Where Do I Go From Here? Civilian Transition

WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?CIVILIAN TRANSITION

Where Do I Go From Here: Civilian Transition

Published by:InCharge Debt Solutions5750 Major Blvd., Suite 175Orlando, FL 32819

Copyright © 2012 InCharge Debt Solutions

This guidebook is a compilation of articles by various authors intended to help military service members transition back to civilian life. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced – mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying – without written permission of the publisher or the author of the article.

Requests to the publisher for approval should be addressed to: Administrative Department, InCharge Debt Solutions

5750 Major Blvd., Suite 175, Orlando, FL 32819.

Disclaimer: This compilation of articles is intended to provide general information relative to a military service member’s return to civilian life and reflects only the opinion of the author. It is presented with the understanding that the author, publisher, and publisher’s agents are not engaged in rendering legal, investment, accounting, or other professional services; and this book is not a substitute for such services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. The information, methods and techniques described in this book may not work for you. If you need advice tailored to your particular financial or legal situation, please contact a licensed attorney, accountant, or financial advisor. Please note that federal, state and local laws change often and the current state of the law may not be reflected in this book. The author, publisher, and publisher’s agents make no warranties with respect to the information contained herein and assume no liability or responsibility to any person or entity in connection with any loss or damage whatsoever caused or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by such information. There are no warranties as to the results that may be obtained from using this guidebook or the information contained therein. While every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of all content contained herein, there may be errors (typographical, mathematical, or in content).

Cover design and book layout by: Devin Joy

All logos, trademarks, services marks, images and copyrighted words and/or titles used in this guidebook remain the intellectual property of their owners and are used with permission.

Printed in the United States of America by Progressive Communications, Lake Mary, Florida.

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DEDICATION

This guidebook is dedicated to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and Reserve who put their civilian lives on hold to serve and protect our nation. It is also dedicated to service families who make daily sacrifices in support of their loved one

serving in uniform.

It’s our sincere hope that the information herein is useful in making the transition back to civilian life. Thanks for your

service and best of luck!

www.incharge.org

Table of Contents

Forward Your Military Service Will Serve You Well ....................................Gen. Norris Overton ........1 Welcome Back to Civilian Life ..................Etta Money ......................3

Translating Your Skills Into Civilian Terms Marketable Skills? You Have Them! .........Janet Farley .....................5 Translating Your Resume into English ......Janet Farley .................. 12

Planning a Civilian Career Getting the Job You Want ..........................June Walbert .................19 Top 10 Best Jobs Overall for the 21st Century ......................Laurence Shatkin .........21 7 Tips for Nailing the Job Interview ..........Janet Farley ...................24

Transitioning to Civilian Service Profiles in Courage: Alexandra Jansen .....Tammy Maas .................31 Your Transition Checklist ...........................June Walbert ................ 36

Life After Service The After Life .............................................Janet Farley .................. 38 Getting the Most Bang for Your Post-911 GI Bill Buck ...................Darryl Owens ................ 45 Staying Covered: Life Insurance ................June Walbert .................51 Military to Civilian Retirement Tips .........June Walbert ................ 53 Will Your Credit History Pass Employer Screening? .................................Karen Carlson .............. 55 Budget Worksheet .....................................Karen Carlson .............. 56 Transitions Resource Directory .................Karen Carlson .............. 58

About The Authors ................................................................................ 69

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Your Military Service Will Serve You Well

Your Military Service Will Serve

You WellI was honored to wear the uniform for over 32 years, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your service to our nation.

You have faced tough challenges while in uniform. Transitioning back to civilian life will be a challenge, but not as great as those you’ve already overcome! It takes a little work, yes. You’ll have to learn how to translate

military skills into civilian terms. You’ll have to get used to the “civilian way” rather than the “military way.” You’ll find in this fast-paced world that a lot has changed since you traded in your civvies for a uniform. I made the transition to the civilian business world after serving for many years as a career officer. I’m confident you can too.

Remember to always value the BIG things your military experience brings to your skill set and your resume. Things with great value no matter what endeavor you pursue; things that position you to succeed in any field. The words themselves don’t reflect their true value. People sometimes talk casually about “discipline,” “commitment,” “camaraderie,” “can-do attitude,” “teamwork,” “loyalty” and “calmness under pressure.” You’ve experienced the true and absolute value of these characteristics; you’ve embodied them and you’ve seen them in trusted comrades on the front lines.

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Your Military Service Will Serve You Well

As a corporate executive, I sought these qualities in the people I selected for employment in my company just as I did for those in my military commands. I can tell you that all savvy business leaders want these qualities. So remember not to discount the discipline you learned, the teamwork skills you mastered and the ability to do complicated and difficult tasks while under great stress. Though the jargon and type of work you’ll be doing may be different, the qualities you’ve picked up or honed while in the military can positively differentiate you as you transition to civilian life in a depressed and difficult economy.

I hope the information you find in this collection of articles will help you with your transition and position you for great success as you return from the field of honor.

Thank you for your service and my best wishes for success in the future.

With warm regards,

Brig. Gen. Norris W. Overton, U.S.A.F. (Ret.)InCharge Board of Trustees (1999-2012)

“Remember to always value the BIG things your military experience brings to your skill set, your character and your resume. ”

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Welcome Back to Civilian Life

Welcome Back to Civilian LifeIt is a delight to be able to publish this transition guidebook for service members preparing to return to civilian life. We are so grateful for the sacrifice that your service represents, not only for yourself but for your husbands, wives, mothers, fathers and the many other family and loved ones who also carried the burden of your absence and deep concern for your safety and well-being.

Your service to our nation required you to enter and learn all the particulars of an entirely different world. You learned so many new things: different terminology; different policies and procedures; a different culture and doing extraordinary and complicated tasks. You learned how to work as a team to get the job done no matter the weather, no matter the circumstance and often with a lot riding on the outcome.

We salute you for that! Now, though you were a civilian before, you’re facing another tough transition. You put

your civilian life on hold and, lo and behold, a lot’s changed since you first donned the

uniform. Businesses change, skills and requirements for various jobs change,

the economy has been in flux, and you’re not “tuned” to the realities

of today’s civilian life.

That’s why we published this collection of articles, all

written by very experienced and knowledgeable experts who we

think can help you as you begin the re-integration process.

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Welcome Back to Civilian Life

I’d be remiss not to tell you that this effort was generously funded by the Bank of America and much of the material was graciously supplied by USAA. We are so thankful for their help and support in getting this collection of articles to print.

On behalf of all of us at InCharge, along with Bank of America and USAA, we again thank you for your service and hope that the information you find herein will be very helpful as you retire your uniform and reenter civilian life.

We wish you great success!

President, InCharge Debt Solutions

“You learned how to work as a team to get the job done no matter the weather, no matter the circumstance and often with a lot riding on the outcome... ”

www.incharge.org

Marketable Skills? You Have Them!

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By Janet Farley

You have the in-demand technical skills that any employer would love to hire. You know it. When you find yourself knee deep in job search mode, however, it’s easy to overlook those other skills you may possess, compliments of a life in uniform.

Disdainfully call them your soft skills or the touchy feely ones if you must. Whatever you do, however, don’t discount the importance of them in your job search. After all, not everyone has the right fluff.

You can see the big picture.“Both officers and enlisted [service members] are particularly adept at figuring out what is important to accomplishing the relevant tasks in working toward a goal without being distracted by the hurdles that are often placed in our path,” said Dr. Darryl Ahner, an Assistant Professor and Professional Engineer stationed at the Air Force Institute of Technology on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Ahner is an active duty Lieutenant Colonel facing his own military retirement and career transition.

“In short, we can see the big picture clearly while accomplishing critical tasks,” said Ahner.


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You can inspire and lead others.“We have strong leadership skills. We are able to know what drives people to do things, I think, in a weird way because of the War in Afghanistan where we have worked to ‘win the hearts and minds of others’ psychologically or otherwise,” said Craig Preston, a Navy Lieutenant Commander (a Sub Officer) who is also in the process of retiring and transitioning into the civilian workplace.

