Transition Tip #10: Leverage the power of the "Warrior Ethos"

Transition Tip #10. Never leave a fallen comrade.

Leverage the power of the Warrior Ethos.

Although the principles of the Warrior Ethos – placing the mission first, never accepting defeat, never quitting, and never leaving a fallen comrade – were written for our men and women in uniform, their utility is not limited to the armed forces.

My period of transition was the most difficult period of my entire life. I relied on my Warrior Ethos to overcome my struggles, including the greatest barrier to transition: the cultural and communication gap that exists between the military and the people whom they serve.

We veterans live by the Warrior Ethos. During our service, the organization – our “team”, its success, and its survival were more important than our own individual ambitions, goals and survival.

·??We relied on perimeters to stay safe, secure and survive.

·??We trusted others to do their part and communicate when they needed help – even when we could not see, hear, or touch them.

·??We entrusted our comrades to provide “buddy aide” when needed or have us evacuated for advanced care.?

·??And the strong personal connections we formed were essential for the perimeter to work.

Transition challenges are exacerbated when immersed in a foreign operating environment; it can be painful and somewhat debilitating.

·??We may perceive a lack of perimeters, and therefore a lack of reasons to form strong personal connections.

·??The private sector can often appear more focused on the individual and their independence – more competitive rather than collaborative – and political correctness is expected over candor.?

·??Non-veteran coworkers may perceive veterans to be too rigid, overly confident, and excessively dedicated to the organization’s mission.?

You may never close the cultural and communication gap completely, but you can reduce its effects:

·??Make finding military-friendly companies one of your “Top 10”[BJ1]? needs.

·??Build your own perimeter by connecting with other veterans in your workplace, neighborhood or community, then actively participate in veteran advocacy programs and initiatives.

·??Educate non-veterans on your language and culture; not to convert them, but to help eliminate any preconceived biases as you acclimate to your new operating environment.

·??Leverage your military skills and experiences within your new company culture for the greater good.

·??Coach, teach and mentor others attempting the military-to-civilian transition.

Your challenge is to connect with other veterans in your new company, neighborhood or community – bring them into your perimeter. Then, turn around to help another transitioning veteran.

The military-to-civilian transition is challenging. Relying on my Warrior Ethos, which steered me through some of my darkest military days, guided me to victory in my transition “war,” and it continues to orient me on this journey to continue serving others. ??

Never leave a fallen comrade!

Get more tips on each of these steps in Koch Industries'?Veteran Transition Guide.

This excerpt was formed from “Transition War Stories: Lessons from the Front Lines,” a series of seminar presentations and articles based on the experiences of John Buckley, manager of outreach strategies at Koch Industries. John is a retired U.S. Army colonel who served for 33 years commanding infantry soldiers in combat and peacekeeping ops and directing two of the Army's most prestigious schools.

?[BJ1]Link to blog 4 on “top 10”