1

Find someone who can "translate" your military skills and accomplishments into words a potential employer will understand.

2

Vets STRUGGLE who are entitled feeling they are owed a job because of their veteran status. Vets who know there is great economic opportunity in America and go for it achieve GREAT SUCCESS. And the things that lead to success in the Military lead to success in a corporate job: 1. Come in early; 2. Leave late; 3. Take care of the people who work for you; 4. Do the right thing when nobody is looking; 5. Get after it

3

Find a knowledgeable transition team

4

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.

5

Three things - 1) You need to understand how your military skills translate to the civilian world. So good intel on what companies are looking for in their candidates. Hint: Military folks have the leadership skills companies are dying for but the concern is will you fit into their culture or have the business sense. 2) You need to build a network of friends, family, acquaintances that can help you in your job search. 3) Know what you want to do when you grow up...at least for next few years. And realize you are not going to upper management right away.

6

Don't take a job simply on salary. Type of job, location, benefits, quality of life all should play a big part. Be especially careful not to move to a location you don't like just for a job with a high salary. Many do not have the same job 1 yr after leaving the military, you could be stuck some place you don't want to be.

7

It's not easy even you think you are very prepared. Although I was blessed to received several valuable certifications while serving 20 years in the Navy, I have yet to find a job.

8

Start Early. Have a solid plan on what you want to do and start moving forward at least a year in advance.

9

If you are retiring you will receive no or little unemployment benefits. File for unemployment anyway. I was told during TAP, "each state is different" and to "contact my state". This is not good enough. I obtained eligibility, but my retirement pay falls into the three year window in the state run program, so reduces my benefit to $0. Once three years from filing has passed, retirement pay no longer counts against you. The state must approve your federal unemployment benefits, so make sure you file to start your clock in case you should become unemployed later.

10

What military personnel have been made to believe as important for career success in the military is not what is important to obtaining success in a civilian work environment: This includes culture, job skill translation, personality and the ability to work in a teaming environment. Its about your ability to help a company increase revenue, decrease costs, increase shareholder value. There are no budget nor storeroom gate keepers in industry like there are in the military. There are no "watchman" standing duty or keeping an eye on the place....its about production, manufacturing, repairs and ultimately selling off to obtain revenue into the company. There is no barking of orders in industry or the Government civilian world. There is no imagery (rank, insignia, warfare pins, ribbons, medals...etc), just the same clothing you wear.

11

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.

12

network and get a LinkedIn profile

13

Don't depend on any one or any organization to help you, you're on your own.

14

Networking and figuring out what you want to do.

15

1. Be flexible with what types of jobs you are willing to consider, be open to interviewing for different types of jobs; 2. Give yourself time to adjust. See a therapist if you are having trouble; 3. Read two books: "the first ninety days" and "Leaving Active Duty: Real Life Stories and advice for junior military officers". Both are applicable to all veterans regardless of rank. Both are available on Amazon.

16

network, network, network.

17

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

18

Relationships and work processes in the civilian workforce are not as clearly defined as in the military. You need to get an understanding of how the civilian workforce interacts. As an example, while I was an LTJG on a helicopter carrier, specific actions were clearly delineated. You took orders, made decisions and issued orders which were carried out expeditiously. You expected specific outcomes from the orders you issued, and at times did spot inspections to insure these orders were executed. The work processes in the civilian workforce doesn't happen this way. Often there is no clearly defined rank structure. And, woe to you, if you actually issued an order. As a transitioning veteran, try to get some mentoring from other vets who've successfully made the transition on tips and techniques on how to deal with the civilian workforce.

19

Have a specific plan on what is going to happen. If you want to hand out resumes to companies, plan on where you are going, who you're talking to, what you are applying for, how you'll get there, etc. Don't just apply for a job here or there and expect to get hired right away.

20

Try to preposition yourself during your last tour in a target rich environment for the type of career you are looking. If you cannot do that, stay flexible and portable to moving to where jobs are being created. Go to school as soon as possible to get another degree or professional certification. STEM, STEM, STEM ... That's where the shortage of skills are.

21

Start looking for a job or higher education early. Best is to have a job, or college acceptance before you transition out. It can take longer than you think to land the job you want once you're separated.

22

Recognize that it is your work experience and knowledge that is important, not your rank.