Preston is currently stationed in Portsmouth, England where he works with the Royal Navy. He hopes to land a civilian job soon as an engineer, a program manager or an efficiency expert within the nuclear energy industry. His dream job would be one

that allowed him to build components that fit inside of nuclear power plants.

“You can imagine, after all the issues in Japan with the reactors, that there is plenty of need to do things better,” said Preston.

“I’ve applied for a huge number of jobs within the private sector and some within the defense industry as well. I’ve already turned down two jobs on the defense side. It’s easy to go back to something you know and I just want to do something different now,” said Preston.

You can be a true team player.Hidden within the art of being a good leader lays the skill of being a true team player as well.

“Teamwork involves personal sacrifice for the greater good and anyone who has worn the uniform honorably lives and breathes this skill knowingly or not.”


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“Being in the military teaches you have to effectively work with others towards a common goal,” said Preston.

“This is a highly marketable skill that can apply across career areas,” he said.

Teamwork, indeed, is critical to any organization’s success and the best employers to work for understand that concept. Not everyone can work around the personal drama and individual agendas that all too often override the organizational goals.

Teamwork involves personal sacrifice for the greater good and anyone who has worn the uniform honorably lives and breathes this skill knowingly or not.

You know how to manage diversity.“Having the ability to understand and appreciate diversity among people or cultures is also important,” said Preston.

Ahner, who hopes to land a teaching job soon, agrees.


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“Military members learn people skills that are seldom learned outside the military. They must interact with people from all walks of life and likely do not have the option of changing co-workers, roommates, etc.,” said Ahner.

The global workplace is just that: global. Having an under-standing, an appreciation and the skill to effectively navigate diversity is a plus for any employer today.

You know how to effectively communicate with others.You have excellent communication skills but you don’t always recognize that fact, according to Ahner.

“Service members habitually discount their communications and organization skills when talking to employers. It’s not because they can’t communicate, but rather because it’s the norm in their day-to-day military lives,” said Ahner.

Ahner offers fellow job seekers a bit of helpful advice to help employers and others understand what you did in the military.

“Don’t communicate your skills [to employers] in military terms but as if you were talking to your distant uncle back home who did not have a military background,” said Ahner.


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You strive for the next level.In your military career, you set the bar high. Whether your goal was to reach the next rank or to be involved in a specific career-enhancing mission, you creatively took it upon yourself to get there somehow. In the process, you may have committed yourself to learning and mastering new skills.

Strangely enough, not everyone shares that desire to learn and achieve new personal or professional levels.

“Transitioning military personnel are life-long learners that adapt to accomplishing new unfamiliar missions by independently learning new knowledge and effectively applying that knowledge,” said Ahner.

What employer doesn’t want to hire someone like that?

For More Help Channeling Your Inner Fluff…While you may have these marketable skills, you may not always be skilled in clearly identifying all of them that apply to you.

You may need help to further clarify your particular skill set.

Lucky for you, help is available.

Visit the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) on the installation nearest you and tap into (pun intended) the services of trained career transition counselors.

Take advantage of the one-on-one career counseling services and attend the job search workshops. You just

“Transitioning military personnel are life-long learners...”


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might learn a thing or two in the process to better market all of your skills, soft and otherwise.

You can also access DoD’s TurboTap online for more help or if logistics prevent you from visiting a transition center in person.

Consider working with a no-fee (to you) military placement agency.

Preston has been working with one such agency, Bradley- Morris, Inc. (BMI).

“It has bought me a certain level of continuity that wasn’t there before in my job search. BMI gets you in front of employers very quickly,” said Preston who has found that process beneficial.

“As you go through interviews with potential employers, you start to realize what you’re really interested in yourself. You begin to hone in on specific jobs, focusing your job search more,” said Preston.


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Eric Salzman, a BMI Executive Consultant based in Austin, Texas, agrees that using a military placement firm can be helpful.

“We have the direct connections to the hiring managers. We know how to word and quantify particular training, qualifications, awards and certificates in ways civilian hiring managers can understand,” said Salzman adding that some of their company clients will even pay for certifications and training, for candidates that have particular backgrounds such as a PLC certification, Six Sigma certifications, and Project Engineering (P.E.) license.

Visit your installation education center.

Finally, make an appointment with the education center counselor and ask to take any number of available skills inventory instruments designed to analyze your unique skills.

And never, ever underestimate your fluffabilties.

“It has bought me a certain level of continuity that wasn’t there before in my job search. BMI gets you in front of employers very quickly.”

Translating Your Resume into English

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By Janet Farley

You’ve served your country proudly and now it’s time to move on professionally. More than anything, you want your transition from boots to suits to be a smooth one. You want to land a good job that pays well. The only thing standing in your way is your so-called resume.

Explaining to would be employers what you did in the military in a way that makes sense to them can be difficult. Often, skills, experiences and accomplishments get lost in translation or in the lack thereof.

To Translate or Not to Translate?That is the question to answer before you start drafting your resume. Will you be sending it to someone within the defense industry? Or will you be targeting employers outside of it?

If the answer is yes to the former, then you may not need to spend a great deal of time translating your job titles, descriptions, awards and training into English.

Those within the defense industry usually understand what you are communicating, but not always. Keep in mind that there are a lot of people who work in the industry

“Often, skills, experiences and accomplishments get lost in translation or in the lack thereof.”


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who have never worn a uniform and may not fully understand what you’ve accomplished.

If you are targeting a job outside of the defense world, then you most certainly need to translate your skills, experiences and accomplishments into the English Language.

It can be challenging, but not impossible.

From a Tank to a Cubicle“You have to be patient because there is no such thing as a perfect resume,” said Philip Lapple, a former M1 Main Battletank Crewmember (19K-Armor Crewman) in the U.S. Army.

Lapple wants to switch career gears completely and get a job in business. To reach that goal, he is currently attending the University of Maryland, University College and working on a degree in Management Studies.

“I really don’t think I will get a good job until I finish my degree but I’m trying,” said Lapple.


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In the mean time, he is working on creating a basic master resume that he can tailor to individual job opportunities as they arise.

“On my resume, I try to show that I am a well-rounded package of education and expertise,” said Lapple adding that it continues to be a work in progress.

Lapple has attended the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) courses and has also used the services of the local Army Community Service Center’s Employment Readiness Program.

“You’re not going to get it right the first time or the second time you write it,” said Lapple who finds himself revising his resume each time someone else critiques it for him.

Lapple understands that he needs to translate specific words in order to make his resume work. Rather than say he was a tank crewmember, he says that he was a heavy equipment operator.

IT CAN BE CHALLENGING,

BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE


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To highlight his skills without over emphasizing equipment operation, he puts strong emphasis on leadership.

“My latest version shows words like mentoring, efficiency, and work load planning. I also use the word “team” instead of platoon or squad,” said Lapple.

“I am also physically counting and adding up the dollar value of items that I was in charge of in the military and noting the number of people or employees I supervised,” said Lapple.

“Right now, school is my priority. In my case, I feel like my resume has to show not only practical experience but a degree as well,” said Lapple.

Staying in the Same Career Field“I have a resume, but it’s horrible. I want to make it better in order to be competitive,” said Gary Heinstrom, a U.S. Army Specialist who currently serves as a medic with the 554th Military Police Company based in Germany.

Heinstrom is knee deep in the process of transitioning out of the military. He is considering staying in his career field, but he wouldn’t rule out getting his foot in the door to federal employment in any field either.

“I just started the process of getting out and there is so much information coming at me at one time. It’s overwhelming but it seems necessary at the same time,” said Heinstrom.

“In my case, I feel like my resume has to show not only practical experience but a degree as well,”


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If Heinstrom does indeed try to stay in the medical field, he may find that the level of translations needed for his resume differ from those needed by Lapple.

