Transitioning to Civilian Life DOD Perspective
Quick note: This article is just as important for civilians to read as it is current active duty service members and veterans. This will provide better insight into the beginnings of the transitional process while still serving on active duty.
In October of 2013, The White House Economic and Domestic Policy Council commissioned an Interagency taskforce, charged with creating a new governance structure for the Department of Defense (DOD) Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for Separating Service Members *(See the agency task force list below). The central focus for the agencies was, “collaborative efforts will be to successfully transition ‘career ready’ Service members to the civilian
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The second part is on the program. The TAP program is designed to give the transitioning service member a ‘Macro-level download’ of information in a check the block format. So many service members decide they will find the information out on their own, and figure it out as they go. This is the wrong answer, and both frames of thinking must be corrected.
Moreover, found within the Interagency Statement of Intent, is the following statement about the implementation of a “Military Life Cycle” transition model; “Transition preparation for Service members should occur over the entire span of their military careers-not just in the last few months of their military service.” While this broad and astute statement is obvious, what does that actually mean for the Service members?
For example, say I am one year out from my contract expiring, and I decided to leave the military, when do I actually begin the real transition process? Is it 180 days out, or 90 days out? What is the new standard? Is it up to the commanders’ discretion in that individuals Service member’s unit up to a certain point? Has this new policy made any real on the ground changes for transitioning service members, meaning are they just on constant CQ and Staff Duty rotation and then attend standard “check the block” classes on their other days until they are out?
The Post 9/11 military has had to adopt to many challenges and learn from many tough lessons that did
Guidance for the Employment of the Force (GEF): The GEF consolidates and integrates DOD strategic planning guidance. Moves DOD from a “contingency-centric” to a “s
What this means to me reading up on this is that i need to stop worrying so much about performing physically and expecting it to carry me through my military career and start becoming proficient in all areas and applying myself in areas that might not mean so much to me, or that i don't understand. Also i think i've learned that i need to stop relying on my own knowledge and start becoming a sponge to those who have been in longer than i, and when i am told to do something take it or not to do something to take it to heart and not do it again because it not only comes with punishment but also loss of credibility of those who are in charge of me. Credibility and trust are essential when working with a team of men like we do everyday, so i am going to try my best to be the best and most professional soldier i can be even when no one is looking.
Its six months before your military retirement date. You have made several preparations for your transition into the civilian world. The one thing you want to do is make sure you have all the checks in the block so that you have a smooth transition where you do not have to worry about anything after you have gone on terminal leave. Even though through the leadership and management styles picked up through a military career, you think you are ready to step out in the civilian world. Military personnel must realize that their lives will soon change; some may have a difficult time transitioning. Suddenly it is your last day in the military. Shock has come upon you. Either let the stress get to you and
Serving the United States Military comes with many responsibilities as well as pressure and accountability. However, the military isn’t for everyone, but it offers so much for those who serve. One thing that must be known and dealt with is that this career could be a life threatening one, and there are many obstacles one must go through beforehand.
In 2012, General Dempsey states “Mission Command is fundamentally a learned behavior to be imprinted into the DNA of a profession of arms.” The way Mission Command has evolved through the past years is indicative to the US Military adjusting to a new threat. The concept of Mission Command is not new, what is important is how General Dempsey states “Education in the fundamental principles of mission command must begin at the start of service and be progressively more challenging..” The General emphasizes the need for education at the start of the individual’s service. Additionally, this highlights the United States Army’s doctrinal adjustment to the new threat. During the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the US faced an enemy whose creativity and adaptability are two of its greatest assets. The fast-paced situation changes in both of those AOs required tactical level leadership maintain the autonomy to “exercise disciplined initiative.” This type of initiative historically leads to mission success, specifically in fast-paced situations where a key to success is forcing the enemy to react.
Four years ago, Capt. (P) Raymond Kuderka was considering different options for a broadening assignment as a senior captain. With so many opportunities available in the Army, Kuderka was searching for guidance on which broadening assignment would bolster his company-grade development and support his career goals. Many of his peers were applying to graduate degrees, fellowships, and MI Programs. But none of these options were appealing.
