Day 1 in the 1st CivDv

Day 1 in the CivDv

I’m going to break down this blog into series that go over different focus areas during the transition. I’ll also probably sprinkle in some rant blogs here and there to keep things interesting, but for right now the breakdown is basically going to jump into two topics, Education and Career. On many fronts these two go hand in hand; without one it can be hard to get the other.

Before focusing on education and developing a career, there are a few things that a service-member needs to work out during the first stages of the transition. These will be important to a successful transition, but a network of support is probably the most important. In fact, it is a crucial after the military. After leaving the military, a veteran has lost more than just income, they lose the camaraderie or “esprit de corps” that they have become so use too from their time in service. Without this network, a veteran is highly susceptible to depression, and can quickly develop a sense of being lost or alone in the world. One day there is a literally a platoon-sized group of brothers, that will have always have be there, and the next day they are gone. For many the camaraderie alone is worth the re-enlistment. I was lucky enough to find a career helping veterans, so I was able to quickly regain the camaraderie through the military students I meet at work. But for some it may not happen so quickly, it may not happen at all.

The good news is that if you know where to look a network has already been set up, and they are just waiting for you to join them. The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Corps League, and many other organizations have been sprinkled across the country in every state. If you choose to go back to school, find a school with an establish Student Veteran Organization. If you can’t find one, then start one at the school you are attending. These organizations sometimes get the reputation that they are only designed for old men to share stories and scars over a bingo game. While bingo night might be on the agenda every now and then, these programs offer so much more. They offer you the camaraderie the sense of belonging that you may have left behind at your final formation.

After a network of support, the most significant favor you can do for yourself is to learn to talk civilian. This is going to make your life a lot less complicated. One of my biggest roles in my career is that of a translator. I take translate military jargon into higher education talk, and vice versa. Failed communication with those around you can be frustrating for both parties, and can lead to many problems that could have been easily prevented.

A great exercise in learning to speak civilian is by writing a resume. When writing a resume, remember that most hiring managers are not prior service, and a resume that outlines your military service in military jargon will be lost on them. Try using a skills translator tool on the National Resource Directory or the link to VA for Vets on the left side of the page. Here are some examples:

What not to do (Military Jargon)

What you should do (Civilian Talk)

2004-2011 United States Marine Corps ·         Served as a machine gunner in OIF and OEF ·         Led a fire team on various missions and operations ·         Completed Combat LifeSaver Course ·         Operated small arms and led tactical movements

2004-2011 United States Marine Corps Machine Gunner (0331) The machine gunner is responsible for the tactical employment of medium and heavy machine-guns, and their support vehicle. Related Military Skills ·         Advanced First Aid ·         Cargo Handling ·         Emergency Medical Care (Technician) ·         Firearm and Explosives Handling ·         Intelligence Analysis ·         Logistics Support

By taking the time to set up a network and learning to talk civilian, you will be able to achieve far more than you ever could sulking about how no one understands you, and has taken your military service for granted. Many transitioning service members will get stuck in a rut of “It’s not fair” or “I am veteran, and I should be treated better than this.”

The hard truth is that you going to have to walk out there on your own. You are given a choice in the first few days of the transition and the choice is simple, Are you going to charge and make great things happen? or are you going become a victim of negligence and loathing?

 It’s Day 1 in the 1^st CivDiv and you’ve got some decisions to make.