In some military career fields, such as those in the medical field, there may not be as strong a need to translate some of the skills, abilities and experiences for its civilian counterpart.

In or out of uniform, patient care, record-keeping and specific medical procedures and protocol are universally understood with the career field.

“Instead of saying that I was a medic, I am writing that I was a health care specialist. I am also a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and that is the same in or out of the military,” said Heinstrom.

Heinstrom says that he also making it a point to quantify his accomplishments and avoid the use of personal pronouns.


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For More AssistanceTranslating the military words on your resume into civilian ones can be challenging. You don’t have to do it alone, though.

Visit your transition assistance office or the family services and support center’s employment readiness program. On either doorstep, you’ll find expert one-on-one counseling assistance or available classes, free of charge.

For your own research the following websites offer excellent military-to-civilian translation tools:

Military to Civilian Occupation TranslatorCheck out O*Net Military Crosswalk atonetonline.org/crosswalk/moc/You can also get ideas on how to effectively translate your military experiences by looking at the civilian job descriptions or vacancy announcements for the jobs that interest you.


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Job TitlesCommander = Director or Senior ManagerExecutive Officer = Deputy DirectorField Grade Officer= Executive or ManagerCompany Grade Officer = Operations Manager or Section ManagerWarrant Officer =Technical Specialist or Department ManagerSenior NCOs= First-Line SupervisorInfantry= Security ForceFirst Sergeant= Personnel ManagerSquad Leader= Team Leader or Team ChiefSupply Sergeant = Supply Manager or Logistics ManagerOperations NCO= Operations Supervisor

General TermsAI= Additionally skilled inCombat = Hazardous conditionsCompany = Company, department or sectionMedal = AwardMilitary personnel office = Human resourcesMission = Task/function/objectiveMilitary occupation specialty/classification = Career specialtySquad/platoon = Team or section Reconnaissance = Data collection and analysisRegulations= Policy or guidelinesSecurity clearance= Security clearanceService members = EmployeesSubordinates = EmployeesTAD/TDY = Business trip

WORD FOR WORD COMMON TRANSLATION EXAMPLES

Getting the Job You Want

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Getting the Job You WantCourtesy of USAA.

By June Walbert, Certified Financial Planner™

Many military retirees haven’t interviewed for a civilian job in decades, if at all. Just like calling for fire, jumping from planes or piloting a jet, interviewing is a specialized skill. You have to learn the ropes and practice.

Government programs such as the Transition Assistance Program and Transition Boot Camp are a must. Hiring a resume writing pro, enrolling in an interviewing skills class and using tools such as Military.com’s skills translator can help you summarize your military skills and experiences that will make sense to a civilian hiring manager. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of friends and acquaintances. Networking with them can produce wonderful tips and ideas, maybe even a job. Know that all paychecks are not created equal.

In the military, stacked on top of base salary is an array of allowances including a generous tax-free housing benefit. So, as you compare civilian employment offers to life in the military, don’t forget about those additions to your military base pay. As a retiree, you’ll have access to TRICARE, but as a civilian you may now be paying for life, medical, dental and disability insurance expenses that could put a significant dent in your pay. Be sure to consider this as you negotiate your salary because pay in the civilian world is negotiable.

“If you’re very lucky, you’ll enjoy your hail and farewell on Friday and walk into your new civilian job on Monday”

Getting the Job You Want

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If you’re very lucky, you’ll enjoy your hail and farewell on Friday and walk into your new civilian job on Monday. But in this economic environment, such a scenario may not be realistic. Your job hunt should start well before you retire from service. It’s a wise idea to have nine to 12 months of living expense money saved to bridge any potential financial gaps.

Top 10 Best Jobs Overall for the 21st Century

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“Today’s job seekers face numerous obstacles...”

“Today’s job seekers face numerous obstacles...”


By Laurence Shatkin

Today’s job seekers face numerous obstacles: a recession that has eliminated countless positions and crowded the job-seeking field; ever-changing technology; and pressures to do more with less. It can be difficult for anyone to decide which career to pursue.

Before making major decisions about your future career, you’ll want to be armed with good data related to earning potential, job security and competitiveness. Below, find the top 10 best jobs for the 21st century, chosen based on pay, job growth and number of openings.

1. Software Developers, Applications Annual earnings: $87,790 Percent growth: 34 Annual openings: 21,840

2. Physicians and Surgeons Annual earnings: $165,279 Percent growth: 21.8 Annual openings: 26,050

3. Software Developers, Systems Software Annual earnings: $94,180 Percent growth: 30.4 Annual openings: 15,340


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4. Management Analysts Annual earnings: $78,160 Percent growth: 23.9 Annual openings: 30,650

5. Computer Systems Analysts Annual earnings: $77,740 Percent growth: 20.3 Annual openings: 22,280

6. Registered Nurses Annual earnings: $64,690 Percent growth: 22.2 Annual openings: 103,900

7. Civil Engineers Annual earnings: $77,560 Percent growth: 24.3 Annual openings: 11,460


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8. Medical Scientists (except Epidemiologists) Annual earnings: $76,700 Percent growth: 40.4 Annual openings: 6,620

9. Physical Therapists Annual earnings: $76,310 Percent growth: 30.3 Annual openings: 7,860

10. Dental Hygienists Annual earnings: $68,250 Percent growth: 36.1 Annual openings: 9,840

Courtesy of Best Jobs for the 21st Century by Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D. and JIST Publishing.

7 Tips for Nailing the Job Interview

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By Janet Farley

No one understands and can handle stress quite like you. While in uniform, you’ve survived and excelled in countless situations that would make those having less of a constitution crumble right on the spot. That’s why the pre-interview jitters seem so unnerving and foreign to you now.

Unlike a military review board, the job interview is a totally different animal. And you need to nail it if you want the conversation about your future career to continue.

Here are seven must embrace tips for making that happen.

Tip 1| Be serious about getting the job. Dress the part. Show up fashionably early for the interview. Wear

a confident, not arrogant, attitude and be willing to put yourself out there for closer inspection. In other words, be serious about expanding your potential opportunities.

One way to do that is to use your available resources. “Go to the transition assistance program job search classes and stay

TIP 1: Be serious about getting the job. Dress the part. Show up fashionably early for the interview. Wear a confident, not arrogant, attitude and be willing to put yourself out there for closer inspection. In other words, be serious about expanding your potential opportunities.


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for the mock interviews,” said Karen Wright, an Army military intel analyst who recently interviewed for and landed a position as a technology researcher with a defense contractor.

“The program lasts a couple of days, and by the time the interview practice comes around, suddenly everybody in the class has something else to do,” said Wright.

According to her, that is a big mistake.

“You can’t be good at what you don’t practice,” said Wright.

Tip 2| Make a personal connection with the employer. You’ve accomplished the basics. You said hello. You shook hands. Now you are easing into make or break territory. Your goal at this point, job seeker, is to become memorable. Use your charming personality to make that happen by taking it to the next level and understanding the basic premise at hand.

“Employers want to surround themselves with a group of like minded individuals and not someone who is going to be a slacker or try to take over the company overnight,” said Wright.

Take a closer inspection of the setting and put those analytical skills of yours to work. If you are interviewing in the employer’s actual office and not in some non-descript conference room,

TIP 2: Make a personal connection with the employer. You’ve accomplished the basics. You said hello. You shook hands. Now you are easing into make or break territory. Your goal at this point, job seeker, is to become memorable. Use your charming personality to make that happen by taking it to the next level and understanding the basic premise at hand.


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then you have a good chance of making that connection easily.

Based on what you see, what appears to be important to this person and how can you show that it is important to you too?

Is his desk organized or not? Are there pictures of his family nearby? Does he have a love-me wall full of awards, an exhibit of

personal travel photos or a shrine to some famous sports figure?

Notice it. Find your connection with it and share it if the moment allows it. You may create a memorable personal link.

