What's Really Important to a Successful Transition?

We compiled the following lessons based upon research, interviews, and coaching sessions with thousands of veterans over the past two decades. These are the top elements veterans identify as 'extremely' or 'very’ important to a successful transition. We assigned numbers to organize our findings; however, these should be viewed as concurrent activities versus independent and isolated transition steps. Additional insights, comments, and interactive transition data can be accesses at www.Military-Transition.org along with resources to help guide your transition.

#1 - Start Early (84% claim as important)

This might seem obvious, but the unfortunate truth is that many service members wait until the last minute to actively prepare for life after the military. They know a change is coming, but don’t realize the magnitude of what’s ahead. The simple fact is that transitioning out of uniform requires time and the sooner you begin, the more likely you will develop and achieve realistic goals.  

There are a variety of reasons why service members don’t understand or begin preparing for their transition until the last few months or weeks. The most common we’ve heard over the past two decades is some variation of “I don’t have time”, “I’m too busy” or “I’m focused on the mission”.  

INVEST THE TIME AND EFFORT TO BE SUCCESSFUL AFTER SERVING

Some have been led to believe that preparing for what's next is unpatriotic, which is absolutely untrue. Every service member will eventually take off the uniform and it’s unrealistic to think that you can’t prepare for civilian life while also serving. 

A somewhat troubling reason for not starting early is overconfidence in one’s skills and the final reason stems from a belief that society owes veterans something. Both of the last reasons lead members to think the transitioning should be easy which encourages them to delay serious preparation until the last minute. 

#2 - Have a Plan (83% claim as important)

YOU CAN'T HIT A TARGET...NOR CAN YOU EXECUTE A PLAN THAT DOESN'T EXIST

It doesn't have to be complex, but you need to start thinking and planning for what's next. You really have three options after serving, apart from retirement. These options are: 1) Employment, 2) Education, and 3) Entrepreneurship. Start doing your homework and researching industries, organizations, positions, schools, training programs, workshops or incubators for new business ideas.

You might want to explore roles that differ from your military duties or specialty, which will require additional planning, time and effort. Reading books, journals, newsletters, and blogs will help with your planning along with contacting members who transitioned before you and others who might assist with your reintegration.

#3 - Network (86% claim as important)

This is one of the most important yet overlooked aspects of a successful transition. Unfortunately, many veterans don’t realize this fact or understand how to effectively network until late in their transition and subsequent reintegration. Networking and building strong professional connections are paramount to success and should be underway before you consider taking off the uniform. 

WHO YOU KNOW AND WHO KNOWS YOU ARE REALLY IMPORTANT

Build a strong LinkedIn profile and connect with individuals and organizations of interest. Get active with community groups and build contacts through face-to-face networking. Engage with friends, family, veterans, and civilians to understand their career experiences, education, and training programs. Successful networking not only helps you learn about post-military life, but it will also help you learn the language of civilians. Knowing and applying your understanding of the "civilian language" is critical to the next element of a successful transition.

#4 - Translate your Skills (83% claim as important)

Learning how to translate your skills is one of the most important and time consuming aspects of a successful transition. The intent of translating your skills is to show a potential employer, school, or training program the value you bring to their organization. While this might sound easy, it continues to be one of the greatest challenges military members face when returning to civilian life.

TRANSLATING MILITARY SKILLS IS THE HARDEST PART OF A SUCCESSFUL MILITARY TO CIVILIAN TRANSITION

Practice is essential to success and you must consistently demonstrate how your skills add value when networking.

Ask for feedback and make continual improvements. This will require time to accomplish, but it’s worth the investment.

#5 - Be Patient (82% claim as important)

Learning how to become a soldier, sailor, airman or marine required months or years, so why would learning new civilian behaviors, language, and cultural norms be any different? Give yourself time and realize that patience and persistence are critical throughout the process.

SUCCESSFUL TRANSITIONS DON'T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT - THE PROCESS REQUIRES TIME AND PATIENCE

Take the time, do the research, build your network, learn how to translate your skills, and be patient along the way.

Apply feedback and refine your transition plan as you progress throughout the process.

Download the full-size PDF flyer (shown below) from our website: FLYER LINK

* Data collected through the ongoing transition study - Participate Here