by Carol Smock

Created on: November 19, 2010

Leaving military life for a role as a civilian can come as a bit of a shock. You may go from a position of considerable responsibility and leadership to an entry level job or college life. The respect and camaraderie you experienced as a member of a military team don’t automatically follow you into your new role. This can be a difficult adjustment.

Use your benefits

Before separating from the service, you should contact your Family Service Center/Transition Center to find out when a Transition Briefing is scheduled. Attending a briefing will help you find out what benefits are available to you, and how to access them. TAOnline will also help you find out about benefits for separating military personnel. See the listing under “References.”

Education and training

The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers new education benefits that may assist you in attaining skills for employment, or for securing a better job than you can obtain right out of service. Covered expenses include the highest state tuition in the state where you reside, a book and supplies stipend, and a stipend to cover living expenses. For the first time in history, any unused benefits can be transferred to your spouse or children. If you qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program, it is possible to receive 100% of tuition to a private school. More information and a benefits calculator are available at the GI Bill website listed under “References and Further Information.”

Job search assistance

Finding a job is a full time job in itself. If you are separating without a job to go to, or are searching for a better job than you already have, try the Vet Jobs website cited under “References.” Here you will find excellent job search advice, an opportunity to post your resume for prospective employers to see, and a listing of current job openings. A wide range of opportunities are listed, from part time entry level jobs to high paying professional positions. On the day of this writing, over 41,000 listings appear on this site.

Job Hunt.Org will direct you to the nearest available job search center for veterans for personal assistance and support while you are seeking employment.

To translate the skills you developed while in the military into civilian career assets, use O Net. Type in your classification and job title, and the site will list jobs for which you already qualify. It is listed below as online.onetcenter.org/crosswalk.

Set goals

Once you have determined the

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