1

Start planning, preparing and thinking seriously 3 years out! It's all about the "network". If you wait until you are within 1 year of transitioning, you are already behind.

2

Transitioning to become a civilian again. The military takes years or months to turn civilians into military members, however, we're returned to become a civilian on our own. Connections are different (camaraderie), ways of getting things done (building teams of equals, not giving directives/orders) and interacting with our peers are significantly different. I have seen many not make this transition and they might be tolerated in the workplace, however, they are not wanted. This is a shame since we can all relearn how to interact, but we need to be shown. I have been a hiring manager and had to forgo the valuable assets most former military members bring because they could not interact in a civilian workplace.

3

Be ready for an undisciplined work environment where you will need to be aggressive to succeed.

4

start early - do not believe what you hear or read

5

Connect to the business world prior to leaving the safety net of military service.

6

Maintain a professional network.

7

Have multiple plans; while you are still on active duty, people will make all types of promises about employment after retirement. Most often this promises are sincere but circumstances change. I had a plan and a back-up plan for employment but neither came to pass.

8

Arm yourself with as much accurate information as possible. Know what you want to do, either by job type or industry. Our faith in being able to do "anything" is justified, but employers aren't looking for "anything." They need a person who can perform a specific set of functions. Know what those functions are so you are prepared to meet the employer's expectations.

9

Start early, study the process, research career fields and do the hard work of talking to people who have gone before you

10

One, find your passion which may be where you want to live, what you want to do or who you want to be with or work with. It's not always about what you want to do. Second, seek out help. There are so many organizations, embedded within corporate, non-profit and for profit that provide transition assistance

11

re-establish your networks before you are ready to transition and ensure your clearance is current before you transition

12

Decide what your top priorities are from amongst location, money, type of job, etc. and focus your job search by using those priorities. This helps you narrow down your search while also keeping you in a satisfaction zone with whatever job you end up choosing.

13

Do not stay longer than 35 years or you make get the too old questions.

14

Be prepared mentally and financially to take advantage of opportunities. Eliminated as many obstacles before the transition (for example housing).

15

Take a job and keep looking for your perfect job.

16

You learned more than you realize while serving your country. There are many different things you are fully qualified to do. The challenge is finding a new career where you enjoy the work and the people you work alongside.

17

The separation career programs available from the services are much better than what was previously offered but it is still up to each individual separating service member to determine what they want to do, where they want to do it at, and how they can get there. Most separating service members have a good idea of where they want to live. Many haven't a clue of what they want to do and as a result get desperate and take jobs that are not even close fits to who they are. Figuring out one's path(s) is a critical but often overlooked step to getting out. As for the how, my experience and observations indicate that many separating service members do minimal planning before they get out. If planning is involved, ITPs and other plans are mandatory, they are poorly executed. The how also includes effective networking which again is a skill that many learn often by trial and error. My advice is to try and attend a transition workshop at least a year prior to getting out and taking action based on those workshops and those recommended in web sites (such as this one) before, not after, one steps out the cozy gates of their military home for the last time.

18

The transition is much more than just getting a job.

19

Start planning at least 2 years before you plan to transition. The process takes time and other organizations like VA are not on same clock as you

20

Establish a network and start positioning yourself for post military employment at least 10 years prior to retirement

21

Decide what you would like to do with the rest of your life and then begin preparing for that by networking and taking any required courses sooner rather than later.

22

There is life after the military. Unfortunately the adrenaline rush will be infrequent.

23

Know your worth. Industry will pay for it, especially leadership.

24

Embrace the challenge and put your military service behind you. You will utilize the hard and soft skills you gained in the military but you must prove to your potential employers that you will increase their bottom line.

25

1) Start 18 months prior to separation to begin your transition. 2) Be flexible about your possible locations. 3) Go where the work is. 4) Learn to speak in civilianese and quit using so much military jargon, it's a turnoff for many employers. 5) If you are older, 50+ your age can be a detriment and used against you. You must learn how to overcome this by concentrating on your experience. 6) During interviews talk 'specifics' and not glossy talk.

26

Build a reputation within a broad network.

27

Start preparing early and have a plan for transition.

28

Begin your preparation for separation/retirement well before departing the military. Ensure all records, particularly medical, are complete and accurate.

29

Be Humble

30

To require each service member separating or retiring to receive a Veterans Administration review/evaluation for admittance into the VA system.

31

Since I retired from the Navy Reserve I was already in the civilian workforce. My biggest (Reserve Specific) lesson learned is find our about all of the retired benefits that you are eligible for before your retirement date. As a retired veteran I have recently started using the VA medical benefits in addition to my civilian benefits. VA service has been good and the out of pocket costs are less than my civilian insurance plan.

32

Start preparations for separation/retirement one year prior. Although civilians appreciate your service, it doesn't gain you much in civilian or corporate world. You will be the "new guy" in any job, at any level you get. Years of accomplishments and high level performance will not jump you to the head of the line. Be prepared to start at a responsibility level below your highest level in the military. Also, don't expect to get the same level of personal fulfillment from corporate world. It really is about the money.

33

1. Understand who you are and what you like to do, 2. decide what your priorities are (location, stability, travel, job, company), 3. research companies and government agencies, talk to others who have made the transition and ask for referrals (network, network, network), 4. write and rewrite your resume in plain English to convey not just your skills and accomplishments but what you can bring to the company (ask for reviews and pay for professional help), 5. don't give up if you don't get calls or offers right away and don't think the first job you get will be a perfect fit but recognize you have the opportunity to chart your own course and decide what you want to do and most importantly, there is a veteran network out there willing to take your calls and help.

34

Get ready to be disappointed and frustrated. Face it, nothing is ever going to truly compare to being in the service. Civilian life is different and for the most part, trivial and unimportant. Outside of your family most people couldn't care less if you live or die. Most civilians live lives of quiet desperation and pretty much waste their time doing mundane and unimportant things. There is nothing in the civilian that is going to match the importance, sense of comraderie, duty, honor, or fulfillment of being in the military.

35

1) Find what you love to do and put a plan in place to do it. Take advantage of retiree veteran benefits (school, etc.). 2) Make changes in how you prioritize "things"; allow your personal and family life to be first for a change. 3) Join a gym, be active; meet other people - outside of the military culture.

36

Plan ahead for retirement or transition. Have a reliable financial plan. Ensure that you have the educational and experience credentials to compete for civilian employment. Be realistic re the salary that you might expect. Some of my friends had difficulty working under a much younger, lettered person who had little hands-on expertise.

37

Stay true to the your personal and professional development; your interpersonal skills must convey in words, actions and spirit so people are attracted to the difference you are going to make.

38

Talk to other Vets about their experience and get facts about the profession you are about to enter. Figure out what you are worth to your next boss or career. Get your resume reviewed for errors and ensure it reads like a professional and not a military person.

39

Know how to translate what you did in the military to civilian skills and civilian speak

40

Get started early.

41

Take notes or journal about your transition and keep them. Note what you knew, what you didn't know and what you thought you knew but was off. I didn't and during my first couple years as a civilian I wished that I had that information. There are a lot more resources available than when I transitioned, take advantage of them. If you don't need the information most likely someone you know will.

42

Understand that you are eminently qualified to do an enormous number of things that you may not realize prior to transition. Simply the ability to be a responsible manager and qualified leader is priceless to many employers.
Ideally, if you have retired and have a military retirement income, you have a luxury to pick/choose employment to a greater degree than others.

43

Your personal network is key.

44

Plan early and attend transition seminars.

45

1. Plan your transition out at least 5-7 years from your projected retirement date. 2. Get a transition mentor to talk you through the process.