Don't Put Off Getting Ready for the Transition

I want to share my transition experience with Junior Military Officers (JMOs) that are putting off getting ready for their transition to civilian business until three months before they separate because that is what I did.

I started contacting JMO recruiters about a year before I separated, but they all said that it was too early to start doing anything about my separation. The recruiters told me that I should give them my information, and we would start on finding work for me three months before I separated.

I waited as I was advised (mistake), and now I have been unemployed for three months. Luckily my wife has a good job, and I saved enough during my deployment so we are capable to survive financially. Unemployment is hard on a relationship, though, and it is more difficult to find a job when you are unemployed then when you still have a job. I had job offers before I separated, but I wasn’t prepared to distinguish between a quality position that would set me up for my future career, and a job that I wouldn’t be happy at.

Then I had my first interaction with Cameron-Brooks. By meeting with Steve Sosland, one of the Cameron-Brooks recruiters, I learned that Cameron-Brooks works with candidates well in advance of their transition. Cameron-Brooks equips JMOs with the proper preparation which takes time, not three months. If I had met them earlier, I would have been equipped with the knowledge to make the proper decision. I didn’t find out what a stellar recruiting firm Cameron Brooks is until my friend got a position with the company he had wanted to work with for years, and he started at his new position while he was still on terminal leave.

I have finally gotten on board with Cameron Brooks, but this is after learning the hard lesson of the need for proper preparation and a winning team on your side.

(Submitted by Andy MacLennan)

Looking for VA Job Leads

I spent nine years of active duty in the Air Force and transferred over to Air National Guard. I worked at the U.S. Mint as a diesetter/machine mechanic for 10 years before being called back to active duty for 9/11/2001.

I served for an additional six years of active duty for a total of 25 years in the military before being medically retired. I had kidney cancer in 2005 and now have kidney disease in my remaining kidney. I retired December 2007.

I really was anticipating completing four more years of active duty prior to the Medical Evaluation Board sending me the notification that I will be permanently medically retired. I was devastated. Though I did work a civilian job before going back to active duty, I felt lost after serving six years of active duty again. I had to learn how to write a resume again. I had to hit the pavement again and look for a job. It felt new to me all over again and it wasn't a good feeling. The civilian world doesn't have the connection of belonging like military members do.

To stay connected I thought about being a VA Rep. I filled out numerous job vacancies for a VA Rep in Baltimore, Charlotte, or Columbia,S.C.  with the hopes of relocating to the Charlotte area. No luck. I was told by VA Reps in Philly, that I won't get in the VA job system unless I had a degree. I agree that's the way the job market is going, but don't count me out especially with a VA rating of 80 percent. I am a medically retired Air Force MSgt. I've been a Personnel Specialist, a first sergeant, a union shop steward at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Mint Credit Union, and you'd think I'd have a shot at being a VA Rep with 80 percent disability rating because of my kidney.

The VA Job page posts the statement "Work for the VA"; "Great place to work" and all that stuff and I'm still at my current job as a contractor on Andrews AFB. I'm not doing bad income-wise but still on the low end for the DC area.

For all the other transition center bloggers, I agree that a lot of the VA Reps could use some sensitivity, common courtesy, customer service training and check the attitudes at the door when they report for work. I admit everyone has their day, but those days don't need to be shared with others to bring the world down around you. I am currently enrolled in Strayer University to obtain a degree in Business Administration to further my chances of obtaining a new career. If you know of any job leads (preferable government) in the Charlotte, or Columbia, S.C. area please e-mail me at bowedacious@yahoo.com.

Thank you.

(Submitte by Mr. Terrence W. Bowe, Sr.) 

Readjusted but Would Serve Again

I served on active duty with an MP Company and as a Dental Tech in the reserves. I deployed to Iraq as a Dental Tech. Although it was stressful at times, I learned a lot about conflict management, personal health management and general leadership skills.

These skills were beneficial after I ended my time in service. My civilian career was in education prior to the military so I returned to teaching. I did not have problems seeking employment because I had basic knowledge of that prior to serving.

It took longer for me to adjust emotionally and to "turn of the military mind" when I returned home, but with time and help from my local Vet center, I re-adjusted. I'm honored to have served and glad to have two crucial skills that I still can use if I desire. If called to duty, I would do it again.

(Submitted by Miss Deborah Franklin)

If We Can Do It You Can, Too

After 20 years as a grunt I retired in 2003. I worked in surveying for about a year or so, and then returned to school at East Carolina University where I earned a BS in Construction Management.

While I was there I ran into an old friend who was also retired from the Marine Corps and was working toward a BA degree in History Education. Now, neither one of us were rocket scientists in our former active-duty life -- we were both grunts. If we could do it, you can too.

Semper Fi to all Marines, Sailors, Coasties, Soldiers and Airmen!

(Submitted by Big Al)

I Demanded to Have a Job

I was a carreer Soldier of 15 years. Diabetes took me out when I was but preparing for Afghanistan. I was feeling humiliated, kicked aside, but more so unable to be with my fellow Soldiers. It hurt. It hurt beyond words. I wollowed in self pity and in a drunken stupor for a couple of years. Blasting music and reading words of glory, praying that my "guys" would all come home.

Well, time slipped by and I eventually ventured out to meet some truly fine people. With their encouragement I began to search for a new vocation. My very first effort was to take the job of the "Veteran's Representative" at the local Workforce Center. The reason being is that this individual had no knowledge of the military whatsoever. I demanded to have his job because I sincerely felt that I could do far better than he.

Some time did pass, but I finally got the interview that I'd been waiting for (his Job.) I prepared for the interview, I knew it all well. MOS's, ranks, bases, combat zones, etc. When I went to the interview I was asked a multitude of questions regarding "DD People," or Developmentally Disabled People. I "bulled" my way through the interview and, by golly, got the job as Employment Consultant for the Developmentally Disabled.

What a turn. I was trained to kill for 15 years, but here and now, I found myself 180 degrees from where I'd started 15 years ago. Saving Americans directly, versus killing my enemy to save Americans.

Ladies and Gentlemen, you can serve your country in a vast multitude of ways with distinct honor. I know very, very well that it hurts to be "de fanged" at the pinacle of such a wonderous career as a servicemember, but please do remember that there are fellow Americans here at home that would love just for you to shake their hands and say "Hi." That's all that it takes. Look at home now. We need you here just as we needed your there. Come home safe, and please be with us now. Home of the free.

God bless you all,

(Submitted by SSG Cameron N. Minard USA, (RET))