23

Attitude. The attitude and can do spirit of the retiring individual is refreshing to the civilian workforce. But it can also be a ball and chain because your civilian counter parts do not have the same can do attitude. Be understanding and respectful of your civilian counter parts. Some of them have never been what you have been through and never will. So your attitude which has been establish from 20 plus years of battle tested fortitude may be a little much for the your new co-workers so tone it down till they get to know you.

24

start early - do not believe what you hear or read

25

SEEK A JOB THAT USES YOUR MILITARY EXPERIENCE, ONE THAT YOU LIKE, ONE THAT YOU ARE GOOD AT.

26

Set an objective based on skills and personal interests. In addition, have a dream job - what would you love to do ! What are the obstacles preventing that target and are they overcome able? On active duty ask civilians what they do and how they like it ! Begin early to broaden your horizon of experience! Be proactive- don't sit back and wait to be hit by a falling job!

27

1. If all possible try not to retire while on deployment, retire before or after; 2. About 2yrs out start working on your retirement process; 3. Start net working for Government/DOD Jobs prior to leaving, Transitioning is a lot easier going to government to government than it is Civilian to government; 4. Take a class in writing resume's, Prewrite your resume should be 1 to 2 pages tops, learn how to write like a civilian not like your still in the military civilians do not know or understand the military ways; 5. Everything stated above should be related to a military course.Boot camp was 8 weeks long and Tap Class 5 days Tops, don't take this wrong it does provide you with good info, just isn't long enough, in other words here's your completion certificate good luck have a nice day and thank you for your service.

28

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

29

Maintain a professional network.

30

I would advise transitioning servicemembers to stay in touch with their old military friends and make attempts to meet new ones through social groups such as Team RWB or Mission Continues. By connecting with others like them, veterans can interact and learn from those who have made the transition before them.

31

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.

32

The concept of "fit." When pursuing job opportunities, don't approach it from the standpoint that you need a paycheck. Think more along the lines of "...do I fit what the Company needs and does the Company fit what I am wanting to do?" Also, develop a vast network prior to departure from Active Duty and rely upon that network to assist you in the job search. Finally, research the Companies you're targeting and have a working knowledge of what they do before the interview. Sell your self by telling an interviewer how your skill sets will "increase their bottom line."

33

Start to plan for your transition well over a year in advance. Connect with friends and colleagues to see what their experiences were like when they transitioned. Talk to a skills coach to see what you are truly passionate about doing and align your job search with your passion. Understand that there will not be a perfect match between what you did in the military and what you will do in the civilian sector, and give yourself time and space and patience to make the transition.

34

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.

35

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

36

Military is family and civilians do not understand unless they are attached to someone in the military.

37

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

38

Save more money early in life.

39

I would not take the decision to separate lightly. Ensure you are as methodical and thorough in choosing whichever career you do. Understand the process of transitioning, understand the job market you desire to head into, talk to as many people as you can, and have a well thought out plan. For the transition process itself, I think the most important advice is to have a mentor. Someone that has transitioned himself/herself in the past, knows the process, and can provide recommendations and advice as you make career moves.

40

Start planning the transition at least 18 months out. Items to consider: VA paperwork, final medical procedures, resume development, network building, finances immediately post retirement(if no follow-on job secured)

41

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

42

Stop working on your resume and start networking.

43

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.

44

Learn how to convert your resume to a civilian human resources format

45

Plan ahead (years)

46

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

47

Grow your network and LinkedIn profile

48

Before negotiating your first salary, take into account all the things the military provided you for free or at a reduced cost that you will now have to pay full-price for: things like health insurance premiums, loss of commissary benefits, and loss of non-taxable allowances for housing and subsistence. In my first civilian job I made 20% more than I had on active duty, but my standard of living was noticeable lower!

49

Learn the logistics structure of the civilian world. Purchasing, accounting, etc. Also, depending on your military experience, pay attention to teams, collaboration, and matrix organizations.

50

Don't be overly broad in your search. While it may be true that you can learn to do anything, most employers are not looking for that and will find you to be overly confident and simplistic in your capabilities. Employers will come to love your ability to learn and take on challenges, but it is not necessarily their first hiring requirement. I suggest you spend adequate time (maybe a few months) really assessing your skills (tests, etc.), your family needs (discussions), your personal needs (true introspection) and your professional goals (aspirations) before jumping at the first opportunity that seems to pay well. You may be able to find something quickly to pay the bills, but it may end up being wrong for you in the long term. Start this process long before you get your DD214. I'm Navy and didn't start thinking of this until after leaving the hectic schedule of sea duty. It was on a shore tour that I finally had the time to really think about whether to leave or stay and if leave, what to do. You can still get paid while you work on your next step. When I was separating, there was a program called TAP or Transition Assistance Program that helped with some of this thought process. I don't know what is available now, but do use whatever resources your service offers. Take the personal assessments, attend the seminars, networking events and training opportunities. If you do these things, and don't jump too quickly, I believe you will make a better decision and be happier in the long term.

