What do you WISH you knew BEFORE getting out that would have changed what you did & how you handled your transition?

2015-02-28T12:11:02-05:00

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.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 12:18 PM

2015-02-28T12:18:51-05:00

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.

Response by PO2 Joshua McPhail made Feb 28 at 2015 12:32 PM

2015-02-28T12:32:00-05:00

After leaving the Navy in 2004 I had no idea what I was going to do for my life in the civilian world. Looking back, I can say that my greatest fumble was not exploring more social and professional networking avenues before I exited from the service. Moreover, the active duty tuition pay rate was something I really should have taken advantage of. My advice for other service members getting ready to join the civilian world: start to build your social and professional network before you get out, taking full advantage of sites like RallyPoint and LinkdIn. Having a network in place will help the transition and it's a huge head start towards civilian career opportunities.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Feb 28 at 2015 1:46 PM

2015-02-28T13:46:18-05:00

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.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Feb 28 at 2015 1:55 PM

2015-02-28T13:55:05-05:00

The post 9-11 GI Bill. Though I didn't have a choice - I was QRBed - I got out in April 2009. Because I got out at that time, I can not transfer my 4 years of college to my family. No matter how many letters I have written, it doesn't look like that is going to change soon either.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 2:36 PM

2015-02-28T14:36:43-05:00

The biggest thing that I wish I knew before getting out the first time in 1999 was the fact that I could be seen at the V.A. medical facilities.

I was severely injured shortly after my E.T.S. It was then that I found out I could be seen. If I had known I would have registered as soon as I got out. It would have saved me some precious time in my recovery process.

Any Service member who is on Active Duty for more than 24 consecutive months can be seen. Sometimes there is a small co-pay but it is better than trying to do it on the civilian side. Also, if you make less than a certain amount there is no charge for the service.

not sure if any of this has changed as I came back to active duty in 2007.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 2:44 PM

2015-02-28T14:44:52-05:00

Find your local SSVF program (Supportive Services for Veteran Families). Connect with them and don't be too proud to take advantage of assistance at such a crucial juncture in life. Your earned it!

Response by SPC Cedar Bristol made Feb 28 at 2015 3:04 PM

2015-02-28T15:04:07-05:00

When I got out, I thought nothing could scare me in the civilian world. I never saw actual combat, but I had done some long marches in Korea with icicles forming on my kevlar. I had busted through brush all night until the wait-a-minute vines and trees had beaten me bloody, you know, infantry training kind of experience that makes you think you can handle anything that doesn't keep you awake cold and wet for days.

The thing is, embarrassment and failure are still scary, and it's a very different kind of fear. There is some truth to the confidence I felt when I got out, those experiences I had would help keep any kind of civilian stress in perspective, but having doubts about my choice of major and whether I could really make it in that field (Chemical Engineering), and then having doubts about whether I really wanted to, and needing to make a decision about what to do with those doubts, these things bring a totally different kind of stress which I was not prepared for. I dropped out on my first attempt at college because working seemed so much better for me, went back and graduated many years later at 35 in Computer Science, a much better field for me. But the first drop-out had a lot to do with this feeling like my bubble of GI confidence bursting.

I'm not sure that there's anything anyone could have told me on my way out of the Army that would have helped me with this. There are things you can only learn from experience, but this was the hardest for me.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Feb 28 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-02-28T15:11:43-05:00

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.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Feb 28 at 2015 5:47 PM

2015-02-28T17:47:46-05:00

For me, this is a two part answer. First, when I got out the first time (in 1990), I regret that I was not more grown up and when to college. Since I am not quite out yet (probably a couple weeks away from starting to clear and terminal leave), I can't really answer this question. What I will say, is I wouldn't stress as much about other Veterans experience. Some make the transition quite grim. I have a plan and I will adjust to any required changes and hopefully make my transition as smooth as possible.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Feb 28 at 2015 8:52 PM

2015-02-28T20:52:18-05:00

If you are going to go back to school after you retire, explore your degree and its real world applications very carefully. Along the way in my Navy career, I picked up a bunch of courses in various fields that interested me, but a majority were in Psychology. I even graduated with honors (Cum Laude) with my BA degree in Psychology. Did you know that a degree in Psy and $2.00 will get you a cup of coffee in many places.

Now don't get me wrong, but really look at your degree and the applications for it where you intend to settle. A Bachelors Degree in a Human Services Field (including Psy. was all the was required for a job in Social Services in the county I live in; the county just North of us requires a Masters in Social Work.

Bottom Line research your degree for application where you intend to live. Don not HOPE to get a degree and then find a job or even move to where it MAY be useful. Plan Ahead.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 10:17 PM

2015-02-28T22:17:11-05:00

Being honest and humorous: A divorce, compliments of the Army.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 10:40 PM

2015-02-28T22:40:32-05:00

I began working in the defense industry while I was on terminal leave. The Defense Industry is a great place to begin the transition. Not only was I still working with Marines, I was still working in aviation. I no longer had to play the reindeer games, but I was surrounded by the brotherhood of the Corps. I continued to learn and reintegrate into civilian life which made the move to change careers easier. I was in the right place at the right time.

However, as I grew as a civilian leader in the defense industry, I was able to help other veterans by providing them a place to transition. I would suggest that the hunt for meaningful employment or other begin well before you get out. Don't let being a grunt/infantry discourage you either. I hired a grunt for an entry level job washing aircraft. He wasn't afraid to learn either and with the help of my avionics crew, we taught him aircraft wiring and promoted him within.

There are plenty of civilian counterparts that can put you in touch with their in-house recruiters. Don't be afraid to think outside the box. Moving to places unknown is scary, but you've done it your whole career even if it is a short duration. Lastly, ensure ALL of your military records are being handled properly, SRB, Medical/Dental and DD-214.