I am closing in on 18 years in the this knife and gun club. I am degree complete, retiring as a prior enlisted Captain unless I stay past 20. This just isn't the same Corps I joined a few years ago and the babysitting has become almost unbearable. Any lessons learned you would like to impart on someone approaching their DD214? Any and all input is appreciated.
-
-
I just got my DD214 Monday. Get as much stuff on paper as you can. The mindset of FIDO and poppin some pills and drinking water doesn't help your VA claim. And try to get that started early on in your TAP process. Bring your I love me book with you to your dd214 appointment. They can add any schools, awards, courses, special training etc that you have documents for that isn't already on there. I was missing several things and I had my documents so they were able to just add them right then and there. If you try to edit it after the fact you will get an amendment page that you will just attach to your member 4 copy, it won't be updated on that page. Once your member 4 is issued to you... That is it. That is the only copy and it does not stay on their files. Or so they kept saying. All I can think of off the top of my head right now. -
First and foremost - THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS!
I retired about 16 years ago.....CWO in the USCG.
Get your resume in order and out on the Cyber Streets now. Give them a heads up on your timeline to retirement, and check in with leads frequently.
Make sure all of your service training is highlighted in your DD214 and double check everything before you sign. Get insight in all of your benefits and VA guarantees (schooling, VA Homeloan etc).
There is a big initiative in Corporate America with hiring ex-military folks. Check in with the Texas Workforce Commission and let them know you are nearing retirement. Many of these branches have inside information that caters to ex-military types.
I farmed my resume on Monster, and immediately had folks calling me during 1999 and right into 2000. My final assignment was Seattle Washington, and the military will make one final move to your home state. Try to lock in a job, before you move your household goods. Make sure you let any potential employer know, your move is covered so having them wonder if they need to worry about relocation fees, does not apply. I waited 6 months after my retirement, before I moved my family down from Seattle. I had kids in school so it was best to get them through that last year, before using my last household goods move to Austin. It also allowed me to firm up my employment and shop for civilian housing.
It's a big change and it takes a bit to get used to dealing with folks who are not as structured and engaged as those in uniform. Many of my buds, who retired, all leaned heavily on personnel management, which is a given for folks who serve a full career. There are some jobs where they really need that leadership and dedication to push through timelines and such. Use this as a selling point, and many in Corporate America, who previously served, are shopping for good hands.
Save as much leave as you can and use that to get out with pay. This helps cover a few months or weeks, as you job hunt. I think I saved 2 months, and it sure helped me. My military pay ran out the week I signed my employment contract. They payed me a week salary up front, so I never missed a check.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Shoot me a PM with your email address and stay in touch!
RobLast edited by AtTheWall; 02-25-2016, 11:56 PM.Comment
-
As said, make certain you get every school, training and so on documented on your DD214. Think of every single physical thing that bothers you, even if just a little bit and don't accept declines from the VA. Chances are, you will find out down the road that you have some physical problems that can be traced back to service related. Better to have them document now than to fight them later.
Semper Fi Sir!Comment
-
It'll be one of the greatest days for you when you get that 214 and sign out i did 20 in the army got out in 2014. My biggest fear was to do next but luckly i found a decent job on Craigslist as a ag mechanic, i was a mechanic in the service. Enjoy retirement its great. But defiantly get your med records straight and update all service records like stated above.Comment
-
All great info. I appreciate it.Comment
-
Before sending the VA anything, get in contact with a Texas Veterans Commission, take your retirement physical and any documents to them and they will make sure all your ducks are in a row.
Comment
-
Do you have an idea of the private sector field you'd like to enter into?
Given your years of service and your rank project management may be something you might want to look into. If so, you may be able to get the PMP training and certification paid for before you get out.
The other thing to consider, if you know the area you want to work in, is getting an executive MBA. It takes 2 years, most of the course work is done outside of class, and when you do have to show up its typically on a weekend.
A few websites you may want to look into for your job search:
Comment
-
I have been looking at the DFW area and project management has literally thousands of hits on indeed in that area. Thanks again for all the information.Comment
-
Once you are in the civilian world, get ready for a whole bunch of not knowing how people operate in the chaos, because life is not regimented, and people dont understand the mindset.Comment
-
I know the transition will be challenging but I'm ready for the next chapter. I'm very open to learning a new mindset without trying to force my military ways on anyone.Comment
Comment