what are somethings i should do and consider before i get out?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 15:01:12 -0500

i get out next year and i like to have a good idea of what i should be doing before i ets. would it be a good idea to rent an apartment or should i just use my VA home loan? what are some good careers for veterans (really don’t want to work at t-mobile like most veterans lmao). please give me advice and tips thank you!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2021 3:03 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 15:03:47 -0500

i’m also enrolled into college working to get my bachelors btw

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2021 3:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 15:23:01 -0500

Before you get out??
Complete your bachelor degree using Army TA.
PCS to at least one location that you'll likely never move to as a civilian, ie Germany, Korea, Hawaii, Honduras, Japan, Egypt.
Take at least a whole year to plan your transition
Pay off ALL debts, bills and loans you may have.
Have an emergency fund set up in the bank and a couple thousand to help pay for your transition to your new home as well.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2021 3:23 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 15:23:04 -0500

Maybe focus on the degree and work that out and find your interests.

Honestly, staying in is an option as well. I wouldn't mention it otherwise, but it doesn't sound like you have laid out your plans once you are out. So again, spend that time working on the degree while you bridge your military and civilian time. If you haven't figure out a path by then, well, maybe come back, and with degree in hand.

Sounds like you are looking for a job for the sake of a job, and well, you already have a job.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Jan 12 at 2021 3:32 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 15:32:44 -0500

You are not getting a VA home loan without a verifiable steady income source.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jan 12 at 2021 3:35 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 15:35:52 -0500

A few tips I wish I had when I left the army:
1) Make sure you have some money saved up.
2) Start looking into going to school or starting a career quickly. If you don't know what you want to do, there's no harm in going to college and knocking out gen eds for a little while as you try to figure things out.
3) Get linked up with the VA and a VSO quickly.

If you don't know what you want to do for work and or where you want to permanently live, I wouldn't buy a house right out the gate.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2021 3:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 15:56:04 -0500

Staying in is not an option?

Response by 1SG Rick Seekman made Jan 12 at 2021 4:29 PM

1SG Rick Seekman — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 16:29:58 -0500

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 12 at 2021 4:58 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 16:58:43 -0500

If you're getting out in a year, you definitely need to start transition planning NOW. Sign up for the transition assistance courses, seminars, etc., now. Start a transition savings account immediately and put money in it each pay check. You'll need several month's living expenses banked to support the transition.

Figure out what you want to do next with your life. Education using the GI Bill is a great way to acquire the knowledge and skills for a valuable trade. As a combat engineer you should have had some training in trades. Pick one you like and are reasonably good at and start looking for a Community College or Trade School that will accept the GI Bill and help you get into an apprenticeship. If you have the urge to attend a 4-year college to get a BS/BA, make sure the curriculum leads to a degree that helps you get a job. STEM degrees are in demand. Stay away from Liberal Arts degrees in things that aren't employable--the market for Gender Studies majors is very small for example.

Don't shy away from entry-level jobs. You're possibly new to the private sector work force. Take that part-time job that will help you survive while you're in school. If possible pick an industry you're interested in working in after you complete your education. "Flipping burgers" can lead to a restaurant management job after your complete your Business or Hospitality Management Degree. Sometimes an entry-level job shows you where you do not want to work. That's also good to know before you pound your head against a wall for 10 years in a job you hate.

Complete your RP profile so we know more about you. We can provide better recommendations with more to go on.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jan 12 at 2021 7:06 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 19:06:27 -0500

Are you going back to your home of record and is that a place you plan to spend you whole life, or at minimum fifteen years? These are things you need to think about and be sure of your plan before getting a VA home loan. That is all beside the fact that unless you have a job and probably more than two or three months there you probably will not be able to get the loan. Rent the apartment for a year. A lot of water goes under a bridge in a years time. Good luck to you.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 12 at 2021 8:05 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 20:05:26 -0500

So get some savings. It may take a while for you to be employed there will be a delay in final pay.

Rent vs buy is a more complex decision. You have to have secure income before. can you make that call on a location for 2-5 years? You get burned on a short sale of a home. In the long run, buying, in the right area, and holding on to a property is better than renting

Work on getting a career started.

