[M-technik-3]

While I don't have anything I figured I'd start a thread maybe someone could help another member/vet.

[Maynard]

What problems do your friends have that you wonder about?

[ash_schwin]

I know of one issue with retired vets or those freshly transitioning from military to civilian life is to apply their experience into civilian life.

Having worked in various industries such as aerospace / defense / medical / industrial manufacturing my entire career and being honored to be in senior roles to influence recruiting efforts of candidates, I always make it a point to keep an eye out for veterans and individuals looking to transition from military to civilian life. Even when they don't have the exact experience needed or if they aren't a perfect fit for an open role, I look for attitude and aptitude in a candidate to see if they would be a good fit. We have also worked with recruiting agencies that specialize in finding, training, and coaching these types of candidates. Wish more companies did things like this to help make their transitions easier.

[Maynard]

For any Veterans on here looking for support, especially around transitioning out of service or with combat/service related issues, I would strongly recommend you to your local Vet Center. It's federal, but NOT the VA. Originally established by Vietnam Veterans that were getting poorly treated by the VA; they formed a peer-based support network for other returning Vets and those with PTSD (at the time, VA was still debating if they would recognize or treat for PTSD). It grew into a nationwide program that can help with mental health support, as well as advocacy for benefits-applications and other service-related needs. MUCH more Veteran-friendly and non-clinical than most VA systems, but they don't do the medical/dental care (and the VA is getting better, but it varies widely center to center, some are great, some not so much). Vet Ctrs also serve Active Duty and Active National Guard/Reservists and grief support for family members of deceased Veterans. I'm happy to take specific Q's via PM.

https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/

[M-technik-3]

Originally Posted by Maynard

For any Veterans on here looking for support, especially around transitioning out of service or with combat/service related issues, I would strongly recommend you to your local Vet Center. It's federal, but NOT the VA. Originally established by Vietnam Veterans that were getting poorly treated by the VA; they formed a peer-based support network for other returning Vets and those with PTSD (at the time, VA was still debating if they would recognize or treat for PTSD). It grew into a nationwide program that can help with mental health support, as well as advocacy for benefits-applications and other service-related needs. MUCH more Veteran-friendly and non-clinical than most VA systems, but they don't do the medical/dental care (and the VA is getting better, but it varies widely center to center, some are great, some not so much). Vet Ctrs also serve Active Duty and Active National Guard/Reservists and grief support for family members of deceased Veterans. I'm happy to take specific Q's via PM.

https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/

I attend PTSD/Coping there it is great avenue to speak with others in a non biased environment.

As a retiree we are eligible for dental/vision now through the FEDVIP. That does help keep costs down but I wished they would just merge the two systems. In 8 years I need to transition to Medicare and I hear way too many scarey stories about that one. You should not be forced to transition until you retire from the working force.

[c1pher]

I know some states also have veteran resources and preference for state positions. Virginia has programs if interested.

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by ash_schwin

I know of one issue with retired vets or those freshly transitioning from military to civilian life is to apply their experience into civilian life.

Having worked in various industries such as aerospace / defense / medical / industrial manufacturing my entire career and being honored to be in senior roles to influence recruiting efforts of candidates, I always make it a point to keep an eye out for veterans and individuals looking to transition from military to civilian life. Even when they don't have the exact experience needed or if they aren't a perfect fit for an open role, I look for attitude and aptitude in a candidate to see if they would be a good fit. We have also worked with recruiting agencies that specialize in finding, training, and coaching these types of candidates. Wish more companies did things like this to help make their transitions easier.

I do the same because I typically know what I’m getting and know it’s sometimes difficult to rework a resume to match military experience to corporate experience.