51

To be able to convert your job responsibilities and experience from military terms to civilian language. Recognize you are moving from a world where you know a military language to a world where no one knows what language you are speaking. Obtain certifications that are known in the civilian world such as Professional Engineer, Project Management Professional etc.

52

The civilian world operates very differently from the military. Civilians use different jargon and systems for accountability, communications, and operations than what we were used to seeing in the military. There are also varying levels of commitment, dedication, and professionalism in the civilian workforce. The point is to be prepared for a less rigid working environment and atmosphere than what you were used to in the military.

53

Don't just take a job to have a job. According to several recent studies, most people employed today are not "engaged" at work and even a greater number lack passion. This largely is due to being in roles that are not a good fit for how they are wired and/or a poor fit with their manager. One of the most important factors in job success is having a role that their natural wiring fits. So, it is extremely helpful to know how they are wired (what their natural strengths are) and what people who are wired like them are doing successfully. Then they can choose from the list of those jobs to pursue employment in jobs/careers where with the appropriate education, experience, skills, and ambition, they can be successful.

54

Networking

55

If stating in DoD work, don't civilianize your resume and don't worry about 2 pages.

56

Talk to anyone and everyone who separated or retired before you. You will hear a lot that does you no good, but you will find the stuff the saves your ass.

57

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

58

Learn to speak "Civilian" and let go of the military terminology. Systematically analyze your strengths (military and civilian) and classify them into civilian terminology. While transitioning your vocabulary to civilian, don't forget your military network who can help inspire and/or encourage your transition moves.

59

Take a job and keep looking for your perfect job.

60

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.

61

Network early. Earlier than you think necessary.

62

Do a lot of soul searching about what you really want to do when you get out and consider the path that you need to get there. Ask everyone you encounter lots of questions about what they do and what path they took to get in that position. Start to plan early so that you have plenty of time to work on your resume, network, apply to schools. Seek out non-profits that can help you transition.

63

Have a plan, maintain goals, develop a daily scheduled/routine and stick to it.

64

Focus on resumes when you are in ACAP, especially the Federal one. Do your VA Claim immediately after discharge. On your ETS Physical list EVERY ache and pain, both mental and physical.

65

Networking

66

Start networking and preparing a year in advance at least.

67

People are not going to be knocking down your door to hire you just because you are a veteran. Know what skills you have and how well they match the job you want. Then go out aggressively market yourself to potential employers.

68

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.

69

The transition is much more than just getting a job.

70

Don't make ANY permanent commitments to start with. If you move to a new area, rent. Be sure your family can adjust to having you around more often

71

Build a strong initial network of contacts (friends, former personnel you served with who have separated or retired) and grow your network through them. Do not wait until you are a few months from separating or retiring to build your network, rather start 1-2 years in advance.

72

Talk to someone who excels in career counseling on the outside. Someone who has an understanding of military jobs and can help you understand how your skills fit into the civilian workforce. Do NOT do it alone. I used a recruiter who knew the military and my transition would not have been nearly as successful without the help.

73

Start the process with a focused Objective ! Target your activities and clearly communicate that Objective!

74

Talk to as many different types of professionals as possible; use social media to find fellow veterans and branch-specific service members that have already transitioned to career fields you find interesting and reach out to them proactively.

75

Speak civilian & forget about rank.

76

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

77

Be prepared, have a transition plan. Understand how your military skills and leadership experience translate into the civilian economy, and get comfortable communicating and describing yourself in civilian terms. Hopefully, you took advantage of the free educational opportunities available on active duty to get a degree or certification in your field of interest.

78

Have your finances in order allowing stress free decision making as to your futurr

79

try to figure out what industry you want to work in...genuine interest in the industry is key.

80

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

81

Military life is a much more structured, familial and disciplined life. Taking off the uniform and changing it for civilian clothes only makes you a military person in civilian clothes without the support groups NOT a civilian. Real transition must start months before the final day and must involve thoroughly researching every aspect of the new, anticipated life style. It's not intuitive in many instances and is definitely not the same.