Tip 3| Be able to walk the talk. Your resume is awesome. Your friend gave you a glowing recommendation. Now it’s up to you to back up the buildup. You can do this by studying your

resume carefully prior to the interview. Yes, you may have written it, but now you need to look at it from an employer’s perspective.

What looks interesting and what doesn’t? Where can you add in examples of how you accomplished a particularly daunting task? Inquiring minds (and potential bosses) want to know if you can truly do all the things your resume and your well-meaning friends say you can do.

TIP 3: Be able to walk the talk. Your resume is awesome. Your friend gave you a glowing recommendation. Now it’s up to you to back up the buildup. You can do this by studying your resume carefully prior to the interview. Yes, you may have written it, but now you need to look at it from an employer’s perspective.

“Now it’s up to you to back up the buildup.”


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Talking the walk may also involve addressing per-ceived military stereotypes.

“When you interview with a defense contractor, they understand the world you came from. If you are interviewing outside of that world, you may run into employers who say that they want to hire veterans but they don’t understand them and they may even be afraid of them,” said Wright.

“You have to get them to see you as a person and not as a stereotype,” said Wright.

Tip 4| Listen. During the interview, chances are good you will be slightly on edge. That’s a good thing. It’s your body chemically preparing you for the fight rather than the flight. In that process, however, listening to what the employer says is crucial. Active listening prevents you from asking stupid questions and saying stupid things. It facilitates the conversation in a positive sense.

It also allows you to figure out what is important to the employer and gives you the opportunity to address it whether the issue is verbally mentioned or not.

“Sometimes you have to volunteer information that you sense is of importance to the employer. In one interview I had, the employer knew I was a single mother and I had the feeling that he was concerned about my missing work because of

TIP 4: Listen. During the interview, chances are good you will be slightly on edge. That’s a good thing. It’s your body chemically preparing you for the fight rather than the flight. In that process, however, listening to what the employer says is crucial.


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that fact. In that case, I was ok with volunteering that my mother lives with me and serves as backup child support,” said Wright.

Tip 5| Ask intelligent questions. Answer questions thoughtfully. Listening plays a big part in your interview success or lack thereof. Asking intelligent questions and answering them thoughtfully play equal roles.

To make the best impression, come prepared with a short list of real questions that can help you make a good decision about the job if it comes to that. Avoid the kind of amateur questions you could find the answers easily to on the company’s homepage.

Before you go to the interview, prepare for it. Review a list of commonly asked questions and brainstorm ways to answer them. “Employers will ask you questions like what is your five year plan? You have to be able to hit those answers out of the ballpark so to speak,” said Wright.

Tip 6| Keep your nerves in check. Despite your glowing credentials and charming personality, sweat happens. Nerves do that to you. Do your best to keep yourself

TIP 5: Ask intelligent questions. Answer questions thoughtfully. Listening plays a big part in your interview success or lack thereof. Asking intelligent questions and answering them thought-fully play equal roles.

TIP 6: Keep your nerves in check. Despite your glowing credentials and charming person-ality, sweat happens. Nerves do that to you. Do your best to keep yourself physically relaxed and odor free during your stage time in order to minimize distractors of the bodily kind.


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physically relaxed and odor free during your stage time in order to minimize dis-tractors of the bodily kind.

Get plenty of rest the night before. Give yourself ample time to get dressed and mentally prepared for the day’s interview. Don’t forget your deodorant and forgo your signature scent-marking cologne or perfume for the day. Don’t forget to breathe. Breathing is good and greatly enhances your employment opportunities.

Tip 7| Follow through after the interview. For better or worse, you survived the interview. Don’t make the mistake now of sitting by your laptop or phone waiting for that life-changing email or call. It’s over. You either nailed it or you didn’t. Lucky for you, however, you can still make a good impression by following through after the interview.

“After my interviews, I always tried to find a way to run across the employer again and offer my thanks,” said Wright.

Incidental meetings aside, you can also do the following to ensure follow through and closure:

Immediately send a short but sweet thank you note to the employer. Reiterate your desire to become a part of the team.

TIP 7: Follow through after the interview. For better or worse, you survived the interview. Don’t make the mistake now of sitting by your laptop or phone waiting for that life-changing email or call. It’s over. You either nailed it or you didn’t. Lucky for you, however, you can still make a good impression by following through after the interview.


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Immediately type up a longer thank you note and remind the employer of all of your good points and reiterate your desire to become a part of the team.

Give it a week and if you haven’t heard from the employer, call to find out how the selection process is progressing. Reiterate your desire to become a part of the team.

Before you go to the interview, prepare for it.

Profiles in Courage: Alexandra Jansen

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by Tammy Maas

I was uncertain how I should address a U.S. Soldier so I decided to call her by her first name, Alexandra. Then I thanked her for serving our country. She addressed me as ma’am. It felt awkward. Here was an American soldier showing me a sign of respect by addressing me as ma’am - an American soldier who was once responsible for making sure the widows of suicide bombers in Iraq did not get recruited. She was the recipient of several military awards, and she was calling me ma’am. There is really no way to “pay back” a soldier for their service to our country, but I decided that I would try by telling the world about Alexandra.


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She is a twenty-five year old 1LT, Alexandra Jansen, Army Nurse Corps, Army Reserve and Emergency Room Nurse at Iowa Health Systems in Des Moines. She joined the Army Reserve in 2008, was deployed to Iraq in June of 2009, and returned home in July of 2010. Her goal was to care for people who truly deserved it and to gain skill that was not obtainable in the civilian world.

While deployed, she was selected for a Civil Affairs mission. Her projects focused on empowering local women and assisting widow’s organizations in Diyalo Province. Her biggest project

was decreasing the number of widowed women recruited for suicide bombers, in turn funding a sewing class for women in which they would learn a valuable trait and take a more predominant

role in the society. While deployed she was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, and the Department of State Meritorious Honor Award.

Here is the advice Alexandra offers for returning veterans: Take a break.


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Alexandra describes military life as “simple living:”

“You quickly learn to live without most things you once thought were necessities - things like walking barefoot on carpet, using a bathroom down the hall from your bedroom, being able to drive anywhere at anytime, sleeping in, cooking dinner, personal privacy, and being my feminine self. These were the things I greatly missed. These things might sound ridiculous to most people, but when you live without them for a year you understand. While I enjoyed my career as a soldier, I really missed the simple pleasures in life - things I never thought I would miss. After my deployment I realized material things like these are nice but not essential to happiness.”

Here is the advice Alexandra offers for returning veterans:

“Take a break. I took a few months off after deployment to spend time with my family, vacation, and get things in order. Talk about what happened and your experience. It really helped me to talk about what happened with those I felt comfortable with. Sometimes it’s hard to find people who understand what you went through, so lean on your fellow soldiers and communicate with them.”

Alexandra’s employer, Iowa Health Systems, held her job while she was deployed. She described her first day back at work:

“I was very nervous about returning back to the Emergency Department. Since I hadn’t been actively practicing nursing while deployed, I felt like it would be a rough transition. I was honest

You are so much more than a soldier and nurse; you are an inspiration...


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with my employer and expressed my concerns with them prior to returning. They were very receptive and allowed me to reorient back into the ER. Things went really well and within a few weeks I was working independently and felt very comfortable.” When asked about her return from Iraq, Alexandra shared the following:

“I learned a lot about the army, myself and life while serving. I also felt different as an American citizen. I felt closer to my country and was very glad I got the chance to serve. It took this deployment for me to realize how lucky Americans have it and why things should never be taken for granted. “

How did you manage your bills and financial obligations back home while you were deployed?

“I set most of my bills (mortgage, utilities) up for automatic withdrawal. This way I did not have to worry about them. My sister also helped me managed my finances while I was deployed so I did not have to worry about these things will in Iraq.”

Did you come back to any unexpected bills/financial obligations? If you took a pay cut to serve, how did that impact your overall budget?

