The 6 P's of Transitioning

One of the most valuable and useful lessons I learned while serving in the military is that proper prior planning is a crucial element of any endeavor in wish you hope to succeed. There is not a mission that the military undertakes that is not planned, rehearsed, and revised dozens of times before it is begun. The entire culture of military readiness is saturated with an obvious obsession with continuous, detailed, and thorough planning. Every training mission and every evolution must be thought through and any and all contingencies must be considered. The deployment of ships to the Persian Gulf, the deployment of Marines to Haiti, or the Humanitarian missions following Hurricane Katrina all have this one element in common and without it, success would often be out of reach.

Since learning this wonderful principle, I have made every attempt to apply it to every personal undertaking from the purchase of my first home to my transition from active duty to civilian life. I am writing this to offer those who wish to leave the military service an example from my own experiences and to reassure those who are facing this new horizon that there is indeed life after the military. I see it like every other mission you have undertaken; it requires a degree of concentrated planning and effort if it is to be successful.
First and foremost, I feel that it helps to periodically consider what it is that you would like to do after you leave the military service. You should make time regularly to think about the type of person you are, what you are good (and bad) at, what you like to do ( and what you don’t), and how long you have before you will have an opportunity to pursue it. For me this meant taking the time to read websites and books, talk to veterans who were successful in their civilian lives, and take stock of the skills, attributes , and attitudes I had developed in ten years as a sailor. I wrote many lists to inventory these items several times throughout my enlistment.

I studied my service jacket detailing all the schools that the Navy sent me to and I looked at my daily job and thought about the things I actually did like about it. What I eventually discovered was that the technical field in which I served was only partially satisfying. I was Navy Engineer, particularly a Gas Turbine Electrician, which meant that I worked in an industrial environment with many hazards from chemicals and noise, to hot temperatures, and rotating machinery. I stood many hours of “watches” over machines that burned fuel, pumped fluids, and compressed gases and often this was on a rotating shift and required long tedious hours of repetitive activity. I quickly discovered that while it was good experience, it didn’t really appeal to me very much.

What I did like was troubleshooting. I loved to take a machine that didn’t work, figure out how it worked, and eventually use this knowledge to get it to work again. Personally, this was always my favorite part of my job and because of this; I found it easy and appealing to learn more and more about how to do it. I also discovered that I enjoyed training others to do the same thing, developing other technicians, and organizing and researching information. Once I had this knowledge, I internalized it, revised it, and then began to research potential civilian careers that had these qualities.

Some of the resources I found available to me to aid in this research were: Navy Knowledge Online, Navy COOL, and the Naval Station ESO. All these resources had examples of how my military skills translated to civilian jobs and gave me comparisons of what I knew from my rate against what parallel civilian technicians knew. Through my ESO, I obtained my SMART transcript and frequently compared it to the skills required for civilian employment. My “hard skills” such as electronics and general engineering fundamentals were very similar to civilians and my “soft skills” like the ability to obtain, organize, and utilize information about problems all seemed to correspond with jobs involving power plant operation, industrial maintenance, and technical representation. The more I learned about particular fields, the more I began to understand how I could transition from the military to the civilian sector.

Eventually, I determined that there were almost unlimited opportunities for people with my skills and experiences and I decided to expand my credentials to encompass a group of technical fields in which I was interested. During my time in the Navy, I had been a field calibration coordinator, a maintenance technician, and an operator. I had worked with all types of electricity from 28 volts DC in control consoles to 440 volts AC in main switchboards. I had operated, maintained, and installed all type s o f machinery from air compressors to marine gas turbines and I quickly discovered that while many civilian jobs targeted only one set of skills, my time in the Navy had required me to develop several sets of skills. Therefore, I began making lists of the types of jobs that interested me the most and building several resumes for several careers that I felt would interest me.

I also looked at the educational requirements of these careers and considered whether or not I met them. I searched the U.S. Department of Labor website and discovered how education affects your earning potential and your competitiveness with other candidates. I sought out people working in the fields I was interested in and asked them what they did to get where they were and what they would suggest to a person who wanted to do the same thing. Eventually, a potential pathway toward these careers began to emerge in my mind and I started to see what I would need to do to get there. At this point I h ad 36 months left on active duty and I realized that while I had lots of experience, I didn’t meet many of the educational requirements to enter the civilian workforce with the competitive edge I would need to earn superior pay. At that time, I decided to pursue my educational goals.

