What are the Top Five Things you need to do to prepare for leaving the military?

2014-03-07T03:19:26-05:00

When I retired from the military near the end of 2011, I thought I had everything well in hand: my resume was updated, I was working on my MBA, I had prepared my medical records for any VA claims, I had gone through the transition briefings twice...I was ready to meet the new world. "Any day now the phone will ring and we will be putting away my retirement, not living on it." Or so I thought. Unless you plan on sitting at home after retirement (or ETS), you need to prepare yourself for Life After the Military. Let me recommend five things you need to be proactive with prior to your last day in uniform. These are not necessarily in order of importance, although #1 probably is the first thing to consider. 1) Know (or have a pretty good idea) what you want to do after you leave the military. In fact, know far enough in advance that if what you want to do requires a degree, certificate, or other special training/education, you have the time to complete that training. Take advantage of opportunities to let Uncle Sam pay the bill too; it's a benefit you've earned - use it. Retirement/ETS planning really should begin about 4-5 years out with some initial goal setting and brainstorming about life after the military. And for those only doing 4 years and getting out, you might want to think of a good "exit" plan before going in. Your plans "after the military" might have an impact on what you do while in the military (i.e. MOS, duty station, etc.). 2) Prepare yourself financially. Again, the time needed to do this is all dependent on your individual situation. Pay off debt. Put off those big purchases until you KNOW your income situation is stable. That $50,000+ job that you are certain you will get may not come through as soon as you think. Make sure if you are out of work for a while (0-6 mos) that you can make it. Otherwise you put yourself in a bind and desperate people NEVER make good decisions. 3) Get your records together. DD214's, Training, Awards and Certificates. And of course, Medical. Those medical records could be worth thousands of dollars to you and your family. Verification of skills and competencies could be the difference between being a team member at $10/hr or a team leader at $20/hr. 4) Okay, this is actually #4 and #5 because it is VITALLY IMPORTANT: Network, Network, Network! "It's not WHAT you know, but WHO you know." No truer words have ever been spoken. And it's not just who you know, but who you know that has hiring authority or can put you in touch with someone who has hiring authority. Everybody tells you, "Hey call me or send me a resume when you get out." And they're sincere about it. The problem is that most people are not in a position to give you a job. They are still helpful, don't get me wrong; but have realistic expectations about what your friends can do for you and have a plan to find out how to meet the people that can actually give you a job. Hope this helps!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 5:49 AM

2014-03-07T05:49:13-05:00

Sir,

These are great hints to help out thanks.

V/R

1SG Haro

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2014 4:55 PM

2014-03-26T16:55:29-04:00

I agree with what you are saying. In the past there really wasnt much in the way of a proper transition from the military today it is getting better. I like what you are saying with the top 5 items to look at. The only thing I would suggest / recomend is start preparing financly a few years prior to getting out. This addresses the 0-6 month pain that can happen. Very good thread and hope more jump on it to learn and share thier experances.

Response by LTC Chad Storlie made Apr 16 at 2014 9:32 AM

2014-04-16T09:32:22-04:00

A new post by me on the value of military skills for business:

http://www.everyveteranhired.com/2014/04/16/3-military-leadership-skills-will-make-invaluable-civilian-boss/

These 3 Military Leadership Skills Will Make You Invaluable to Your Civilian Boss

As you move out of the military and into civilian work, bring your leadership skills with you. Your new boss will thank you.

Response by SSG Christina Watkins made Jul 29 at 2014 6:35 PM

2014-07-29T18:35:06-04:00

That is a great top 5 things to do. I would also strongly recommend looking into the resources for veterans in your area before separating. Right now there are a lot of services that provide job assistance to veterans. There are networks that already exist in most areas. Here in California the primary group would be the EDD/ Worksource Centers.
I had trouble finding a job when I moved to this area and it wasn't until I enrolled with a private agency (JVS) that I found a job. I now work for Salvation Army Haven Veterans Employment Services in Los Angeles and it is most definitely who you know that matters. These agencies are tied into the employment network as their job. Take advantage of that. These will be the people who can help you find that $20/hr job vs the $10/hr since they already have their foot in the door with so many companies.

Response by CWO3 Donald Dunn made Aug 4 at 2014 10:43 AM

2014-08-04T10:43:01-04:00

Great post! When I began thinking about retirement in early 2003, I realized that the job market was going to be more competitive in 2006 than it was when I entered the military in 1985 and I needed to put myself in position to deal with that realization if I wanted to be successful. I put together a strategy which entailed obtaining certifications in addition to an advanced degree (MBA). I was very fortunate when I was able to secure a position, comparable to my military occupational specialty (MOS) as a legal administrative officer, 6 months before my official retirement. My advice is consistent with others and those are to FORECAST, RESEARCH, PLAN and EXECUTE the mission.

Response by PO1 Dustin Adams made May 13 at 2015 1:08 PM

2015-05-13T13:08:12-04:00

To go with number 1, hit up as many job fairs as you can, I would recommend starting at least a year out.

You may find there are interesting jobs that you are qualified for that you never new existed.

That is what happened to me.

Additionally I can't emphasize enough the importance of maintaining a complete personal copy of your medical records. Most people don't know that for anyone getting out after January 1, 2014 that after you turn in your medical record it is sent to be scanned and uploaded to an electronic record then the physical record is destroyed, DoD/VA is no longer keeping/storing the physical records. The electronic record is supposed to be verified as complete before the physical record is disposed of but as we all know, stuff happens.

Response by MSG Brian Breaker made May 13 at 2015 2:46 PM

2015-05-13T14:46:24-04:00

MSG Donald R. Lee, M.B.A.,

This is sounds advice. I am about 4-5 years out from retirement, but I am all over the place on what I want to do. I will my BS this year and plan to start a Master’s program next year. My wife and I have talked a lot about what I am qualified for, but we are still unsure where we want to settle down. The more I think about it I would like to stay in the DC Area and work in the best paying job I am qualified for. I know that's a reach, but this is where I am at the moment.

Response by CW3 Kim B. made Aug 24 at 2018 4:03 PM

2018-08-24T16:03:29-04:00

Stay in because you want to stay but look for a different position (even if you have to travel) that you think you can make a difference in. You have NCO's that trained you, maybe you could make a difference to another Soldier. Don't get out because you have some bone heads around you or because the command climate sucks. Pass the good things on........ I went Warrant Officer when I was 45 and it was the best decision I made......made me happy I stayed.