“I did not return to any unexpected bills. I did take a pay cut while overseas but because the pay was tax free and because I wasn’t spending much money while deployed, it did not impact my budget. I saved a lot of money while on active duty.”


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If you had one piece of financial advice for other reservists – what would that be?

“Plan ahead and delegate the managing of your bills to someone you trust. Money is the last thing you want to worry about overseas. Also, save as much money as possible. When you return you will have plenty of time to spend money and will appreciate the extra money in your account.”

Alexandra’s future goals include: continuing her education, becoming a nurse practitioner, continuing Military service for as long as she can, and striving to be the best soldier she can be. My message to Alexandra: Thank you ma’am! You are so much more than a soldier and nurse; you are an inspiration, a hero and the epitome of what an American should be.

Post Script.There is some controversy in the military world today regarding the use of sir and ma’am. Some believe that employers and co-workers see the use of sir and ma’am as an inability to adapt to civilian life. I believe they are teaching the rest of the civilian world a lesson on respect.

Your Transition Checklist

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Your Transition ChecklistCourtesy of USAA.


The term “life event” often conjures up images of wedding dresses, binkies and diapers or even sailboats that will carry you through the golden years to exotic locales.

Here’s a life event that may not be as obvious: swapping military boots for civilian shoes. That’s a big change no matter when it happens but one that’s manageable and full of exciting prospects. Being prepared is critical though, especially in this era of high unemployment.

Nearing Military Retirement • Create an estimated “civilian” budget. Don’t forget

to add in costs for items like rent or your home mortgage payment.

• If needed, start saving funds to bridge any gaps that may occur during your job hunt.

• Research and determine your last PCS (check out www.usaa.com/BestPlaces for a few ideas).

• Determine the cost benefit of buying versus renting a home post-retirement.

• Evaluate your needs for life insurance.

• Research alternatives for a commercial life insurance plan and how to replace SGLI so there’s no gap in coverage.

• Consider signing up for the Survivors Benefit Plan (SBP) as you exit the military.

Your Transition Checklist

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Starting Your Civilian Job • Research alternatives for medical and dental insurance

provided through your new employer.

• Compare to TRICARE to find the best value.

• Evaluate your employer’s offerings for disability insurance.

• If your new employer does not offer coverage, research additional alternatives:

• Evaluate your new employer’s retirement plan and associated benefits against your TSP.

Consider the benefits of rolling:

• Your TSP into your new employer’s retirement plan.

• Your TSP into a separate IRA.

• Any tax-free combat pay into a Roth IRA.

• Update your budget and adjust your emergency fund savings, if necessary.

• Update or create a retirement plan based on your new earnings.

• Look for an advisor that can help you with your retirement planning such as a fee only Certified Financial Planner™ practioner.

• If you move to a new state, assess your estate planning documents for potential changes. BEING PREPARED IS

C R I T I C A L THOUGH, ESPECIALLY IN THIS ERA OFHIGH UNEMPLOYMENT.

The After Life

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The After LifeBy Janet Farley

You have counted down the years, the months, the days and the seconds. The time for your career transition from a uniformed one to a civilian one has finally arrived.

You may be ready to leap boldly from one chapter of your life into the next. Whether you look forward to it or dread it, you’re sure to experience a few surprises along the way.

What You Leave BehindWhen you transition out of the military, for whatever reason, there are some benefits that you don’t get to take with you on your way out the proverbial door.

Some of those benefits are of the intangible variety while others are more concrete in nature. Regardless of their forms, you may

find yourself longing for them in your life after the military.

The Camaraderie The people that you serve with, for better or worse, are special to you whether you

realize it or not. You share a common bond with them that isn’t easily formed outside of military service.

“The thing I missed the most about being in uniform was the camaraderie found in the Marine Corps. There’s nothing quite

“The people that you serve with, for better or worse, are special to you whether you realize it or not.”

The After Life

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like it on the outside,” said Chip Holliman, a retired U.S. Marine.

Holliman served in the Marines for 20 years before retiring in 2007. He enlisted in 1987 and later was given a meritorious commission to be an intelligence officer.

“In my first job out, I worked for a division within the Internal Revenue Service where I helped with the hiring and placement of military veterans and disabled individuals within their information technology workforce,” he said.

According to Holliman, the level of esprit de corps wasn’t quite the same as he found in uniform.

YOUR S WASN’T A JOB; IT WAS AN ADVENTURE.

The After Life

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“I was lucky, though. I ended up with an organization where I worked with really nice people and they became kind of like my family as well,” said Holliman.

A Real World Mission

The Madison Avenue word rangers said it best. Yours wasn’t a job; it was an adventure. You know, however, that it was more

than that. Big or small, you worked on a mission having a worldwide impact. Your contribution may have been miniscule or monumental. It didn’t matter whether you made the evening news or

not. What you contributed mattered in some shape or form and you didn’t have to punch a time clock or fill out a timesheet in the process.

PCSing Every Three Years

When you were in uniform, you and your family may have dreaded the inevitable three year, or sometimes sooner, PCS moves. Depending upon the job you take as a civilian, you may not have to suffer them ever again.

On the surface, that seems like a reason to celebrate, at least, until the mediocrity of no end in sight sets in.

“Every three years, I get the urge to move. You have to resolve yourself to stability,” said Holliman.

“...the level of esprit de corps wasn’t quite the same as he found in uniform.”

The After Life

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The Hidden Perks

Somewhere along the line, you’ve been told that the money and the benefits are far superior on the outside than they are in uniform. To be fair, there are situations that support that but not as many as you might want to be believe.

To get a civilian view of your active duty pay, visit the Regular Military Compensation Calculator. Enter in your pay grade, years of service, location, family size, itemized deduction estimate, state marginal tax rate and other income.

The After Life

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Click the button and the calculation will quickly show your monthly and annual basic pay, basic allowance for subsistence (BAS), basic allowance for housing (BAH), cash totals and tax advantage all adding up to your regular military compensation. This figure, theoretically, represents your civilian pay equivalent.

It should give you a starting point for figuring out what you need to make on the outside.

Depending on the nature and location of your next

job, you may not have the advantage of housing and/or cost of living allowances. And while your morning commute to the city might be a rough one, chances are good you won’t be offered hazardous duty, hardship or combat pay for it.

TRICARE is also a benefit you may no longer enjoy unless you are retiring. Say hello to high monthly healthcare payments (assuming your employer offers the options) and be prepared to do a lot of claims paperwork. If you are retiring, TRICARE morphs into a different version and you still may find yourself paying more out of pocket.

Kiss 30 days of paid vacation goodbye along with many paid holidays as well. Chances are good that you will never experience that level of paid time off generosity again.

With the added benefit of selecting your own style of clothing now comes the added detriment of paying for it in full, sans a clothing allowance.

“...genuine job security is becoming an economic artifact from yesteryear”

The After Life

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The Illusion of Job Security

To be fair, no job is 100% safe these days. Unemployment is still hovering around the 9% mark and genuine job security is becoming an economic artifact from yesteryear. Even with the occasional proposed reductions in force, you have to admit there is at least the illusion of job security in uniform.

You have to do something pretty stupid or sorely misunderstood to get kicked out of uniform. In a civilian job, people get fired, laid off and downsized every day with little or no warning.

Minimizing the Pain of Transition

For all the good points you leave behind in a military-to-civilian career transition, there are many good ones to be found in the after life.

The After Life

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“Career-wise, my transition out of the Corps was a fairly easy one. I was able to secure a job right away and that made the transition stress less of a factor for me,” said Holliman.

Holliman advises those in the transition process to plan for it.

“In our current economic state, I think anyone getting out of the military needs to start the planning process as early as they can. Visit your Transition Assistance Program (TAP) as soon as possible,” said Holliman.

He also suggests you take advantage of the educational opportunities afforded you while on active duty and afterwards through your GI Bill.

“I wished I’d taken advantage of getting my degree while I was on active duty. I truly believe that would have helped me now and would have allowed me to bring a broader background to

the table so to speak,” said Holliman.

