Leaving Service

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Transitioning Out of the Military

Overview

Transitioning out of the military involves understanding retirement processes and adapting to civilian employment. This guide simplifies these steps with structured resources and advice.

Worthy Quotes:

Don’t leave benefits you’ve earned on the table due to pride or neglect.

Also remember your salary does not correlate with your worth. Especially if you’ve been in for a long time, your first job out may be more junior than your ego thinks is right, and your salary lower. But I got some excellent career advice in my early 20s when agonizing over a decision. A mentor said — this is not for the rest of your life. And yeah, of course no kidding. But you lose that perspective when the emotions are running high and you get insecure about things and you just want the security of the job offer.

Many non-defense companies may feel intimidated. Leave your jargon, ego, profanity, and rank behind.

Transition Assistance

Military Transition Assistance

  • Military Side: Numerous programs help with retirement or ETS (Expiration Term of Service) processes.
  • Civilian Side: Insights from professionals outside the military are crucial, especially if entering an unrelated field.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

  • Attend the “retiree” version of TAP if possible, focusing more on retiree benefits and less on the GI Bill.
  • “First thing is to take it seriously. Show up, pay attention, take notes. Interview prep is a skill. You are competing for a job.” — Engage fully in TAP and prepare thoroughly for what’s ahead.

Professional Guidance

Classes and Seminars

  • MilBridge Consulting: Noel McCall (704-904-4835, [email protected]) – Helps with resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and understanding the civilian recruitment process.
  • JANUS 101/Donovan Bank Foundation: Paul ([email protected]), Drew ([email protected]) – Offers seminars for retiring ARSOF members on transitioning, life insurance choices, and more.
  • The Honor Foundation: Foundation – Specialized programs for transitioning members.

Resume Writing

Applying with Recommendations

  • Defense Related: Leverage military connections. Reach out to former colleagues in defense industries for referrals.
  • Non-Defense Related: Expand your network and use professional networking sites to connect with industry leaders.

Cold Applications

  • Defense Related: Tailor your resume using industry-specific terminology, emphasizing skills like security clearances and leadership experience.
  • Non-Defense Related: Highlight transferable skills and how military experience can translate to civilian success.

Networking and Skill Development

  • Utilize non-military experts for new perspectives and strategies.
  • "Prepare answers to likely questions, rehearse. Many non-defense companies may feel intimidated. Leave your jargon, ego, profanity, and rank behind."
  • Mention projects you’ve started, even if not completed, to own your experience.

Entrepreneurship and Creative Ventures

  • Consider starting your own business, engaging in side projects, or exploring creative ventures like online stores.

Area Specific Tips

  • Look for local veteran resources and groups for tailored advice.

MedBoarding

  • Understanding Medboarding: Make sure to get assessed for potential disabilities and understand the benefits you’ve earned.
  • "Most counties have a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) who can help navigate the VA and state benefits. If you can’t find them on your county or state veterans affairs page, try your local American Legion or VFW post."

State Considerations for Disabled Veterans

  • Texas: Generous property tax exemptions, no state income tax.
  • Illinois: Offers property tax exemptions and income tax waivers for military retirement pay.
  • Florida: Provides property tax benefits and state education benefits.
  • New Hampshire: Offers tax exemptions for veterans with adapted homes.
  • Virginia: Exempts up to $15,000 of military pay from state income tax.

Additional Resources

Business Resources

Education and Internships

Service Member

  • Explore opportunities for further education and internships to bridge the gap between military and civilian careers. "You can spend your last six months doing a skill bridge with industry. "
  • The DOD SkillBridge Program offers valuable civilian work experience for service members during their final 180 days of service. However, participation is subject to approval by the service member's commander, typically an O6 memo for some branches like the Air Force, while others, like the Army, have their approval processes. Eligibility generally requires service members to serve at least 180 continuous days on active duty. Commanders may approve or disapprove participation based on unit mission requirements.
  • Approval Process: Commanders must authorize participation, considering unit needs. Participants should complete all Transition Assistance Program (TAP) requirements before starting SkillBridge. Each branch may impose additional requirements.

Employer

Businesses participating in the DOD SkillBridge Program gain access to skilled, highly motivated service members transitioning out of the military. Through this initiative, employers can create tailored training programs that meet their specific workforce needs while benefiting from the Department of Defense covering service members' salaries and benefits during their final 180 days of service. This allows companies to integrate experienced veterans into their workforce at no additional cost. Employers can host training on base or at their facilities, and virtual or remote learning options are available, making it accessible regardless of location. To ensure success, companies should provide clear job training and development programs, aligning with industry demands and offering a high probability of employment for service members upon completion.

Practical Tips

  • To ensure a smooth transition, it is recommended that service members finalize out-processing, terminal leave, and permissive leave plans in advance when participating in SkillBridge.
  • "No restrictions apply for service members with fewer than six years of service, provided their commander approves participation." Command approval is key in eligibility, and local policies might vary.

Practical Tips

  • Practice Interviews: Apply for jobs at companies you’re less interested in to refine your interviewing and negotiation skills.
  • Negotiating Civilian Jobs: Learn to anchor your salary expectations high. Try to avoid giving the first number in salary discussions.

Financial Planning

  • Maximize Savings: Live frugally in the early stages of your new career to maximize savings and investments.
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