In the Navy, there is a Navy College Program which offers sailors the opportunity to obtain professional degrees at accredited universities in a variety of ways. Some required actual attendance at a campus, others offered online or other “distance learning” options but one thing they all had in common is that they were 100% FREE. I began studying for an Associates of Applied Science in Electronics and by the time I had 18 months left on active duty, I had earned all the credits required for the degree. While it was difficult and left me little time for relaxation--it was worth it in the end and because of the special partnership the Navy has with many wonderful colleges and universit ies , I was able to earn college credit toward my degree utilizing schools I had attended in the Navy. In fact, the school I eventually earned my degree from had an actual path for someone in my particular field! They took stock of my SMART transcript and gave me nearly two thirds of the credit required for the degree before I ever enrolled in any classes. The best part was that since I did it on active duty I didn’t have to pay anything out of pocket, nor did I have to use my GI Bill which I am currently using to pursue my Bachelor's at a four year university.

When the time came to start building resumes, I researched all the potential employers I had ever heard about, read about, or known someone who worked there. I looked at the job listings they had posted on their recruiting sites and I began to compile several resumes. I researched all the technical requirements of each companies resume process and I tailored each resume for each employer. I talked to headhunters, re cruiters, and other professionals and had my resumes reviewed and critiqued by anyone who had successfully obtained work in the field of their choice. Once I felt I had properly represented my experience, education, and abilities, I began to distribute them. Not too many at first since at the time I still had 12 months of active duty remaining. Many employers didn’t feel as though it was worth talking to me when I still had a year left. Some said they thought I had a great resume but they needed to fill those jobs sooner than when I was available. Instead of becoming discouraged though, I took it as a key point. The actual job search should really begin when you are at least six months out. In many cases, you will have to begin your job search at 3-2 months to actually be considered for a position.

When I was 8 months out from separation, my ship was scheduled for a deployment which would not be over by the time that I was due to be discharged. I would have to serv e almost half of the deployment before I would be able to go home which would leave me with about 30 days to job search before my last paycheck. I had bills to pay off and I didn’t feel comfortable with my savings so I decided to extend for six months so that I would be “shore-side” for at least a month before I got out. Another factor was that my I also transferred from a command during my last deployment and travel back to the States was pretty big challenge. While the extension put me a little over the ten year mark, I felt the extra money I could save from the deployment and the ability to keep my mind and body sharp by remaining in the high tempo environment of deployment would benefit me when the transition finally did come.

In the end I saved over $8,000 dollars, received two awards, and returned home with no outstanding debt (other than a monthly mortgage of $1000) and 30 days of post deployment/ separation leave. As soon as the ship headed home, I started po sting resumes. Within days, I received responses on every single one. By the time we got back to port, I had seven interviews scheduled one of which was out of the local area and involved an expense free flight to Ohio to interview with Rolls Royce Corporation. All in all I sent out twelve resumes and got twelve responses. Four of the jobs were ruled out before I ever got a chance to interview because they didn’t offer competitive pay. Of the remaining eight, I eliminated three because of inferior benefits packages or poor working requirements. The last five all sent out competing offer letters and I eventually settled for a job working with a military contractor who needed people for a Navy program with which I was very familiar. They offered superior benefits, great compensation and allowed me to work with many of the same people I served with.

It’s now been a year and I have recently transitioned from a government contractor to a full time government hire. My pay have increased over $17,000 from what I made as an E-6 in the Navy and my Navy time still counts toward my civilian retirement. I like what I do and I am still plotting a career path to bigger and better things. In light of the current recession, I feel that I am in an “insulated” career and the future in still looking bright. While I didn’t want to make the Navy a lifelong career, I will never regret the day I joined and will always encourage other young people to give the military a chance. It’s an opportunity to serve our nation, explore the world, and get to know you. If you are serving in the military now and you are thinking of transitioning out, I hope this serves as a glimpse of how it can be done. Never let anyone tell you that you are not marketable – you are! There is definitely life after the military-- the only catch is that like everything else you will ever do in life: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. Use that lesson and start today no matter how much time you have left!

(Submittied by Mr. Paul Jackson)

The Rules Don't Apply to Everyone

I retired from the USAF in Germany with a technical certification, instead of a two-year college degree, and boy, am I glad I did. That two-year associate degree offered on base is a great stepping stone to a four-year degree -- but otherwise worthless in my case.

In the States it may make the difference between you and some other person without one, but well-documented experience and a technical license are leaps and bounds ahead of my aircraft maintenance experience.

The transition assistance folks were correct in my case, "99 percent of all jobs are found through networking," Not online application and job-finder sites. I didn't get even one answer back from any online applications. My neighbor gave me a tip to find my current position.

