Posted on Dec 16, 2013

What fears did/do you have about transitioning out of the military? How did you cope?

LTC Jason Strickland

5.88K

47

62

2

0

I had the opportunity to talk with transitioning military personnel at the U.S. Air Force Academy recently. As you might expect, there were some fears and concerns with leaving the service. For those of you who have made the transition, what were some of your fears? How did you cope?

Posted in these groups: Military civilian 600x338

Transition

Edited >1 y ago

Posted 11 y ago

Follow this discussion

Responses: 25

5

0

SSG Robert Burns

Posted 11 y ago

I was in charge of an IDES platoon a few years ago and they all had the same concern. Jobs. They had all been made "promises" of new jobs but until they walk in that first day on the job, they are terrified.

I guess it's a real tough transition to go from a guaranteed salary, to not knowing if you really have a job the next day.

(5)

Comment

(0)

LTC Jason Strickland

11 y

A legit concern in your platoon! It's tough making the transition, but we all have to do it - someday! Thanks for sharing.

(1)

Reply

(0)

3

0

SGT Ben Keen

Posted 11 y ago

Like most Veterans, finding a job was my biggest fear but I also had the fear of trying to figure out how I would it into the "regular" world after my time in the service. It is no secret that we have our own way of walking and talking while in the uniform. These things do not always translate well in the civilian world. You can't take some of the same actions against a subordinate in the civilian world as you would in the military. You don't have to worry about someone telling you to get down to the PX and get your hair cut out here. Now you have to actually plan what you are going to wear to certain events rather than just taking a uniform off the hanger.

All of these and so much more were a big concern for me during my transition and some remain to worry me. That's why I think things like this site are important because now service members can find and connect with someone near their age, with the same sort of job and be able to relate.

(3)

Comment

(0)

LTC Jason Strickland

11 y

Ben, thanks for the candid response. Your transition - similar to taking a new job in the military - depends on how you cope with the situation. Seems like you've done well!

(1)

Reply

(0)

SGT Ben Keen

11 y

Thanks Jason. Yeah I feel that I have done okay with the transition but sadly that sort of outcome seems to be rare. Not to say I know any special secret to a successful transition or that other Veterans are not able to achieve the same sort of outcome. And while it hasn't always been a smooth road, I've had the opportunity to work along side some great people that helped me. With that being said, I'm willing to assist any Veteran who is about to start or already going through a transition. I won't know all the answers but I'm willing and able to share advice and things that worked for me.

(0)

Reply

(0)

3

0

SGT (Join to see)

Posted 11 y ago

This month marks the 9th year anniversary of my ETS
date from Active Duty, and at the time I had no fear of leaving the
service. Looking back, however I should
have had many concerns but I would not call them fears. I left active duty as a SPC, I only had a
high school diploma, the job market was bleak at best, my MOS did not transfer
well, we didn’t have much saved up, I was married with a small child, and the
list goes on and on. But what I did have
on my side was determination and the ability to interview well. Both of which were skills I improved through
my time in the military. Fast forward to
today I have a great career that I love and receive job offers from corporate recruiters
on a regular basis. Most veterans will never
realize how in demand their skills are in the corporate sector or how to market
these skills. The only thing to fear is fear itself!

(3)

Comment

(0)

LTC Jason Strickland

11 y

Quentin, thanks for sharing. Your testimony should encourage others who are (or were - or will be) in the same position. Determination and interviewing well are two great qualities to go on top of excellent training you already received in the military.

I'm glad to hear that you keep receiving offers.

Keep up your professionalism!!

(2)

Reply

(0)

Show More Comments

What fears did/do you have about transitioning out of the military? How did you cope?

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.