82

Start your VA claim paperwork immediately. Make multiple copies of all your records, and request copies of all electronic treatment records from all providers and locations. Save up your leave. Start asking for letters of recommendation for future job search. Start learning how to dress yourself in something other than a uniform. Commit to no PT breaks, you'll never start again. Seriously research where you want to be since the military is paying for that last move. Research TriCare now, it's a nightmare.

83

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.

84

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

85

To find a job, you have to email people working where you want to work instead of relying on job postings.

86

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

87

The resources provided by the military are helpful, but the truth is that they're no good without significant input by the transitioner. Thinking that someone will be there to do anything for you is false logic and will lead to failure. Show the initiative that you showed while active and you will succeed. There will be no free rides once you leave the service.

88

Don't expect your status, experience and knowledge gained in the military to translate to the the civilian workforce. The civilian workforce seems to view the military with curiosity at best, looking to merely get numbers of Veterans, but rarely provides transition training or counseling.

89

The civilian perception is probably not what you think especially from HR and recruiters. When I left the service I thought that companies would value my leadership experience and background working in fast-paced environments. I was wrong. I have since learned that many recruiters simply bypass prior military candidates and HR managers (at least in the industry that i am in - medical devices) have no conception of the training and experience that prior military job candidates bring to the table. Many hiring managers as well as peers view prior military members as potentially too rigid and too disciplined to fit in. As an example, a couple of weeks ago when i was interviewing candidates for a new position, my SVP boss told me he didn't want me to fill my team with a bunch of prior military guys. I pointed out to him that some of the most successful people in our company are prior military.

90

Spend the money for quality suit, tie, shirts and get rid of the PX/Exchange clothing and polyester ties. Keep the hair above the ears, but not high and tight.

91

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.

92

Understand your VA benefits. Always apply for Disability even if you don't think you qualify. It's much harder later.

93

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.

94

Civilian employers will continue to add responsibilities until you say no. There is no responsibility of 'soldier care' from leaders so you will be pushed until you fail if you do not say stop.

95

Start networking early

96

Take your military training and discipline to the civilian workforce. Most people there have no concept of service or mission and are waiting for someone to "pick up the ball" like you did every day while serving.

97

Build a reputation within a broad network.

98

Do your homework and know the job market for the area you will be settling in after discharge. Know what you want to do and prepare yourself before transition for the job market. The notion that you will walk off base and find a job with little to no preparation is false.

99

Understand how companies view talent and skills within the company and what to see the impact you had and not the job you did.

100

Research thoroughly job opportunities in the field you are considering in the geographic area you are considering and network, network, network.

101

Be able to clearly articulate your skills as they translate to the civilian workforce world.

102

Don't be afraid to ask friends and former coworkers for recommendations of jobs to apply to.

103

Civilian employers have no clue of what your experience means. You have to translate it to civilian equivalent experience. As a Navy veteran no one related to my position as a Main Propulsion Assistant. I broke down my job into components on my resume.

104

Forget how important you were in the military. Forget the perks you have/had. Forget the sea stories, no one is interested. You will be the new kid on the block until you prove your worth to the organization. Educate yourself in the skills your new outfit will be hiring you to exercise. Once you are hired, do not talk excessively about your military career, where you have been, what you have done, the qualifications you have achieved. They may have helped get you hired, but your contemporaries at work will only resent your bragging.

105

Patience

106

Give yourself time. The longer you were in the military, in my case, the longer I think it takes to transition back to civilian culture - especially if your are returning to work. The work force - front line staff, really doesn't care much about what you did or are capable of doing while you were in the military. They support us and say nice things, but you will have to reprove yourself. No one cares how many stripes you had on your sleeve. Take your time and learn how the work culture has changed while you have been gone.

107

Be as open as possible to new career opportunities other than those most obvious, such as going back to your old job but as a civilian contractor. When I transitioned my kids were just approaching high school age and I was very concerned about job stability, so I went the contractor route. After a year or so I knew this was a bad fit and I went into real estate and the reward was vastly greater than the risk. It turned out that the most useful skills I learned in the military weren't the technical ones but the organizational ones: time management, process management, active listening, problem solving, things like that.

108

Start preparing early and have a plan for transition.