And the esprit de corps?

“You don’t ever get over missing the camaraderie you enjoyed in the military. As a civilian, you just find

other ways to feel it. I involve myself in the military community, giving back to it several times a year and that helps to ease that loss for me,” said Holliman.

“In our current economic state, I think anyone getting out of the military needs to start the planning process as early as they can.”

Getting the Most Bang for Your Post-911 GI Bill Buck

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By Darryl Owens

After serving their country, many U.S. service members come marching home from Iraq and Afghanistan eager to trade combat boots for calculus books.

No wonder.

In the past few years, standing in financial aid lines on college campuses held considerably more appeal than stalking the unemployment line.

Credit the Post-911 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, or simply the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides benefits such as full tuition and book and housing stipends.

“This version,” says Edward J. Dennis, military relations manager with Bryant & Stratton College, “will go a long way to creating the next ‘Greatest Generation’.”

While considerably more user-friendly than its predecessor, the packages’ benefit options still are as bewildering as they are generous. A recent American Council on Education study found that while veterans largely applauded the Post-911 package, for 38 percent of veterans the benefits might as well been written in Pashto.

“The Post 9/11 GI Bill will go a long way to creating the next ‘Greatest Generation’”


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Given how individual nuances affect your benefit mix, a Cliff’s Notes take on how the ins and outs of the Post-9/11 GI Bill would leave many with more questions than answers. Instead, we present a practical battle plan for making the about-face from combat to college. Here are some practical dos and don’ts for getting the most out of your hard-earned benefits.

DO:Determine Eligibility and Apply.If you have college in your sights, you should determine whether you qualify for benefits. In general, service members who served at least 90 days on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, whether as a full-time member of the Armed Forces, or a reservist called to active duty are eligible. Chat up a local Department of Veterans Affairs representative. If you qualify, surf to www.gibill.va.gov to apply online. The site also provides more details that may address your individual benefit level. Or you can call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

Ask Questions. While it “often runs contrary to what you are taught to do while in the military,” says Sanford Kingsley, director of student services and registrar at the University of California, Irvine

Extension, “being passive could be a disservice when transitioning out of the military and into civilian life.” You don’t have to come on strong like a drill

“...it’s important not only to figure out what kind of school you want to attend, but where.”


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sergeant. But you must serve as a strong self-advocate. Whether grilling a VA representative, or interrogating professors about courses or school financial aid counselors about unpacking your GI Bill benefits, remember that knowledge is the power to make your benefits go farther.

Consider a “Veteran-Friendly” School. Want to know the secret to making a quick transition from “boots to books?” Target a school tuned into supporting the specific academic, social and health and wellness needs of veterans, says Jill Stone, director of veteran outreach at the University of New Haven in Connecticut. New Haven, for instance, uses veterans as faculty liaisons, sponsors an active veterans’ student club, and recently launched a Veteran Success Center. It’s an one-stop shot where community veterans’ organizations assemble on campus to provide services. Such supportive environs not only help bolster success, but also minimize the prospect of wasting time and benefits because of a bad fit.


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Plan Your College Transition. While the thought of having bragging rights over successful sports teams often is enough to sway the college choice of many freshmen, Eric Kann, military outreach coordinator for Central Penn College in Pennsylvania, says veterans must consider other issues to maximize their GI Bill benefits. For example, it’s important not only to figure out what kind of school you want to attend, but where. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides a basic college housing allowance. However, benefits are based on the zip code of where you attend school — not where you reside. Squeezing every drop from that housing benefit means you should consider schools with the highest benefit rates. Likewise, carefully

contemplate your ultimate career goals. Investigate the job prospects for career fields that interest you. Make sure your passions and skill set mesh with your prospective major. And pay

attention to details. Not all courses are VA-approved — and thus covered by the GI Bill. Remember, the Post-9/11 GI Bill affords veterans 36 months of schooling. “Changing majors or changing schools will waste time and money,” Kann says.

Consider Alternative Funding Sources if You Plan on Graduate School. Graduate school’s often pricier than the undergraduate years. So Joyce A. Rivers, director of veterans affairs at Norwich University in Vermont, says it makes sense to reserve your GI Bill benefits for graduate study while relying on more traditional sources of student aid during your undergraduate years.

“...reserve your GI Bill benefits for graduate study while relying on more traditional sources”


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DON’T: Lose Track of Critical Service Documents. Your DD 214 (Report of Separation) papers provide proof and dates critical to determining your eligibility for benefits. Stash those and other documents related to your military service in a safe and accessible place.

Limit Yourself Only to Schools You Think You Can Afford. Under the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, colleges whose tuition and fees exceed the new $17,500 annual cap can strike voluntary agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover half the gap between the GI Bill benefits and the actual costs. The VA covers the rest. You can check for participating schools at: www.gibill.va.gov/gi_bill_info/ch33/yellow_ribbon.htm

Drop Classes Willy-Nilly. Once your classes have been reported to the VA, dropping them has “significant ramifications,” says New Haven’s Stone. If the VA has already paid for the classes, students often have re-pay the cost. And students on the Post-9/11 GI Bill who neglect to make repayment arrangements may be shocked to see their monthly housing/living stipends automatically docked. “The last thing you want to have happen is a veteran who has made a commitment to being a full time student suddenly faced with financial hardship,” she says. Save yourself a headache. Ask a financial aid or veterans

“...a college degree can mean more than over $1 million more in lifetime earnings”


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outreach representative to walk you through the consequences and your options.

Let your GI Bill benefits go to waste. Numbers don’t lie: a college degree can mean more than over $1 million more in lifetime earnings than a just a high school diploma, says Andy Person, executive director of Veterans Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness at Mercy College in New York. “The GI Bill,” he says, “is a game changer for life and money in veterans’ pockets.”

Staying Covered: Life Insurance

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Staying Covered: Life InsuranceCourtesy of USAA.


Life insurance is often overlooked during transition, likely because it’s unpleasant to consider one’s premature demise. But it should be evaluated as a component of a solid financial plan. The military offers a maximum of $400,000 Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance and $100,000 for spouses while serving. Veterans’ Group Life insurance is an option upon leaving the service and if applied for within 120 days of retirement, no medical underwriting is required. But due to cost, VGLI is generally best only for tobacco users and the chronically ill or injured.

Retirees in good health should consider a commercial life policy at least six months before retirement to ensure they can get

the coverage they need to protect their family at a more affordable price. An added benefit of a non-employer provided policy is it goes wherever you go meaning if there’s a lapse in employment your family is still covered. The life insurance calculator at va.gov can help you to determine your need for life insurance.

In addition to evaluating life insurance consider whether the Survivor’s Benefit Plan makes sense for your situation. In many cases, it can provide a cost

THE ONLY TRUE WAY TO REPLACE SBP IS VIA PERMANENT

LIFE INSURANCE.

Staying Covered: Life Insurance

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effective way to provide a monthly income from your retired pay for your spouse should something happen to you. The premiums are paid with pre-tax dollars, and the beneficiaries’ benefits receive cost-of-living adjustments.

The only true way to replace SBP is via permanent life insurance. After crunching the numbers countless times, I’ve determined there’s no way to beat SBP’s price and peace of mind. It’s important to note that this is generally a permanent decision that has to be made on the spot as you sign retirement paperwork.

If you decide to sign up for SBP, you can opt out between months 24 and 36. On the other hand, if you decide against SBP, you’re likely out of luck. There have been rare occasions when a sign up “window” has opened, but you would then be required to pay all back premiums in after tax dollars while making current premium payments as well. It’s best to make a well-thought-out decision from the get go.

Military to Civilian Retirement Tips

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Courtesy of USAA.


Many military members take advantage of the Thrift Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged way of saving for retirement, and wonder what to do with the investment account upon leaving the service. You have three tax-free courses of action to consider:

• Leave the funds within your TSP account.

• Roll your TSP into a traditional Individual Retirement Account.