I guess I looked in all the wrong places, because I didn't meet those employers looking for military experience either.

I didn't get the high-paying job I was promised six months before I retired, and made the mistake of not having a good back-up plan. I had to accept two different jobs way below my experience level just to make ends meet, AAFES and the base commissary.

Thankfully, I'm now fairly comfortable in my third job in three-years, in the field I'm trained and licensed to perform. But remember, the time to search for a new job is when you already have one....

The civilian world is not like the military:

-- Bosses don't have to be fair, there's nobody looking over their shoulder. By the way, I work for a medium- size private company.

-- The same rules don't always apply to everyone. Again, they don't have to be fair.

-- The "good 'ol boy," "play favorites" system is alive and well.

-- Rules are not written in a book, and they are often broken without explanation.

-- People do not have the same level of integrity we career military people have learned to take for granted and expect.

-- Most civilian supervisors haven't had any sort of formal supervisory training; it costs too much.

-- Be very careful what you say to your work colleagues. They are not always your friend and are not watching your back. They see you as a threat and most probably have nowhere else to go.

-- Expect your first supervisor to be a lot younger and much less professional than you are. Again, supervisory training costs too much in the civilian world.

-- The chain of command doesn't exist and if you go over your supervisor's head with a problem and he/she is proved wropng, you have just made an enemy for life. Again, they don't have to be fair.

-- Strange shifts, messed-up days off and working nights are the norm, not the exception.

All in all I'm happy to have retired, but what a culture shock!

(Submitted by Dan Granger)

'I Got Good at Stealing Cars'

I retired in 1973 in Miami after five years as a first sergeant, with duty in Vietnam. There was a recession and I couldn't find a regular job, so I started stealing cars as a bank REPO man.

After 18 months, I got so good at stealing cars, boats and even airplanes they made me a bank vice president!

I spent the next 23 years as VP of mortgage collections, foreclosures and REO sales. I used my first sergeant mission experience of health, morale,welfare and discipline of the troops to stop foreclosures.

I worked for eight banks during my banking career, applying my USAF mission goals. I discovered most bank VPs were in the board room trying to get the office by the window. I did what I did as first sergeant, I stayed with the troops on the floor and responded to advice from the clerks to achieve the mission of stopping forelosures and making money for the bank.

I ended up owning 51 percent stock in the last bank I worked that I bought for 8 cents a share. I big bank bought us out with a 1-for-1 stock trade with their stock worth $27.50 a share. Now, I take on a bank foreclosure consulting job now and then.

(Submitted by James Ringo)

It Takes Preparation and Some Hard Work

I have to admit that I was very fortunate to be on shore duty (Naval Submarine School) for my last tour. I was not able to re-enlist due to high year tenure (not that I would have because, of course I would have had to go back to a boat (sub for you skimmers)).

Even so, I was able to prepare methodically and check out all my different options. I think education was the key in that I was able to finish off a degree and I believe it helped. I was also able to network extensively with all manner of people. I got a job at Lockheed as a result of contacts.

I did a lot of resume submitting and got several calls. It takes preparation and some hardwork, but the biggest thing is not to sell yourself short. You know a lot more than you might think. Employers like your experience and relative maturity. That experience, coupled with a B.S. is very attractive.

(Submitted by Walt Abbott)

Out of 100 Resumes Sent, I got one Bite

After 22 years, I was scared to get out. I had my resume ready (or so I thought) a year and a half before I was supposed to transition out. I would even apply for jobs in the civilian market just to see what bites I got.

Out of nearly 100 submissions of my resume, I got one actual job offer. It was a bit low in salary and not necessarily where we wanted to live. Then, a defense contractor I networked with six months prior called me up. The salary was better than my ADAF pay at the time (kind of rare according to my bretheren who got out a year or two before me) and it was located in one of our top choice areas.

Since I took the position, I've had other calls from companies I networked with, instead of just cold cocking them with my resume. I believe that is one of the most significant keys to landing the job; even if you aren't thinking about seperating/retiring quite yet, always strive to put your best foot forward when dealing with anyone, whether DoD civilian, contractor or private firm. You never know when it will come back to surprise you.

I achieved my AAS from CCAF late in my career and didn't think about pursuing the B.S. until 19 years in. Wrong answer. Never wait. There is always time to advance your education. Spend the time doing that instead of sitting at home playing video games, watching TV or going out to party. Luckily, my experience, skills, work ethic, leadership and job performance stood out for this company and they were very eager to have me on board. Network, network, network. Make yourself shine to everyone you meet in the course of your duties.

