Mastering the Military Transition in 2023
“The military mentors you on how to stay in, but does not mentor you on how to leave.”
As someone who got out of the military last year, this is a roll-up of some processes, thoughts, and tips for consideration for service members as they head back to the private sector.
Plan Often and Early?
A planning calendar consisting of key dates for various transition activities can help military personnel prepare for life after service. Create and maintain a calender that synchronizes key dates and waypoints relating to VA claim submission, Skillbridge/internship, educational programs, and the job search.??
One important step in this process is submitting a Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) VA claim, which can be done as early as 180 days prior to separation from the military. This can help ensure that veterans receive the benefits they are entitled to as soon as possible.
Another important opportunity is the Skillbridge program, which allows service members to participate in civilian internships during their final 180 days of service. This can help them gain valuable experience and make connections in their desired industry.
Networking is also crucial for a successful transition. Military personnel should start building their professional network as early as possible and continue to make connections throughout the transition process. Networks such as Veterati, the Honor Foundation, Special Operations Association of America, and the Association of the United States Army are critical to success in accessing networks, gaining mentorship, and conducting sanity checks.?
Veterans Affairs Claims?
The process of filing for veterans benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is an inherently a legal process, and it is essential for military personnel to be mindful of certain key aspects to ensure a successful outcome. One of the primary considerations is service connection, which is the establishment of a direct link between a service-connected injury or illness and the current medical condition.
Another important factor is the accuracy of the diagnosis, which can impact the approval of the claim. It is critical to ensure that the diagnosis is based on a thorough evaluation and that all relevant medical records and documentation are provided to support the claim. Additionally, keeping track of medical appointments is essential, as missed appointments can delay the processing of the claim.
Exporting medical records and other pertinent documentation is also critical, as it allows for a comprehensive review of the claim by the VA. Inaccurate or incomplete records can lead to delays or even denials of the claim, so it is important to ensure that all records are up-to-date and readily available. Soldiers should consider exporting and backing up all OMPF records, all Defense Travel (DTS) and deployment records, getting immediate copies of their entire medical records for review, and compiling evidence as needed (news articles, weather reports, DVIDS media, research articles, et cetera). Following ETS/retirement/separation, soldiers lose access to DTS, email, et cetera—which makes it difficult retroactively to export and back-up key documents unless you use the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to get pertinent documents released.
Furthermore, it is important for military personnel to stay on top of all relevant medical appointments to ensure that the necessary medical evidence is properly documented and that any changes in their medical condition are appropriately noted within their medical record. Request appointments, referrals, and other follow-ups through MHS Genesis. It should be noted that any communications within MHS Genesis’ chat function, will end up in your medical record. For those that are planning ahead, schedule your BDD application and VA contractor appointments in parallel to uploading pertinent evidence via the VA Direct Upload tool in support of your VA claim.
Lines of Funding for Education?
Transitioning military members are often faced with numerous challenges as they move from a military career to the civilian workforce. One of the most pressing challenges is finding ways to finance their education or vocational training in order to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a new career. Therefore, it is essential for these individuals to explore all lines of funding available to them, including Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Defense (DOD) tuition assistance, the GI Bill, grants, and scholarships.
Vocational Rehabilitation (V&E) is a federal program designed to assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment. This program offers a wide range of services, including job training and education, medical and psychological treatments, and job placement assistance. Additionally, DOD tuition assistance is available to active duty service members, which can cover up to 100% of tuition costs for approved courses. VR&E is one of the most underutilized lines of funding, however, your VA claim must be finalized prior to the application unless a service member is currently in IDES. It should be noted that VR&E can additionally be used for funding a business through the Self-Employment track (read my FOIA materials here), however, statistically, this is unlikely to get approved.?
A distinction to note however, is that VR&E only pays a subsistence allowance for full students, not a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) allowance. Eligibility for VR&E is based around the need for rehabilitation based on disability unique to the veteran, while you must have at least one month of GI Bill eligibility left to be eligible for VR&E usage.?
Another important source of funding is the GI Bill, which offers education and training benefits to veterans and their dependents. The GI Bill provides a wide range of benefits, including tuition and fees, housing allowances, and stipends for books and supplies. Some of the highest returns are seen through the Yellow Ribbon program, for programs that offer unlimited Yellow Ribbon addendums on top of the GI Bill—such as Georgetown Law.?
Additionally, grants and scholarships are another viable option for funding education or training. These financial resources are often provided by government agencies, private foundations, and educational institutions to support specific fields of study or to aid individuals who demonstrate financial need. Create a tracker for upcoming grant and scholarship application deadlines, requirements, funding amounts.?
VR&E Documentation: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/
VR&E Longitudinal Study: https://www.benefits.va.gov/VOCREHAB/docs/FY2020LongStudy.pdf
VR&E Application: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/apply-vre-form-28-1900/start
GI Bill Documentation: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/
GI Bill BAH Rates: https://www.va.gov/education/benefit-rates/post-9-11-gi-bill-rates/
GI Bill Application: https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply
Skillbridge?
For military personnel who are nearing the end of their service, finding gainful employment can be a challenging and uncertain prospect. One promising option to consider is applying to Skillbridge companies, which are organizations that offer job training and apprenticeships to transitioning service members. To optimize their chances of success, it is recommended that military personnel begin the application process with Skillbridge companies approximately 9-12 months prior to their separation from military service.
There are several benefits to starting the application process well in advance of the separation date. First, this allows for ample time to research and identify suitable Skillbridge companies that align with the service member's interests and career goals. Additionally, starting the application process early provides time to complete any necessary training or certifications, as well as to develop a resume and cover letter that effectively highlights the service member's skills and experience.