109

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

110

Be prepared for the fact that the civilian world works very different than the military environment to which you are accustomed. Most people in the civilian world are genuinely appreciative of your military service but very few of them will know, or care, what that service means or the skills it implies. You developed a lot of skills and attributes during your service that are difficult to explicitly mention on your resume (team work, different ways of approaching problems, work ethic, etc...). Those attributes will eventually stand you in good stead but are often unrecognized and unappreciated by your managers.

111

Open the aperture, so to speak, as to what your military experience may qualify you to do. Think outside the box. For example, maybe you managed your work center budget or workload planning -- so you have project management experience. Get advice from non-military folks, or those who have already transitioned, as to how to represent your experiences better.

112

Records, records, records: pay, training, fitness reports, medical (including any dependents) must be thoroughly reviewed for completeness and accuracy.

113

Understand that being a civilian is much different than being in the Armed Forces. Don't expect to have one job your entire civilian career. You are likely to go through 2-4 jobs the first few years trying to figure out what works for you.

114

Be Humble

115

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

116

Life and attitudes outside the military are very different than those in the military.

117

In the military, instructions/tasking was usually pretty specific in the civilian world it's much more fuzzy and vary rarely does a manager denote in advance how an individual's performance is going to be evaluated.

118

Start early. Build a network of people in areas of interest. Get involved in the community: volunteer, join groups, get off base. Understand that being a Veteran does not guarantee a job. Work on your transition as hard as you worked in boot camp.

119

Be realistic. You have tremendous skills and leadership experience but most corporations either don't understand or care about what you did in the military. Your former rank will mean nothing to the civilian world. Your work ethic, integrity, and adaptability will be foundational to your success. You will be successful, but it will look different.

120

Know that your skills are absolutely transferable! You just need to make sure to translate them into civilian-speak so hiring managers and HR folks will understand. The soft-skills that military veterans bring are huge, and are often even more important than the technical skills. Traits like these are highly valued in the workplace: exceptionally strong work ethic, honesty/trustworthiness, ability to handle very stressful situations (and remain calm). Also very important is to work with a military transition specialist. The TAP office is fantastic. I also worked with two firms that specialize in transitioning military officers (I was a Navy O-3 at the time), and their advice, feedback, and interview practice were priceless.

121

Attend all transition classes offered. Attend all job fairs that you can. Get used to speaking with all different types of reps at the fairs. Glean as much application process/hiring info as possible--even for positions you may not be directly interested in. Then hone in on the type work and locations you want to work after separation. Make sure you have a good resume that is well up to date using appropriate "buzzwords" and avoid the overused and fluff terms that will just be ignored.

122

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.

123

1) Before considering employment/educational next steps, spend time reflecting on your experience--what have learned about yourself? (skills I have developed and environments in which I excel) and what do I seek in this next phase of life? Consult with close friends/family, ask coworkers and previous supervisors... 2) Take advantage of the transition--take a break! 3) Looking for a job solely by responding to classifieds/postings is limiting and passive. Craft the job description of the opportunity you seek...then go find it or create it.

124

Use your educational benefits. Be selective to find a discipline that you will enjoy and one that will lead to a professionally rewarding career. It is good to examine the job market before deciding which degree (undergraduate or graduate) to pursue. Your military experience and leadership skills will work well in the civilian marketplace. Make sure your family is fully supportive of what you are seeking to do.

125

Rather than leave entirely, consider the reserves of whatever branch you are in. Also, the grass isn't always greener. It is very difficult to find a civilian company that provides the same sense of team as the military.

126

Learn new people skills - command & control works great in the military but most civilians will resent it and/or be intimidated by it, and they will view you as unapproachable, and they will not want to work with you.

127

1) Do your due diligence in research 2) Don't simply fill out applications; use LinkedIn and company veterans networks to find someone you can connect with and ask to be referred 3) Consider graduate school (e.g. MBA) as your transitional step... use that GI Bill. Do not underestimate the value of the two years graduate school and internships all you in calibrating to social norms 4) Practice, practice, practice! With your resume's, pitches, and interviews.

128

There are many opportunities for you, don't jump at the first thing that comes along. Ask yourself if it's something you would like to do?

129

Take advantage of your Post 9/11 GI Bill. I floundered quite a bit trying to find my place after leaving the military. Even though I was a Supply Officer and had a lot of business experience, it was tough for me to translate that experience onto a resume for businesses that weren't used to hiring veterans with a college degree. As I wasn't interested in continuing work in the defense industry, I struggled to find work that suited me. The Post 9/11 GI Bill allowed me to go to graduate school and obtain my law degree with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. This has opened a whole new future for my career that is far more flexible and fulfilling than what I was facing upon my separation.