(Submitted by Mr. Jody Root)

Make Yourself Known

Pay close attention during TAP class and take notes. It will be five years this February, and I still refer back to my notes. Military.com has been a great help with keeping me current with what is going on in the military. The military was all I knew and there was a lot of anxiety and stress for me at first.

The military was all I knew and there was a lot of anxiety and stress for me at first.

Take one step at a time. Take the initiative and be aggressive because if you just sit back waiting for someone to do it for you, it will never happen.

Wardrobe: I walked into a local discount clothing store and told one of the employees I needed help. Within one hour later I had three sets of professional apparel for interviewing.

Resume: I used all the resources provided on base and discussed in TAP class. I even went to a local resume writer, however, I pretty much paid for nothing as I had already done most of the work.

Job interviewing: Check out the company's Web page and know the basics about their mission. I applied for a job in my same field of expertise. My interview contained three pages of technical questions and four panel members. I went in with confidence, a smile, and answered the questions truthfully. Just be yourself. The good part is that your military experience and training will carry you. Networking is very important. I attended a training conference and sat down right next to the supervisor of the position I was after. I did this about five to six months before I actually retired. I told him my plans and interest and then contacted him every month. I'm fortunate to have this job because I was over qualified for the position so you need to be able to sell yourself.

I was contacted a few days after my first interview with the job offer so I cancelled the other interviews I had lined up. It doesn't always work out this well so be prepared to look around and have several interviews with various companies scheduled. Just don't get them mixed up!

I even started working my new job while on terminal leave and didn't have to relocate. In fact, I live within five miles of my job. I work for the state where there is no promotional ladder and within two years I was getting bored. The reason why I'm still with the same orgainization today is because the work is easy, co-workers are fun, I enjoy what I'm doing, but most importantly, my boss respects me and my qualifications.

A higher paying position was created and I helped to mold the position into what I want it to be. I'll admit that I was out there looking for something better especially pay wise, but then I realized that it was at my three-year mark and I was used to rotating duty assignments. Trust me, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. I continue to say the words "In the military" a lot and my office desk is surrounded by military memories, but I will never regret retiring when I did.

I served close to 25 years and never really realized just what accomplishments and sacrifices I had made until I went down memory lane. I frequently receive phone calls from people I don't know asking for my expertise. So never hesitate to write magazine articles, be a speaker at a convention or to make your name known. Even after nearly five years of retirement, there are times when I feel like I'm still transitioning. Don't be afraid to ask for help and use your resources. Good luck!

(Submitted by Cynthia Jackson)

Welding Certificate Didn't Hold Up in Civilian World

When I came back home to the civilian world I dropped down to the USMC reserves after serving two years on active duty. During that time, I did a tour in Fallujah, Iraq.

When returning back home I thought I wasn't going to have a problem transistioning back to the civilian world. Before going into the Marines, I went to a technical college for a year where I obtained a welding certificate. I figured having this would give me a step up. But, what I found is that it was not that easy.

I applied for many jobs but did not get any responses. I went as far as going through a program that has contracts with unions that tries to give veterans jobs, but it just did not go the way I wanted to. The reason I think I did not get a job right away, is because maybe I'm young, not experienced, or it could be because of my status of being a reservist where I could get called back up again.

After about seven months, I finally got a job that wasn't necessarily the best one, but I was happy. Unfortunately, I only lasted about a month. I ended up getting fired. I did absolutely nothing wrong. I tried to do my best. I showed up everyday, and actually tried to stay after work to practice my welding so I could try to get better at it.

But, I was terminated because I was told that I wasn't progressing. I believe they didn't give me much of a chance at it. About three months later I finally got another job. I worked there for about ten months. During this time, I enjoyed it. People at this place seemed to be nicer and were willing to help me out, and I tried my best of trying to become better at welder. About four months later, a lot of things were slowing down. We were not getting jobs. During this time, I decided to go back to college part time for Criminal Justice in the fear of possibly getting laid off. There were some comments that some of us could actually get laid off. So with that that I decided to have a back-up plan. I'm glad I did, because after 10 months I did get laid off. Since then I decided to go to college full time. I now have a new direction that will hopefully work out.

For some reason, me being a welder just wasn't meant to be. For whatever reason that is, I just don't know. But however, I am trying to overcome that by putting that in the past by going to college full time now. I'm happy, but at the same time maybe a little confused. But in the end, everything happens for a reason.

The only thing I can do is try to the right thing by moving on in life.

(Submitted by Jameson Brown)