You know what I mean? No, I don't
One of the biggest problems in communication is the ability to express yourself. The ability to use words to paint an accurate picture of what you are thinking about to present a thought, idea, feeling, want, need, or desire to another person. It is a miracle that we can understand each other at all when you think about it. Eduction level, accents, regional dialects, lingo based on the work environment, peer group, audience, so many things that must be factored into the words that we end up using when we speak. It is a wonder that we can understand each other at all.
What does this have to do with the transitioning service member you may ask? Everything. As marines, soldiers, airmen, coasties, and sailors we are part of an elite group, (1 to 3 percent of the population depending on whom you believe), and yet we don't agree on the words we use. Take, for example, the word Captain. A Captain in the coast guard and navy is an 0-6 but in the other forces, that rank is an 0-3. Let's add another wrinkle in that term. An 0-5 in the Navy can command certain types of ships. what is that position commonly known as? You guessed it, Captain. Us, the elite can't even get it together on a term as simple as captain. Don't get me started on what you have to do if you have to go to the bathroom, (or latrine, head...whatever).
Why bring this up? Because it is one of the biggest problems that military members have when they leave the service. What we do, the tools we use, the procedures that we follow all use different terminology than we do. Even in the civilian world, something as simple as a warehouse supervisor can be a facilities manager or an inventory manager. This can become overwhelming to many of us, but there are plenty of tools out there to help us get a start into learning to speak "civilian". A simple google search of "military to civilian translation" can provide a wealth of insight into learning this whole new language.
If you are a transitioning service member or have recently transitioned, please do yourself a favor and start learning the words and terms that civilian companies use. It is essential to use in your resume, in your job search, and your ability to network with those job recruiters and HR personnel who can be the gatekeeper to your life after the military.
Human Resources Specialist ★ Career and Employment Readiness★ Higher Education ★Military & Family
4 年I agree! It is absolutely important to start working on changing your military lingo as you transition out of the service. Being a native New Yorker, I never realized how much slang we used in our conversations until I lived in Texas. Then add the Military terminology to the mix, it was quite the eye opener. When I left the service, I had a great personal/professional support system that was able kindly guide me or frankly call me out when I used too much military jargon. As a transitioning service member, developing a strong network and support system provides you with personalized guidance that can assist you in meeting your goals. However, creating these connections don’t happen overnight so let’s start small. Take the first step: get comfortable doing your own research on military acronyms/lingo and what the civilian equivalent is. A thesaurus is your best friend and don’t be afraid to use the Military to Civilian Translator to make your life easier. ???
Vice President Bramante Homes - Transformational Leader | Greatness Coach | 1% Improvement Warrior
4 年This is great for all veterans! Communication between the military and civilian sector are so vastly different that if a veteran does not say or write the correct jargon, they will leave money on the table and won’t know why.
Senior Associate | Governance, Risk, and Compliance | Banking, Wealth Management & Financial Services
4 年Excellent post, Alfredo. Thank you for sharing! As a linguist, I am deeply fascinated with language, and how it differs across cultures, industries, organizations, nations, etc. This was a great read.
Talent Appropriator | Army Vet | Gallup CliftonStrengths Coach | Occasional Court Jester
4 年Great article! Transitioning is a culture shock in many ways. That is why those who are transitioning need solid mentors who can come along side them well in advance of their separation!
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist at VA
4 年What do you think? Tim, Katie, Michael, Kenneth, Kerri-Anne, Dr. Kara, Randy, Tyrone, America, Rae Sewell, CPRW CHEP