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Jan 13 at 2021 7:20 AM

CH (LTC) Robert Leroe — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 07:20:44 -0500

In my opinion, the amount you pay for rent could be better used in paying a mortgage. My commander advised me to buy a home when I retired and it was good advice. I have something for all the money I spent. That being said, more is written on financial matters when what is especially needed are goals for what we will do: a second career, education, travel, volunteer work? And unless you're going to where you call home, a lot of time needs to be spent in learning about places you might want to live.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Jan 13 at 2021 9:48 AM

SPC Robert Bobo — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 09:48:22 -0500

Have a plan!, After partying for a months, blowing a few thousand dollars from savings, finding out my girl had been cheating for over a year I decided to get my shit together. I enrolled in college, met my current wife and after relocating, I finnally found a job I enjoyed working with other veterans, the rest is history. During that first 2 year window , I missed the military, got bored with cilivian life and was deep in the re-enlistment process, my current wife talked me out of it and it all worked out for the best.

Response by MSG Daniel Talley made Jan 13 at 2021 10:11 AM

MSG Daniel Talley — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 10:11:58 -0500

I recomend prior to ETS you review or start hobbies/side projects you enjoy. See which of those can lead to money. Seek to enjoy the life you spent time defending. Find your passion. People who live out positive passion bless us all and in turn are respected and blessed by most.

Response by SGT James Hammons made Jan 13 at 2021 1:12 PM

SGT James Hammons — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 13:12:36 -0500

Contact the Veterans Administration or a representative from one of the Service Organizations (VFW, American Legion, or DAV) to find out what benefits are out there. Technology is a big field, but actually states that have done well are the states that keep business open during mandatory lock downs. Texas - Florida and a few other states are doing well and have jobs available.

Network with friends and family to see if there is someone who can help you with a job to start. Brush up that resume.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jan 13 at 2021 2:43 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 14:43:17 -0500

Start your transition planning. Get a through physical, also get screened by the VA medical rep. Pay off everything you can. Start thinking about and researching future work. Cram in as much school as you can, decide whether you will work or finish a degree when you get out. Continue to perform your duties, leave with what you earned. Thank you for serving.

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Jan 13 at 2021 9:04 PM

1LT Voyle Smith — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 21:04:32 -0500

