Posted on Feb 28, 2015
What do you WISH you knew BEFORE getting out that would have changed what you did & how you handled your transition?
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Many veterans have passed through the transition door and weeks, months, or years later learned something that would have made a huge impact on how they approached transitioning out.
For better or worse, what knowledge have you found or run across to be indispensable for those following behind you? Many are preparing to cross that same bridge in the near future and could greatly benefit from your experience - we all know and admit experience is a terrific teacher. All comments can benefit someone and has value.
For better or worse, what knowledge have you found or run across to be indispensable for those following behind you? Many are preparing to cross that same bridge in the near future and could greatly benefit from your experience - we all know and admit experience is a terrific teacher. All comments can benefit someone and has value.
Knowledge
Tips
Experience
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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In an effort to gain as much information and suggestions as possible, I would like to extend a request to veterans to add in their knowledge in order to give as much assistance as we can to those who could benefit from it.
MSG Floyd Williams SGT Ben Keen PV2 (Join to see) SSG (Join to see) CW5 (Join to see) SSgt (Join to see) 1LT Sandy Annala SPC Charles Brown CMDCM Gene Treants LTC Jason Strickland SPC Jeff Daley, PhD PO1 (Join to see) MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca SFC Mark Merino SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas SFC James Baber SGT Richard H.
MSG Floyd Williams SGT Ben Keen PV2 (Join to see) SSG (Join to see) CW5 (Join to see) SSgt (Join to see) 1LT Sandy Annala SPC Charles Brown CMDCM Gene Treants LTC Jason Strickland SPC Jeff Daley, PhD PO1 (Join to see) MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca SFC Mark Merino SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas SFC James Baber SGT Richard H.
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CPT Richard Riley
LTC Strickland, I'm STILL learning that process. Company taxes are a PITA, as are the quarterly reports, the semi-annual filings, and all the other red bureaucratic tape issues that come along with a business.Lessons learned true, but they are hard lumps to get over.
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CMDCM Gene Treants
I retired with 30 years of active duty. My ID Card reads INDEF(inate) for the Expiration date.
HOWEVER, on the back of my ID Card there is block that is titled MEDICAL: Effective Date is the Day I retired (legally), the card expires the year after I turn 62 and become eligible for Medicare. You have to renew your ID at that point, your Tricare for Life does not expire.
HOWEVER, on the back of my ID Card there is block that is titled MEDICAL: Effective Date is the Day I retired (legally), the card expires the year after I turn 62 and become eligible for Medicare. You have to renew your ID at that point, your Tricare for Life does not expire.
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SGT Anthony Dequental
Network, Network (Linkedin) and Network some more, don't be afraid to ask veterans that have been there questions because we are more than happy to share the knowledge we have with you and lastly, Veterans who are in good positions to assist our transitioning Military members please share your wealth of knowledge and connections so they can have an easier time making that move.
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SGT Anthony Dequental
I will also share all info and assistance to our fellow Military brothers and sisters.
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I wish I had fully built out my network of professional connections earlier. Looking back, there were so many successful civilians & veterans I crossed paths with on active duty and really did nothing to successfully network with those connections until roughly 60-90 days before transition. By waiting until the end of service, you significantly limit your options for transition. Be inquisitive, ask questions, and always look for feedback on your resume and civilian career options early on. Thinking out loud with colleagues about what I'm passionate about has proven to be a very helpful exercise in finding the next great career path.
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CPT Richard Riley
Networking and solidifying those connections is a repeating theme. I can't stress the importance enough of keeping this information up-to-date and accurate. It will save you time and energy on the other side. Thanks Capt Charters for the reminder.
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SSgt (Join to see)
Can you still take leave when you are out of the service and do you have to sign out? lol
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COL Vincent Stoneking
This is a huge one.
Additionally, it is worth noting that having the contact info on your work computer/network is worthless. Likewise, only having THIER work contact info is worthless.
While you're both in the same workplaces (whether MIL or CIV), it's fine. But over time, one or both of you will move. And all that info will disappear in a puff of logic.
I also recommend having a HARD copy, or at least multiple digital ones. Thumb drives fail....
(I realize that's a bit off topic on the issue of building a network, but a network is useless if you can't contact it.)
Additionally, it is worth noting that having the contact info on your work computer/network is worthless. Likewise, only having THIER work contact info is worthless.
While you're both in the same workplaces (whether MIL or CIV), it's fine. But over time, one or both of you will move. And all that info will disappear in a puff of logic.
I also recommend having a HARD copy, or at least multiple digital ones. Thumb drives fail....
(I realize that's a bit off topic on the issue of building a network, but a network is useless if you can't contact it.)
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I wish I would've had a better understanding of how good I had it. I didn't realize the kind of money I was making on AD, and I didn't realize how hard it was going to be to find a job with that kind of pay and benefits. If someone would've broken that down for me, I would've thought harder about sticking around.
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CPT Richard Riley
Hind-sight is sadly always 20/20. Realizing what you have and what you'll loose in the process is part of doing the homework - that nasty word - well before making the decision to transition out of your own accord. Those who decide to leave but have the opportunity to stay if they choose have many difficult decisions ahead of them. Hopefully your acknowledgement here will cause some to reflect on where they are, what they have, and what they will loose should they decide to pass through that transition door. Thanks.
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Capt (Join to see)
CPT Richard Riley Spot on. My decision to leave was an emotional one. I was disgruntled and bitter. I was also young, so I didn't realize how bad it was to make huge decisions like that based on emotion. It was a big lesson to learn. It didn't take me very long to start finding a way to get back in. A couple years later, I found the Air Guard and never looked back. They'll have to drag me out of here kicking and screaming when it's time for me to go. I'm not making the same mistake twice.
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CPT Richard Riley
Learning the hard way is oftentimes the best because it stays with you. Congrats on overcoming a poor decision and turning it into a positive one.
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