It's Sink or Swim Out Here

I have gone through and read the stories of people transitioning, and I think the reason it's so hard for former military to come out and work in the civilian world is due to not enough planning, and, really, a lack of life experience on one's own.

A lot of people join the military right out of high school. So, they go from being in the safety net of their parents to being in the safety net of the military -- never having to learn how to really survive in the real world where there is no one to tell you what to do every minute of your day.

It's almost like a handicap. I have been in the Coast Guard for two years and have another four to go. I didnt get in until after I was 21, so by that time I had lived on my own since high school and learned how to truly survive on my own. Coming to the military for me wasn't like an extension of my parents' security.

I have already started to p lan my future out of the military. I will have my degree at the end of my last year and I will apply to be a teacher in Atlanta before I even leave the Coast Guard. I want to have a job and a home waiting for me as soon as I get out. I believe the one thing anyone coming out of the military should know is how to be prepared, but I guess they don't really set it up were you have to think for yourself. No one is telling you what to do when you get out, it's basically like sink or swim.

(Submitted by Ms. Danielle Stewart)

Comments

[Boop]

For some of us here too! my kids and I played the waiting game, now he's coming home in less than 2 weeks fromm Iraq, I'm his fiance of 10 years, and I don't rate like his older sister, who has been like his mother, the game is over, I must now scrap our wedding plans.. for my paddles.

[Paul Gagne Sr]

Listen guys I am a Nam Vet and when I got out. Even applying for certain disabilities they would constantly try to frustrate you or say your OK. Well let these **** do what we do and I beleive things would be different. I would go after every city, state, fed job that are availbel and believe me they are out there. We rate them. Tell your politician that you need work . There are jobs that we rate, but cousin Vinny or who ever gets the job because of politics. We are monorties and should have if not more right to these jobs than anyone in the world. I wish I knew how to make it happen for all of you. The only thing I can say is don't let them give you any bull****, so far thats all us Nam Vets ever got. I am here if you have any questions.

[John Hollis]

When I left the Army in '70 I went straight back to school to get training. Then it was 20 years in the USCG where I wasn't told what to do 24/7. After retirement a little more school then a job offer. I was hired because they knew my military experience and work ethic. I've worked steadily ever since.
Where I live now there are many ex and retired military. All the ones I know are hard workers and many own their own successful businesses. None feel they're owed anything.