Transition to civilian life

Just saw this today. I was wondering if there is really a need for private programs like this. I thought I had read that the military offers transition programs for all ranks prior to separation. (none of this existed when I got out - so I am just curious)

Transition Program for separating veterans:
http://www.strategydriven.com/2016/07/26/development-program-offered-veterans-working-career-2-0/

"The Leveraging Military Leadership Program teaches veterans how to strengthen their personal, interpersonal, and executive communication skills, clearly articulate their unique value, and chart their professional journey based on a strong career strategy."

USMCGrunt said:

Just saw this today. I was wondering if there is really a need for private programs like this. I thought I had read that the military offers transition programs for all ranks prior to separation. (none of this existed when I got out - so I am just curious)

Transition Program for separating veterans:
http://www.strategydriven.com/2016/07/26/development-program-offered-veterans-working-career-2-0/

"The Leveraging Military Leadership Program teaches veterans how to strengthen their personal, interpersonal, and executive communication skills, clearly articulate their unique value, and chart their professional journey based on a strong career strategy."

Click to expand...

There is TAP - transition assistance program. At its most basic, it's briefs on the process and benefits. At its best, the Marines and others offer resume courses, social media courses, networking courses, Federal job-hunting boot camps, etc. in addition.

All kinds of non-profits have sprung up in the vet transition space. Even Easter Seals has its Veteran Staffing Network.

There are state and county-based vet hiring and transition services.

There are the long-standing placement firms such as Lucas Group and Bradley Morris.

There are also fee-based career coaches and firms.

The military HAD a program called TAP (Transition Assistance Program) when I was separating from the Coast Guard. The program has a new name now, I've been told.

It wasn't BAD. But it wasn't entirely helpful.

The worst place to get advice about separating? Anyone still in! HAHA.

I know O-6's like to give advice... but they have no clue.

Once I "figured it out" I tried to give some advice/manage expectations of other people I knew who were getting out.

In classic military style, the Navy re-named theirs to Navy GPS a few months ago. Of course, everyone still calls it "TAP Class."
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/career/transition/Pages/default.aspx

It is increasingly contracted out.

Capt MJ said:

In classic military style, the Navy re-named theirs to Navy GPS a few months ago. Of course, everyone still calls it "TAP Class."
http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/career/transition/Pages/default.aspx

It is increasingly contracted out.

Click to expand...

I did mine at the Pentagon or maybe Bolling or Andrews... I can't remember. The person who presented was contractor. She was nice, but it was, as you said, basic..... how to wear a suit, match a tie, make business cards, etc.

I think veterans can benefit from experiencing the transition themselves. Most of the people I've known (and this would include my own experience) spent about six months to a year and a half at one employer after they separated, and eventually moved onto something better. Before any of that could happen I had to check my expectations at the door.... not everyone wants a veteran, and not every veterans understands salaries in the private sector (or civilian world).

TAPS was pointless. I know others who found it helpful. Those who found it helpful tended to have more specialized classes for company grade, field grade/SNCO retiring, and transitioning Marines after 1-2 tours. This tended to be able to be more specific and helpful from the feedback I heard. I was in a TAP class at a smaller base which had everything from a retiring LtCol to a PFC getting kicked out. The great part of my class...It was taught by a retired Marine SNCO who transitioned to this job when he retired. Yeah, thanks for that wonderful help.

Like LITS, I have tried to really help my friends as they transitioned to really understand salaries, how benefits work, resumes, interviews. At my company we hire a lot of vets and have a mentorship program with the local base for transitioning service members who ask for a mentor. It has been absolutely great to help them out and pay it back. There are some transitioning members that just have unrealistic expectations. There are tons of programs to help vets with jobs. I think for some of the more junior service members and trying to equate how their experience can be valuable is sometimes hard to put in words and these organizations can do a great job of encouraging companies to hire vets and match vets with jobs.

I give the Marines great credit. I have sat on employer panels at Henderson Hall, along with vets from Amazin, UPS, Home Depot, etc. Good to share transition lessons.

It probably needs to be said that there are a number of "veteran friendly" organizations out there that like to pick up vets, but they're not always positions that 1. you'll like or 2. will get you ahead in anyway.

Back in the day I got my AFCM and a DD214 out the door. Glad to see there are some companies that work for veterans. Philco/Ford was big for us but you had to go to Iran on the Russian border to take their offer.