11/22/2014
Being a Veteran of the Armed Forces, I have seen where initiative and judgement can either be a success or failure due to the following; lack of information, and most important direction.
This article is mainly based to assist in these considerations; mainly for those still serving and have enough time to plan for the cross over into the 1st Civ Div.
Talking candidly, there isn’t a mound of information. Common sense approaches that you should take for consideration if this move is going to work for you.
Starting first, when should you consider its time for you to separate? Standard question that is faced for any Active Duty personnel, let’s take a look; you should always consider getting out every three years. Normally I would tell my own junior Marines that waiting for your Good Conduct Medal is a great platform. Obviously if you don’t rate one, you’re getting out anyway, if you like it or not.
Second, what type of support network do you have on the outside? Typical comments are always that are said that are useless until proven: “well I have a buddy that’s going to hire me” or “ I’m going to go to school.” Though these statements are great, remind yourself that these are only verbal guarantees. It’s very difficult to state you have a job, when there is no application for the position. Now for the education portion, we will revisit this later. But keep in mind that transistion is only going to succeed if you are introspective (look at yourself) and honest over your own actions.
After this tussle of finding yourself, walk into planning; step three: Begin to construct a timeline; normally a year out, you have an opportunity to take your separation and transition classes, you’ll be introduced to companies looking for your talent; keep a good contact with them. For others taking the school route (remember the statement of being honest) well, if you’re not already in school you’re wrong! This is opportunity based, because of deployments and the needs of the military, I can relate and understand (you’re still married to the service). If the opportunity presents itself, taking a class or two and utilizing your Tuition Assistance Benefits will pay you back by using less time from your Post 9-11 benefits. Also, it will place you into the college mindset before running into differences in culture and mannerisms.
Depending on your own status, you may have close friends and family and for others not the same opportunity (it exists). Having a timeline is useful, because you have several small milestones to accomplish. Build a POA&M and a SWOT; Plan of Action and Milestone and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. These two assessments are great business plan guidelines and leadership tools that are measurable and will hold yourself accountable for every success and setback faced.
Best wishes and support to you,
-O