Furthermore, early application to Skillbridge companies can provide an opportunity for the service member to gain valuable experience and skills through the apprenticeship or training program. This can make them more competitive in the job market and can provide an edge in securing employment after separation from military service.
It is also important to note that the application process for Skillbridge companies can be time-consuming and highly competitive. By beginning the process well in advance, military personnel can avoid the stress and uncertainty that can come with waiting until the last minute to apply. It should be noted that Commanders are not obligated to approve Skillbridge, and some soldiers face difficulty in obtaining approvals.?
Skillbridge Approved Companies: https://skillbridge.osd.mil/organizations.htm
领英推荐
Skillbridge Paperwork: https://skillbridge.osd.mil/resources.htm
Fellowships
Transitioning from a military career to a civilian one can be a challenging process, and one way to ease this transition is by applying to fellowships from various civic society, think tanks, and other pertinent institutions. These fellowships provide a unique opportunity for individuals to acquire new skills, network with professionals, and gain exposure to diverse fields and industries. It is important for transitioning military personnel to consider applying to fellowships from institutions such as Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Aspen Institute, Hoover Institution, TechCongress, Council on Foreign Relations, Brookings Institute, Electronic Frontier Foundation, and other similar organizations (paid or unpaid)
Participating in a fellowship program can provide individuals with valuable experience and exposure to diverse fields, as well as an opportunity to expand their network and develop new professional connections. These fellowships are often designed to help individuals transition from the military to the civilian workforce and can provide training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help individuals establish a successful career in their chosen field.
Furthermore, applying to fellowships from various institutions can provide individuals with exposure to a wide range of industries, from technology and innovation to public policy and international relations. This can help individuals identify areas of interest and gain exposure to new and emerging fields.
Hoover Institution: https://www.hoover.org/veteran-fellowship-program
Certifications?
Transitioning service members would be well advised to carefully consider the potential benefits of mapping out relevant professional certifications as they prepare to enter the civilian workforce. Such certifications may include IT certifications, project management credentials (PMP, Scrum), or other recognized professional certifications. By aligning their certifications to lines of funding, transitioning service members may be better positioned to secure employment and advance their career goals in their chosen field. Service members should take full advantage of funding sources such as tuition assistance (service component specific), through grants such as IMVF, and of free training and certification access through Salesforce Military. As in the instance of Salesforce Military, the regular certification exam costs approximately $200-400 depending on the specific exam.?
Salesforce Military: https://veterans.force.com
Army Ignited: https://www.armyignited.army.mil/student
DCITA: https://dcita.edu/
Hiring Pathways?
Transitioning service members face numerous challenges when navigating the job market, and it is important for them to take advantage of all available hiring pathways. The Department of Commerce's Hiring Our Heroes program, Breakline.org, and the Project Management Institute (PMI) are three excellent resources that transitioning service members should consider exploring to help them secure meaningful employment.
The Department of Commerce's Hiring Our Heroes program is an initiative that seeks to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses find gainful employment. The program offers a variety of services, including employment workshops, career fairs, and online job boards. Hiring Our Heroes is a valuable resource for transitioning service members as it connects them with employers who are interested in hiring veterans and military personnel. Hiring Our Heroes' Salesforce Fellowship boasts a high placement rate (87%) and starting salary (87k+) for service members and spouses.
Breakline is another excellent resource that provides transitioning service members with access to career development and networking opportunities. This organization offers a variety of programs, including a career mentorship program and a technology industry program, both of which provide veterans with valuable training, support, and direct in-roads to 100+ companies to help them succeed in their chosen field with direct hiring pathways.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is a professional organization that provides training and certification in project management. This organization offers a variety of resources to help transitioning service members develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field. PMI's Military Outreach Program provides resources to help veterans transition to civilian careers in project management, including education, certification, and mentorship opportunities.
Additionally, consider direct hire opportunities in the Federal Government such as the U.S Digital Service, the Presidential Management Fellowship, the FTC Technologist in Residence Program, or the Presidential Innovation Fellowship.
For service members intent on staying in the cleared contracting space, make sure to get your S2/J2/G2 to create a digital copy of your JVS eligibility record, commonly referred to as a Security Clearance Verification Memo (SCVM), in order to take with you to your next endeavor. This can also be done by preemptively sending a JPAS visit request [via a SMO code] if you already have something lined up.
Mentorship & Networking?
One strategy to accelerate learning and gain valuable perspectives is to seek mentorship from experienced professionals in their relevant fields of interest. By engaging in mentorship, veterans can gain insights into industry-specific best practices, expand their professional network, and receive guidance on navigating the complex landscape of civilian careers.
Furthermore, mentorship can provide veterans with access to valuable perspectives and insights into industry-specific trends and best practices. This can help veterans stay up-to-date on emerging technologies and changes in the job market, and can help them develop a competitive edge in their chosen field.
While the amount Veteran mentorship services are unbounded, one service that has stood out is Veterati. Veterati is an amazing place to seek mentors, garner expert advice, and connect with experts in their industry.
Veterati Mentor Database: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ahXY5SgYeTp5zzgQgE012LDdcf-_vbAnXS438Iy1QgM/edit?usp=sharing
Putting It All Together?
If you’ve made it this far, I’ll spare you from further text.?
The general formula to consider is:
?(W2 Job + VA Claim + Education Track + Education Line of Funding + Relocation Stabilization + Enabling Activities)
If you have further questions, feel free to jump on my calender.?