Military to Civilian Transitions 101
Entering the civilian workforce after serving in the military requires planning. Relocating to a new city or even a new country is just one choice transitioning service members face. Choosing a new career is another. Making the jump from a life in uniform is a process, and it’s one you’ll ideally begin at least a year before you’re scheduled to retire or separate. Here are some basic issues to consider as you prepare to move.
Transitioning Out of the Military: Getting Started
Develop a comprehensive financial plan to manage your transition. Calculate your estimated living expenses, considering factors like housing, transportation, food, and healthcare. Create a budget and track your spending.
Military OneSource offers financial counseling and resources for service members and their families. Consider a financial planning workshop offered through your branch of the military’s Transition Assistance Program or Military OneSource.
For those who want to relocate, explore the VA home loan benefit at VA.gov. VA loans aren’t the only post-military benefit veterans can calim, Familiarize yourself with the full range of VA benefits and resources available to you.
Career Transition From Military To Civilian
When you’re ready to plan your new life, start by translating your military skills and experience into civilian terms. Analyze your roles and responsibilities, identifying transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and technical proficiencies. Consider the specific tasks you performed, the knowledge you acquired, and the accomplishments you achieved.
The Department of Labor’s Military Skills Translator (in partnership with CareerOneStop) can help identify civilian occupations that align with your military background. This tool allows you to input your military occupational code (MOC) and explore related civilian careers.
O*NET OnLine is a comprehensive database of occupational information. Explore different career paths, identify required skills and education, and research salary expectations.
Review your Joint Services Transcript (JST) to review your military education, training, and experience. The JST translates military experience into civilian language and can be helpful for resume writing and job applications.
Create a detailed inventory of your skills and experience. Go beyond simply listing job titles. Describe specific accomplishments and quantify your achievements whenever possible.
Resume Writing and Interview Preparation
Use a chronological or functional format, highlighting accomplishments and quantifiable results. Avoid using military jargon and acronyms. Instead, consider easy to read language that civilian employers can easily understand.
CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, offers resume building tools and resources, including tips for tailoring your resume to specific job descriptions.
Utilize the resume review services offered through your branch of service’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP). TAP provides workshops and individual counseling to help you create a strong civilian resume. You can also find military transition help at the DoD Transition Assistance Program official site.
Practice your interviewing skills, focusing on articulating your transferable skills and demonstrating how your military experience aligns with the civilian job requirements. Prepare for common interview questions, such as “Tell me about yourself” and “Describe a time when you faced a challenge.”
Networking and Job Searching
Networking is key in the civilian job market. Attend job fairs specifically designed for veterans, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and engage with your local Chamber of Commerce.
The Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program mentioned above (www.dodtap.mil) provides information about upcoming job fairs and networking events for transitioning service members. The VA official site (www.va.gov) offers a Veterans Employment Center with resources and tools to help veterans begin new careers.
Explore online job boards and company websites, filtering by your desired industry and location. USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov) is the official website for federal government jobs. You should also consider building a profile on LinkedIn and connect with professionals in your field of interest.
Education and Certification
Consider pursuing further education or certifications to enhance your qualifications and increase your marketability. The GI Bill provides financial assistance for a variety of educational pursuits.
Meet with an education counselor at your local VA office to discuss your educational goals and explore options for using your GI Bill benefits. You can call the VA directly to do so at 1-800-827-1000.
You can also explore options on the Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop website (www.careeronestop.org) provides information about industry certifications and licensing requirements. State and local governments often offer veteran benefits for education.
Mental Health
Transitioning to civilian life can be an emotional experience. Prioritize your mental health and well-being. Connect with fellow veterans, utilize mental health resources offered by the VA, and seek support from family and friends.
The VA offers a variety of mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and support groups. Contact your nearest VA center or visit the VA website for more information. But VA options aren’t the only ones. You can seek private counseling or contact the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 then press 1) for confidential support for veterans in crisis, 24/7.
If you are struggling with your mental health during your move into civilian life, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to support you.
Legal and Administrative Tasks
If possible, update your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter registration before you leave the military. Even if you are relocating to a new area, having unexpired documents is important.
Obtain copies of your military service records and medical records. Familiarize yourself with state and local laws regarding employment and benefits. Do you need copies of your discharge paperwork or other documennts? The National Archives and Records Administration (www.archives.gov) provides access to military service records.