Make sure you have a job that provides health insurance. If a job doesn’t cover all of an employee’s health insurance premiums, it should at least cover half the cost. Also make sure you plan early for your eventual retirement; you should set up a retirement fund through your employer to which both you and your employers contribute. And in all cases, plan for the needs of your eventual family; your spouse and kids will depend on you to include them in everything you do. Before you leave active duty, make sure your finances are in order: you should have cash to cover at least six months of living expenses and no debts to be serviced. You will probably need an apartment in the area in which you will work, but be advised that all apartment managers demand that you sign a lease of at least six months, plus a deposit to cover any damage that you might cause. A lease can be very difficult and expensive to break, so choose wisely in your choice of livening arrangement. You will probably receive payment from your finance office for any unused leave time that you’ve accumulated; hang on to that, and resist the temptation to use it to buy a car. Don’t use the VA to help you buy a home, at least not yet. once you’ve used your VA loan eligibility, it’s tough to get it restored. As fo employment, the VA can help you with job counseling and aptitude tests. The federal government Office of Personnel Management posts job openings across the country. Check their website at opm.gov.
A government job won’t make you rich, but it’s an honest living and can be rewarding in non-financial ways. (I’ll chew on this overnight and try to add more tomorrow.)
(To resume where I left off earlier:)
My own story might be helpful to you. Even though my career began some 60 yeats ago, you might find a kernel or two that could be informative.
When I reached the 90 semester hour point in my college career, I still no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. I knew I need a job to support myself after college, but I didn’t know how to find one. My Mom saw an announcement in the business section of the San Antonio News that people wishing to applynforbFedera employment should visit the federal building in downtown SA and pick up an application to take the Federal Service Entrance Examination (FSEE). I did that and filled out the form and mailed to the address provided. A eeek or so later, I received a post card in the mail inviting me appear at the Federal Buiding, in a room specified, and be prepared to spend four hours on the exam. Results would be mailed to me within two weeks and would specify the types and locations of jobs for which I was considered qualified. I showed up at the appointed time and sat through the four-hour exam. While waiting for the results, I visited the Placement Office in St Mary’s University’s administrative building. The staff there consisted of two people: a seasoned citizen of at least 60 years old and middle-aged secretary. I walked in and introduced myself to the secretary and explained briefly that I was nearing graduation and was looking for a job, and I asked if anyone in that office knew where I should look to find one. She said yes, that as a matter of fact that office received letters and phone calls daily from corporate recruiters looking to hire new employees. She invited me to make an appoint,ent with the P.O. himself and he would be glad to describe the services that office provides and how to use them to meet recruiters and how to prepare for job interviews that I could expect to see in the way of results. So I did that: I made an appointment for 1:00 the next afternoon to meet with the PO. She said to bring my transcript of courses completed so far and my outline of the courses I still planned to take before graduation. The next day, I showed up in his office wearing slacks, a sport coat and turtleneck sweater, with the requested materials in a thin leather folio. The materials included my ugly transcript from Texas A&M, the record of my studies at St Mary’s University and an outline of courses I planned to take in coming semester which would culminate in my graduation in early June 1964. When I was shown into the PO’s office, he greeted me with a handshake and had me sit down in a chair facing his desk. I handed the mmaterials I had brought, with my plan for the coming semester on top, followed by my record at. St Mary’s and my A&M transcript on the bottom. The latter was pathetic: it showed I had failed college algebra ffour times, and also flunked weight-lifting and one semester of French. There was also a “D” in English History. Other courses had mostly been graded “C”, with very few “B” grades and no “”A” grades. He scowled at that page, looked over his glasses at me and said, “You know, this is pretty bad.” I said “Yes sir.” Then he moved on to my St Mary’s record, showing a complete turn-around, with mostly “A” grades with a few “B”s and nothing else. He was impressed. He said, “OK, so it looks like there’s hope for you. So what you want to do is find a job that will let you use what you learned at St Mary’s and won’t hold your A&M record against you. I have another appointment now. Go to the library fo half an hour, then come back and we’ll resume our discussion.” So I stood up and left the papers with him as I walked to his door. As I was leaving, I saw an older gentleman in a rumpled suit stand and enter the PO’s office. When I returned half an hour later, Mr. Rumpled Suit was still in the P o’s office. But rather than send me away, he told his secretary to show me in. So I went in and the PO stood up and said, “Mr. C., this is the young man I just mentioned to you, Mr. Gil Smith.” Mr. C rose from his chair, stuck out his hand and said, “Mr. Smith, I’m glad to meet you. Sit down for a moment and let’s talk.” Mr. C. Stated that he was the Director of Civilian Personnel at Headquarters Air Force Security Service at Kelly AFB in San Antonio and he was looking for a technical writer to work with AIr Force active duty and civilian employees to translate technical language into English of everyday usage that the average person could understand. He said the job was a training position that had an entry level of GS-5 and the job title was Intelligence Research Specialist. He said the job required a Top Secret security clearance that would be granted only after a thorough background investigation conducted by special agents of the Defense Investigative Service. The investigation would be based on information a prospective pformationmon the employee’s family members, his close asociates Nikki furnished his supervisor on a lengthy form called the DD Form 398 on which the employee recorded his personal history, going back to the date and place of his birth. The form required extensive information about the employee’s family members, close associates, financial accounts and educational institutions attended. The background typically required at least six months to complete. Mr. C. Stated that if I was interested in the position, I should formally apply for it, using an application form that he provided. And he stated that I should submit my completed DD Form 398 at the same time that I submitted my application. I informed him that I was very interested and would like to begin work on the forms immediately. With that, Mr. C handed me the forms and asked me to begin work on them. He said when completed I should return them to the PO and he would ensure they reached Mr. C. I spent the next week gathering information from my parents about the places where we had lived and the dates of our residences and used that information to complete the form. I also contacted people who knew me and whom I hoped would agree to serve as a Personal Reference and gathered information required on my financial relationships and included all of that information on the 398. When I had completed the form I took it out to St Mary’s and gave it to the PO’s secretary. Then I sat back and waited. Within about three weeks, I received a letter from the OPM office offering me a position as a staff writer at the US Army Artillery Center and School at Ft Sill OK. I had to respond within five business days if I wished to accept the offer; I responded “Thanks but no thanks.” A week or so later, I received another offer from OPM, that one for a writer in the contracting office at a US Navy facility in New Jersey. Again, I responded, “Thanks but no thanks.” A week or so later, I received another letter from OPM, stating that I would only be allowed on more rejection before my name was removed from the list of applicants. About that time, I received a letter from Mr C relayed by the PO at St Mary’s stating I was approved for temporary hire and could begin work on 26 May 1964. The timing was perfect, since graduation from St Mary’s was scheduled for the following week.
So that began my career in Air Force civil service, only to be interrupted in Jan 1966 when I took a leave of absence to dodge the draft and enlist as a Private Recruit in the Infantry Branch of the US Army.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2021 12:26 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 00:26:46 -0500

Try out for your local fire department or police department. If you don’t have your degree, go get it. If you’re still on the fence of getting out or staying in try switching components and use the army benefits to your advantage while continuing your service.

Response by SSG David Blees made Mar 5 at 2021 10:50 PM

SSG David Blees — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 22:50:25 -0500

Get copies of your medical records just in case.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2021 10:58 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 22:58:45 -0500

Have a plan, a network and motivation.