• Roll your money over to your new employer’s plan.

Again, all of these choices are tax-free and allow for the continuation of possible tax-deferred compounding. Any tax-free combat pay contributions included in your TSP balance can be rolled right into a Roth IRA to maintain their tax-free status and, over time, accumulate tax-free earnings. This would not generate any income taxes.

The third choice makes sense if your employer’s plan offers a quality investment selection as your accounts would be streamlined and you would retain borrowing power from the TSP balance. You may be able to access your money at a younger age if you roll them over to a future employer’s plan. An added benefit of many civilian retirement plans is you may be offered a “matching contribution.” That means if you contribute a certain percentage of your salary, your employer will match it.


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There is a fourth choice, but one I reluctantly mention: cashing in your TSP. That is generally never a good choice particularly for those under age 59½ as income taxes would be due plus a possible 10% penalty. However, I generally suggest maintaining

the account’s tax-deferred status and the opportunity for continued growth.

This transition period is an ideal time to take a retirement snapshot and assess your goals. Putting a

financial plan in place will help you understand what your true retirement’s lifestyle expenses will be. And you’ll have a clearer picture regarding whether you need to pay down debt or save and invest more during your remaining work years. The good news is your military retirement paycheck could be effectively leveraged to do just that. Congratulations on ending one career and starting another.

There may be tax consequences associated with the transfer of assets. Indirect transfers may be subject to taxation and penalties. Consult with your own advisors regarding your particular situation. Withdrawals made before age 59½ may be subject to a 10% federal penalty and ordinary income taxes.

“This transition period is an ideal time to take a retirement snapshot and assess your goals.”

Will Your Credit History Pass Employer Screening?

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Will Your Credit History Pass Employer Screening?

By Karen Carlson

A significant number of employers now check prospective employee’s credit history, as part of the job screening process. Along with pressing your interview suit and updating your references, you should review your credit history when looking for a job. Here are five tips to making your credit employer-ready.

1. Get copies of your credit report: go to www.annualcreditreport.com. This is the only authorized online source for a free credit report.

2. Correct inaccurate information on your reports with the credit bureaus, in writing.

3. Pay your bills on time: on-time bill payment history is the number one most important component of your credit score.

4. Do not apply for new credit. New credit applications can negatively affect your score.

5. Do not use a credit repair agency. There is nothing that a credit repair agency can do for you that you can’t do for yourself. Accurate negative information cannot be removed from your report.

Budget Worksheet

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Month

Monthly Income

Take Home Pay (self)

Take Home Pay (spouse)

Alimony / Child Support

Social Security

Other Income

A: Total Income

Rent / Mortgage

Rent

Mortgage

Home Maintenance

B: Rent / Mortgage Total

Transportation

Car Payments

Auto Insurance

Gas / Fuel Costs

Parking / Tolls

Vehicle Maintenance

C: Transportation Total

Utilities

Telephone

Cellular Phone

Electric

Water

Natural Gas

Cable / Satellite Television

Trash Services

D: Utilities Total

Budget Worksheet

Budget Worksheet

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Worksheet Continued Month

Food & Clothing

Groceries

Eating Out

Clothing

Laundry / Dry Cleaning

E: Food & Clothing

Health & Personal

Medication / Prescriptions

Doctor Bills

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Alimony / Child Support

Education

Childcare

Contributions

Savings

Other

F: Health & Personal Total

InCharge Payment

Student Loans

Other

G: Secured & Unsecured Debts Totals

Monthly Cash Flow

H: Total Income (Total From Line A)

I: Total Expenses (Add Totals From Lines B,C,D,E,F & G)

J: Disposable Income(Subtract Line I From Line H)

Transitions Resource Directory

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Transitions Resource DirectoryVeterans World

About veterans, military personnel, career transition, job search tips, employment, resources, resumes, cover letters, military to civilian transition, etc.www.veteransworld.com

MilitaryMilitary.com’s free membership connects servicemembers, military families and veterans to all the benefits of service — government benefits, scholarships, discounts, lifelong friends, mentors, great stories of military life or missions, and much more. www.military.com

Vet JobsVetJobs is the premiere military related job board on the Internet. The VetJobs website connects transitioning military personnel, veterans and their family members with organizations who are searching for highly trained, reliable and mission-oriented employees. www.vetjobs.com

Corporate GrayWe link employers with transitioning and former military personnel through our Corporate Gray Series of military-to-civilian career transition books, Corporate Gray Job Fairs, and Corporate Gray Online resources.www.corporategray.com

Military ConnectionThe most comprehensive directory in the country for ex-military, veterans, military spouses and family, and on duty to civilian transitions to use for job search by posting your resume to our online fairs and employment listings. We are proud to help ex-military search for government jobs, apply for military school, find federal jobs and receive vital information on loans and pay.www.militaryconnections.com


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FedWorldFedWorld.gov is a gateway to a wide variety of helpful government information.www.fedworld.gov

Transition Assistance OnlineTransition Assistance Online, TAOnline.com, is the largest source of transition assistance information, jobs, and tools for today’s separating military. On this career site for military veterans, service members can find the resources needed to transition from their much appreciated military service, to the perfect civilian career. www.taonline.com

Recruit MilitaryRecruitMilitary is a veteran-owned firm dedicated to helping you achieve your dreams: education, veteran jobs and civilian careers, new business and franchise ownership, training, and much more.www.recruitmilitary.com

Make The ConnectionMake the Connection is a public awareness campaign by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that provides personal testimonials and resources to help Veterans discover ways to improve their lives. www.maketheconnection.net

Career One StopCareer Success Web site is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor through the CareerOneStop project as part of the department’s assistance to service members, military families, employers and the workforce staff serving them. The web site helps people find resources for life after service. Four sections focus on critical areas: Finding a job, planning education and training, transition to civilian life, and disabled/injured resources.www.careeronestop.org/militarytransition/transitionResources


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Turbo TapTurboTAP.org is the Department of Defense’s official website providing information for servicemembers on transitioning from military service. This site is also supported by the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs. TurboTAP.org is intended to supplement the services offered by the Transition Assistance Offices and other groups.www.turbotap.org/

Military HomefrontMilitary HOMEFRONT is the Department of Defense website for official military community and family policy (MC&FP) program information, policy and guidance designed to help troops and their families, leaders, and service providers. www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/

You MilitaryThis website offers resources for military personnel and their families making the transistion to civilian life.www.youmilitary.com

BaseOpsBaseops is short for Base Operations. Baseops.net is your virtual online version of the Base Operations. Beaseops provide pilots the best flight preparation tools, mission planning information, and data available on the Internet. www.baseops.net/transition/

Military HandbooksMilitary Handbooks was launched with one simple goal – to give the Military community the very best information available about pay, benefits, retirement planning, education benefits, career decisions, and much more! And to provide it to you in a series of straightforward, easy-to-understand handbooks – for FREE!www.militaryhandbooks.com


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US MilitaryThis website provides resources for each military branch to assist in the transition from a military to a civilian career.http://usmilitary.about.com/

Military One SourceMilitary OneSource is a free service provided by the Department of Defense to service members and their families to help with a broad range of concerns including money management, spouse employment and education, parenting and child care, relocation, deployment, reunion, and the particular concerns of families with special-needs members. They can also include more complex issues like relationships, stress, and grief. Services are available 24 hours a day — by telephone with professionally trained consultants and online.www.militaryonesource.com 1.800.342.9647

JOB SITESMilitary Hire

A site for Hiring Managers to find qualified, experienced Military Veterans who are seeking employment.www.militaryhire.com

Jobs 4 VetsA site for hiring managers to find qualified, experienced military veterans who are seeking employment.www.jobs4vets.com

Hire A HeroHire A Hero is a nationwide resource that connects the growing number of unemployed veterans with job opportunities, education, and social services to help them re-integrate back into the civilian workforce. www.hireahero.org


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Military ExitsCareer and job listings for veterans and discharged military personnel returning to civilian employment.www.militaryexits.com