130

Study the industry that you want to target for your transition, as well as the companies that you are seeking employment. Through this homework and preparation, it is vital to be able to translate your military experience into a relevant connection to the company and industry that you are looking to move to. Your employer likely is not familiar with military experience in depth, so you need to show how your skills relate and will offer value to the employer

131

Be prepared to start over at Entry Level positions and work hard to show that you are an asset to their company. Draw on your experience, but don't throw your experience in people's faces.

132

Make sure you are aware of all educational benefits available to you. Make sure you can effectively translate your military experience into comparable civilian/private industry terminology.

133

May not be related to entering the workforce, but most important - start the process to get your claim into the VA BEFORE your actual retirement/separation date. You can submit 180 days out, which means you should start the separation/retirement physical up to a year out. As far as entering the workforce, start looking at jobs/desciptions, and have your long an short resume's written about a year out, as well, if you want to start working immediately after retirements/separation.

134

Be prepared for huge change. The civilians work force and culture is a vast difference from the military. Also, it may take several jobs before you find the right job and/or the right company.

135

Take the time to before you leave the service to prepare for separation (e.g., medical/dental appts completed, records orders/copied, ensuring schools/training/certifications/awards properly documented, attending transition training, etc.).

136

Stay in government contracting or government. Most other organizations don't value military work experience.

137

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

138

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.

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Research what you want do, where you want to live and companies you apply for. Beware of big business if you dislike bureaucracy and stratification (like staff duty). Include your family.

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You must plan for your retirement. Prior to retirement do the math in terms of your income. I could have stayed and served longer, working on getting promotion to a higher grade. I had two young children and when I did the math of what my pay would be if I worked to get promoted to the next grade, the pay raise was not substantial enough for me to kill myself to get there. I did this evaluation about at the 04 level. However, I did make myself as competitive as I could just in case life changed and I had to change that plan. I then moved around enough in the military with the long term goal at deciding what State I would want to live in as a civilian. I did my best to get assigned in places I think I wanted to retire in. Finally as most important attend the transition seminars offered and listen and execute all they tell you to do to prepare.

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Start looking early.

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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.

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Start planning/work on your transition early.

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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.

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Every day in uniform is a gift and a privilege. Cherish the opportunity and be grateful, for it is available to relatively few. Never make your decision to transition about leaving the military, and only go if it is because you are headed towards a new, exciting and even more personally fulfilling opportunity.

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Plan ahead financially. We bought an affordable house 3 years prior to retirement, paid off a car, and had college funds (in addition to transferring post 9-11 GI Bill). This has removed all stress of having to get a another full time job I wouldn't have been happy with.

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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.

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Figure out what you want to do before you separate.

149

Start preparing for life after the military 18-24 months out..It comes quick.

150

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.

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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.

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Avoid rushing back into the force work if you have the financial flexibility to do so. Use your terminal leave and the months following to discover what you are truly passionate about doing (beyond what you did in the military). Look for opportunity to experience all the things you wished you had the time to do while serving.

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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.

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Don't be overwhelmed by the numerous and seemingly unrelated opportunities. Take the time to reflect on what is important for you in the next 1-, 5-, and 10 years. Prepare as early as you can.

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

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Get started early.

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Make the decision on locating for quality of life, intentions to climb or simply finding satisfaction in employment.

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Make time to take advantage of the transition training offered; in the navy for example it was called TAP. I saw so many senior people who wouldn't adjust their busy schedule and then they were retired and wishing they had made time to figure it all out.

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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.

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Get involved in civilian sector activities, such as volunteering, while on active duty.

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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.

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Your personal network is key.

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Attend the transition class at least twice. -pay close attention to VA Claim process -Write a resume for peer review -NETWORK !!! NETWORK leads to opening doors for potietional emplooyers.

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1) Prepare, prepare, prepare! 2)*Understand your personal wants and career goals. 3) *Learn as much as possible about that "job market." 4) *Research and prepare for each and every application separately. 5) *Understand the HUGE gap between military service and civil employment from almost every perspective. 6)*Understand you value in your chose job market. 7) *Understand that it is as important or more so for you to research, interview, and select your employer as it is for you to do what is needed to get the job.

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Plan early and attend transition seminars.

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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.

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Carefully craft your resume in order to make it easy to understand your skills and experiences by someone who did not serve in the military. Also craft your resume specifically for each job to which you apply.