Be Certain of Your Career and Goals

The transition from military to civilian life is a challenging time. Be sure of yourself and clear on your goals before getting out of the military.

Be certain of the career and/or college degree you want to pursue and than move forward towards your personal goals. You'll need to be assertive to get the job you want and possibly be willing to relocate if the job you desire is not in the area you're living in. College is a good option. Make sure you utilize any applicable GI Bill funds or Tuition Assistance offered through your former branch of service. Aside from all this, keep a positive attitude about the transition phase and have confidence in yourself, so that you may land the job you feel you deserve.

(Submitted by Mr. Paul Kelly, Jr.)

Disabled Vet Help with Voc Rehab

I am a disabled veteran who recently completed the Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. The VA not only paid my way through college, but they paid for me to attend a "high cost" university. This did not come easily, however. The VA misled me, failed to cover all health care costs, and provided incomplete guidance. Fortunately, there are little known statutes the VA must follow with respect to its conduct. After holding various VA offices' feet to the fire, I was able to push through the process and graduate in the top 10 percent of my graduating class, from one of the top universities in the nation.

Following this process, I have come in contact with numerous disabled veterans who have been unable to navigate the Voc Rehab system, or have been simply unable to get accepted, in spite of a disability rating and unemployed status.

I am in the process of assembling numerous guide tools to help veterans succeed in their pursuit of a rewarding career following the completion of an undergraduate education. Unfortunately, these tools are not yet published, online or in paperback. For that reason, I have set up this blog.

Should any reader have any question regarding the process or entitlements relating to obtaining a four year degree, please ask. This help is free to all who inquire.

(Submitted by Mr. Benjamin Krause)

Save Money Before Your Transition

There I was ... I actually secured my BS in Professional Aeronautics and my MEd in Education long before I retired, for promotional purposes.

I was in my golden retirement assignment, Ft. Shafter, Hawaii, two years before my retirement, when I heard about this organization called Army Pilots to Airline Pilots. Unfortunately the online organization is no longer around. It was packed with all former Army helicopter pilots who made it to the big time. They gave great advice, websites, networking information, literally everything a pilot needed to make that transition.

I began first by realizing my goal for life after the military, to become an airline pilot.

Second, I made a list of all the requirements, then prioritized them, with realistic dates to achieve the goals. Yes, a checklist for success. I still have the original list, with a slight two year delay in the middle due to the aftermath of 911.

Third, I began this strategic planning like an air assault mission, having my primary goal as airline pilot but having three alternates. It was a lot of work. My alternates were air traffic control, something I did as enlisted, supply guru as a GS-10+, and finally an elementary school teacher. Also, I even considered JROTC instructor and did the entire packet ... as an alternate.

I highly recommend saving money prior to retirement for the transition period. As I review my social security document, there is a significant dip in income for the first year after retiring, about one fifth the pay. It was difficult. I was a single parent. With my youngest two kids, 12 and 13, I rented a studio. I slept on the couch and they on air mattresses. We all had to sacrifice.

I took odd flying jobs to build the multi-engine time required for a commuter. I also had some family separation time while I took a five month stint in the Mainland, and my mom helped watch the kids. Luckily two months of that time my ex had the kids for the summer.

Finally, I landed my dream airline pilot job at a small commuter here in Hawaii. I've been here over four years and enjoy captain status.

I can still aim higher for a major airline, but I am happy with my job security, such as it is (they are furloughing pilots as I write -- lucky I have a lot of seniority) and my flight benefits.

My bottom line recommendations are:

1. Begin planning a post retirement career immediately -- it's never too soon. And plan for what you have always really wanted to do.

2. Own a house by retirement. (I would've but I lost over $80K in divorce/custody battle disputes -- don't get divorced and if you do, share the kids).

3. Plan for alternates. Being flexible and having that degree in education held me over during my starving years, the first year out and the first year pilot pay. I supple mented my income with substitute teacher pay.

4. Save money for at least a year, stand alone, not counting your retirement pay. I know most financial institutions recommend six months for an emergency fund, but at a minimum one year would have been better for me. It took me four years to pay off all the legal and aviation bills.

Good luck and dream on! I took nine vacations last year, eight this year when it ends and have two major vacations already planned for next year. I absolutely love retirement, especially at 60 percent.

(Submitted by CW4 (RET) Terry Salazar)

Tuition Assistance Paved the Way

I retired from the Navy in 2002 but prepared for a new career by taking advantage of tuition assistance. I obtained my bachelor's degree and began applying for Federal jobs about one year before retirement.

I am now a contracting officer (GS-11/12) with the VA but I would not have been hired without a degree in hand. Homeland Security also offered me a job as well as the DEA. I only wish I would have started college earlier. I would have my master's by now.

(Submitted by Ms. Christina Smith)