Why do some Military Professionals not Plan for their Transition & Job Search effectively?

CPO Sultan Camp — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 16:53:04 -0400

Transitioning from the military takes time and hard work to be successful. How many can say that they've done everything suggested on this list? http://www.everyveteranhired.com/10-things-transitioning-military-professionals-must-2014/

10 Things Transitioning Military Professionals Must Do - Every Veteran Hired

For a successful transition to the civilian workforce, it’s critical to start preparing in advance. These tips will put you far ahead of your competition.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Jun 19 at 2015 4:54 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 16:54:59 -0400

Scares the hell out of them

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 19 at 2015 4:55 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 16:55:42 -0400

Simply attention to detail and awareness. You have to network and do research as well.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2015 4:59 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 16:59:45 -0400

Perhaps because they were not ready to leave the military. Maybe they are still in the denial stage of thier transition. I know many people who waited until last minute to begin their prep work for retirement or separation.

Response by A1C Nathan Fordahl made Jun 19 at 2015 5:00 PM

A1C Nathan Fordahl — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 17:00:34 -0400

I know in my case there wasn't any advance warning, I was late to work because of a car accident and my 1Sgt decided he was done with me (we had a few minor disagreements in the past) so he fast tracked my ass out. Went from a discharge date a month and a half out to modified orders and out in 3 days.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jun 19 at 2015 5:34 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 17:34:26 -0400

I think one of the biggest answers ISN"T on the list to choose from.... I don't think people understand how difficult it is, and how much time it takes to translate your military experience into something that could be read, understood, and desired by a civilian hiring authority. I have been working my resume for almost 2 years now, and STILL get critique on things that I should do to improve it.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jun 19 at 2015 8:49 PM

LTC John Shaw — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 20:49:25 -0400

I believe most military personnel assume that all you have done in the service is relatable to the cilivian jobs. True is unless you are hired by a military contractor the employer has little familiarity.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 19 at 2015 11:33 PM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 23:33:03 -0400

A lot of them think that job offers are going to come pouring in with no effort on their own part.

Response by SSgt Rachel Shelley (Cook) made Jun 19 at 2015 11:43 PM

SSgt Rachel Shelley (Cook) — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 23:43:51 -0400

I don't believe any of these answers apply to the majority of those who don't prepare effectively. In my own experience, I have watched dozens of fellow classmates exit the military only to fall back on using their GI Bill as a means to support themselves. Their answer as to why they haven't been hired yet simply comes down to a lack of knowledge. Until very recently, there was a simple way to avoid the "mandated" TAPS program. Many of these individuals skirted out of it. It was their loss. Others who were not successful had the information, but not the know-how. These are two different things. One can tell another how to do something, but information isn't always easily translated into an understandable and easy-to-follow process or checklist. In the military, we are shown what to do by doing it hands on. You would be surprised to see how that has disabled many veterans from achieving success in the real world. Unless it is demonstrated or they are guided, people are apprehensive and follow the path of least resistance. Interesting question though. Cheers!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2015 10:59 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 10:59:12 -0400

We were all told the same story about how our skills would transfer or how contractors would pursue us. But, a recruiter's job is to recruit not perform career counseling. Too many refuse to accept that they are leaving the military, that finding and keeping a job is hard work and their retirement income won't cover all the bills. Worse, most career counselors are uniformed service members with little to no experience outside of the military. If the AC wants to succeed in career counseling/transition counseling, then everyone should transition to the RC or National Guard for their last year in service. When they have mastered balancing two careers, then they are ready to cut the cord on the military.