

2014-12-06T03:41:17-05:00 2014-12-06T03:41:17-05:00 SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL 543519

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have learned, that you really need to know how to Survive and take care of yourself/family.

2015-03-21T06:32:45-04:00 2015-03-21T06:32:45-04:00 SSgt June Worden 543527

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was fortunate in that nearly 30% of my co workers were prior military. And our administration sees the value in hiring veterans. Don't lose faith!

2015-03-21T06:46:51-04:00 2015-03-21T06:46:51-04:00 COL Charles Williams 543779

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Most people don't care who you were or what you did in the Army (Military), rather it is about what you bring to the table of you new career; what have you done for me lately. <br /><br />Unless you're a defense contractor, most people have no clue what the .45% percent of us that serve/served really do. To most we are just dudes and dudettes who served in the military.<br /><br />The other thing you learn, is what an old boss told me after he left, one day when I was down in the dumps... "The worst day in the Army, is better than the best day in the civilian world."<br /><br />It isn't always greener, many times it is, but there is definitely life after the Army, and it is all about what you make of it.

2015-03-21T11:17:45-04:00 2015-03-21T11:17:45-04:00 Capt Seid Waddell 1265147

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Civilians are not all paid more than the military.

2016-01-28T14:49:02-05:00 2016-01-28T14:49:02-05:00 Cpl D L Parker 1271105

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>That civilians don't appreciate their freedom because they never had it taken away from i.e. freedom of speech, clothing choices, ability to pick their jobs etc...

2016-01-31T13:45:51-05:00 2016-01-31T13:45:51-05:00 Cpl Christopher Snarski Sr. 5382595

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I quickly learned that I need to slow the F#%K down... My boss actually said that to me.. wtf? I said good to go Sir, now I take naps at work...

2019-12-26T12:58:36-05:00 2019-12-26T12:58:36-05:00 2014-03-13T16:28:15-04:00