Microsoft Software & Systems Academy | Microsoft Military Affairs

Transition programs are expanding and popping up more and more frequently. Unfortunately, the word isn't getting shared broadly or disseminated down to the lowest level. Much like my experience, you have to go out and discover much of the information yourself. Do yourself or your subordinates a solid, and check these programs out.

5 years ago, FLOTUS Michelle Obama and Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden started Joining Forces, an initiative to ensure servicemembers, veterans, and their families have the tools they need to be successful, in or out of the service. Part of this initiative is a partnership with companies, especially tech companies, to train and hire veterans. Since then, other initiatives, such as the DoD SkillBridge initiative, have been started, all to help servicemembers transition successfully into the private sector.

Microsoft was the first organization in the IT industry to provide formal training for servicemembers before their separation date. That's right. BEFORE you actually ETS, while you're still getting a regular steady paycheck. I went through this program 2.5 years ago, and started at Microsoft, while on transition leave, a week before my actual ETS date. It was so worth it.

I hope this helps at least one person.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/JoiningForces
http://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/603173