1

Try to complete as much of a college education as possible during your active duty time. Preparing for post-service life should always be a priority.

2

1. Have written goals that you can monitor achieve with in a certain time frame. 2. Know before hand what your strengths and skill sets are that will be compatible to what your goals are. 3. Get involved with networking early before you leave the services.
4. A very good friend, a retired Marine Colonel, and my former boss of the Director of Veterans Services at San Diego County once told me that you got to have people skills. You need to be able to communicate, coordinate, and cooperate with others or you're not going to succeed in life.

3

Civilianizing certifications and resumes.

4

Don't expect to secure a civilian job immediately.

5

1) Plan ahead (at least a year out). 2) Don't take for granted the TAP program is all you need 3) Find a mentor(s) at your current location and where you want to settle. 4) Network

6

Prepare! Gain any certifications needed for transisition & build a strong civilianized resume.

7

When you pick your retirement home make sure there are jobs in the area.

8

Begin transition planning as early as possible. Get education and get certifications.