The Army National Guard is a whole new way to serve. It 's all about commitment to help communities in need. It 's solid dedication to the country in war and in peace. They form an elite team that shares similar core values, convictions, and beliefs. To be in the National Guard can mean serving the country part-time, one weekend a month and two weeks a year as most Guard members serve. This is what makes them different from the other branches of the military. Experiences will be gained that would change one 's outlook on life forever. Skills will be learned that will last a lifetime. The Guard is a team that values serving others and being the best; a part-time job with full time
Upon completion of the my bachelor’s degree, acceptance through the ECP, Officer Candidate School, The Basic School, Initial Intelligence Training, and Military Occupational Specialty Intelligence Training, I will receive orders back to the Fleet Marine Forces. The move from the enlisted ranks to the officer ranks may be very confusing, but this goal can be accomplished as long as I stay focused and move one step at a time.
Anytime one is dealing with a transition in their life, there will always be the unknown. That’s exactly how I felt when retiring from the United States Army. After being with one career for 21 years of my life, that’s all I really knew. I faced many challenges when dealing with “Life after the Military”. The military has provided a program that helped me deal with my transition from soldier to civilian life. Getting out of the Military after a long period of time leads to so many uncertainties. Not knowing if you will get a Job immediately afterwards or having the proper background for the job you really want to do. These are all concerns that leads to anxiety. However, the Military has implemented a program that will help Soldiers transition to the next stage in their life.
Recent changes to the High Year Tenure (HYT) waiver process timeline at the E6-E8 level for fiscal year 2016 are too short. This change has caused extremely compressed timelines for members to make the necessary preparations after they have been identified for mandatory retirement. It has also led to uncertainty months into the assignment year for units with HYT candidates. The Coast Guard needs to expand the E6-E8 HYT waiver timeline to align with the E3-E5 HYT waiver timeline.
The situation in today 's Army is clearly much different from what existed years ago. Many changes have occurred, moving the Army 's EO program from a strictly educational and training initiative to a multifaceted management program with clear goals and objectives. These goals and objectives are also an integral part of human relations and are nurtured and developed through a professional military education system.
Transitioning from the Active Component (AC) to the United States Army Reserve (USAR) is an intimidating prospect full of uncertainty and variables—but it doesn’t have to be this way. One year ago, I transitioned to the USAR and learned many valuable lessons during the process. If you are contemplating this life-changing decision, please consider these suggestions. Enroll in the Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program as soon as possible and participate in every relevant class including: résumé development, financial management, Veterans Affairs, and social media engagement¬. Do not procrastinate. These courses provide guidance, critical feedback, and pose questions you may not otherwise consider.
As stewards of our profession, commanders ensure that military expertise continues to develop and be passed on to aspiring professionals through operational development. It is during this developmental phase that Professional Soldiers put their knowledge and skills to the test. Operational Army units certify and recertify their Professional Soldiers through repetitive and realistic training events including the Combat Life Saver Course, platoon live fires, and exercises at the National Training Center. In the course of these challenging and realistic experiences, the Army’s operational units develop Soldiers and leaders prepared to maintain high standards, discipline, and operational readiness. Operational development and adaptability will continue to drive changes in Army doctrine, organization, leadership, and education as we enter the post-war era. Without this kind of development, the Army could not maintain a well-disciplined professional fighting force.
It’s incredible how throughout the course of nine weeks you can take an individual from a civilian to a “squared away” soldier. From the pushups on the scorching rocks, having parties at the “beach” also known as the marvelous sand pit to making friendships that would last a lifetime the military has truly been a life altering experience. It’s taught me how to triumph over adversity, to forget fear and that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Those nine weeks of vigorous work, pain, and an immense amount of stress was completely worth it. “Get off my bus, lets go.
Enduring high operational tempo requirements are increasing force management risk through decreased readiness, morale and retention of JF 2025. In essence, protracted operational requirements of campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq are reducing reset and reconstitution dwell times significantly straining (suicide, divorce) the JF and increasing near to mid-term risk to the All-Volunteer Force.24 Near to mid-term risk mitigation encompasses, DoD’s vigilance to service member and family wellness assessments ensuring stability, resiliency, health and overall wellness of JF 2025. 25 Presently, sustained combat and contingency operations are not considered an eminent long-term risk, however ongoing operations exhibit potential to increase veterans