Troop TransitionTroop Transition offers industry leading job training and education for military transitioning to civilian life. We provide on-base job courses for active duty servicemen and women, reservists and National Guardsmen transitioning from military to civilian careers in one of these great industries: trucking, transportation & logistics, roughnecking oil & gas drilling, renewable wind & solar energy training.www.trooptransition.com

Helmets to Hardhats

Helmets to hardhats connects military, reservists, and guardsmen to transition from active duty to a career in the construction industry.www.helmetstohardhats.org

GI JobsG.I. Jobs magazine is publication for military transitioners. It provides education, transition assistance, and job opportunities for military personnel.www.gijobs.com

Career Command PostSpecializes in bringing transitioning active duty military personnel and armed forces veterans together with civilian employers hiring for executive, managerial, professional, technical, skilled and semi-skilled positions, from the Military Transition Group, Inc.www.carrercommandpost.com


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Midwest MilitaryA comprehensive online recruiting source for former military candidates, where you can post your resume and search job openings.www.midwestmilitary.net

Fed JobsFederal research service is the leading source for federal jobs and resources.www.fedjobs.com

Law Enforcement JobsLaw Enforcement Jobs is the leading career website for police officers, deputy sheriffs, federal agents, law enforcement, corrections and security professionals in the United States.www.lawenforcementjobs.com

USA JobsUSA Jobs is the one stop source for Federal jobs and employment information with resources covering laws for hiring veterans, veterans’ preferences, and special appointing authorities for veterans.www.usajobs.opm.gov

Job FedThis website provides listings and resources for federal vacancy announcements (vacancies worldwide are reported) along with news of federal hiring.www.jobfed.com

Job CopProvides a directory with information and resources regarding training for police, FBI, cops , sheriffs, and law enforcement careers.www.jobcop.com

Federal Government JobsFree, accessible federal government job search and e-mail alerts.www.federalgovernmentjobs.us


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Government JobsWebsite provides information and resources on federal agency jobs, federal agency careers, state-by-state resource information, state-by-state resources, national association web sites, etc. www.govtjobs.com

Government JobsWebsite offers information and resources for jobs with city, county, and other public agencies.www.governmentjobs.com

VetCentralDirect Employers Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans find employment. www.vetcentral.us.jobs

STARTING A BUSINESS VETERAN ASSISTANCE:

SBAWebsite maximizes the availability, applicability and usability of all administration small business programs for Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans, Reserve Component Members, and their Dependents or Survivors.www.sba.gov/vets

Vet BizFederal government web portal for veteran owned businesses. Supports the implementation of the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act. Support in starting, managing and marketing veteran owned businesses. Provides a database that lists businesses that are 51% or more owned by veterans or service-connected disabled Veterans.www.vetbiz.gov


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VBOCThe Veterans’ Business Outreach Center (VBOC) helps create, develop, and retain veteran-owned small business enterprises.www.vboc.org

Department of Veteran AffairsThe Department of Veterans Affairs has created the Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE), which is solely dedicated to assisting veterans in starting and building businesses.www.va.gov/osdbu/veteran/

Veterans CorpThe Veteranscorp.org mission is to help collaborations between nonprofit and for profit small business entities and veteran/service disabled veteran-owned small businesses. www.veteranscorp.org

Small Business NotesWebsite providing information and resources to assist veterans in starting their own business. www.smallbusinessnotes.com

Buz GateWebsite offers a public service initiative created to facilitate awareness, access and use of free small business help offered by America’s government and nonprofit small business assistance agencies on a local, regional and national scale.www.buzgate.org


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MILITARY SPOUSESAND FAMILIES SITES:

Department of DefenseOffers news, background information, a database for military systems and equipment used, multimedia, and a photo gallery along with links to other government resources and websites to assist military personnel and the families.www.defense.gov

Career One StopThe website is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and is the source for employment information, managing careers, and providing pathways to career success. The website offers resources and tools to assist job seekers, students, businesses, and career professionals.www.careeronestop.org/militaryspouse

Military WivesMilitary Wives is among the largest military spouse support networks on the internet today. It is a network of world-wide websites exclusively created for the support of all military service spouses, regardless of their branch of service. www.militarywives.com

National Military Family AssociationThe National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening and protecting the families of the men and women currently serving, retired, wounded, or fallen. The mission is to fight for benefits and programs that strengthen and protect uniformed services families and reflect the Nation’s respect for their Service.www.militaryfamily.org


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Jenny the Military SpouseThis site is for military spouses. “Drawn from the real lives of both contributors and the cartoonist, Jenny’s experiences reflect the humor, ingenuity, and sheer determination necessary to be successful as the spouse of an active duty military member.”www.jennyspouse.com

Military OneSource Military OneSource is a free service provided by the Department of Defense to service members and their families to help with a broad range of concerns including money management, spouse employment and education, parenting and child care, relocation, deployment, reunion, and the particular concerns of families with special-needs members. www.militaryonesource.com

Military MovesMilitary Moves is dedicated to helping military members and their families find military housing close to their installation. We are proud to offer a unique online resource that allows you to search for homes near your new installation before the actual PCS. MilitaryMoves.com works tirelessly with realtors, landlords, and homeowners in more than 200 military bases and military locations to show you the best that each location has to offer.www.militarymoves.com

National Military Spouse NetworkPre-eminent networking, mentoring and professional development organization committed to the education, empowerment and advancement of military spouses. www.nationalmilitaryspousenetwork.org

My Army One SourceWebsite that provided information, support, and resources for military personnel and their families including healthcare, jobs, education, transition services, etc.www.myarmyonesource.com


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4 Military FamiliesWebsite that offers services and resources for military personnel and their families.www.4militaryfamilies.com

MILITARY FINANCIAL HELPMilitary Money

Military Money.com is a leading personal finance resource for service members, their families and veterans. From the GI Bill to VA Loans, Thrift Savings to the financial challenges of PCS-ing, MilitaryMoney is the go-to website for practical tips, advice and encouragement.www.militarymoney.com

InCharge.orgInCharge Debt Solutions is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing lives through financial literacy education and counseling. Providing credit counseling, bankruptcy education and housing counseling, InCharge helps consumers take control of their financial situation, make positive change and start down the road to financial prosperity. Visit Money 101 on InCharge.org for free personal finance games, interactive calculators, articles and videos.www.incharge.org

About The Authors

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About the Authors:The articles published herein are authored by published writers and subject matter experts on topics relevant to service members transitioning back to civilian life. Here are their profiles.

Janet FarleyJanet, who wrote four articles included herein, is one of today’s leading experts on career transition issues involving veterans and military spouses. She is author of six books, including the soon to be published Quick Military Transition Guide: Seven Steps to Landing a Civilian Job (Jist Inc, June 2012) and the recently released book The Military Spouse’s

Employment Guide: Smart Job Choices for Mobile Lifestyles (Impact Pubs, March 2012). She has contributed to major military publications, such as Stars and Stripes, Military Money, Military Spouse Magazine, and Civilian Job News among others. Janet is a proud U.S. Army military spouse, a U.S. Marine Corps brat, and an advocate for all those who serve in uniform or are married to servicemembers. Follow her on Twitter @mil2civguide or @smartjobchoices or visit her website at www.janetfarley.com.

Karen CarlsonKaren compiled the extensive Transitions Directory found near the end of the book. Karen is Director of Education and Creative Programs for the InCharge Education Foundation where she oversees development of online, print and interactive financial literacy education resources for clients, consumers and students. She also oversees the

foundation’s primary outreach tool to the military community, Military Money, a comprehensive online portal that addresses the unique financial issues faced by active duty military, their families and veterans. She is an Emmy-winning television producer and has served as writer, producer and executive producer on numerous nationally airing television series for The Discovery Channel, TLC and Discovery HD, online multimedia for Barnes&Noble.com and WebMD and e-learning materials for Pearson, Scott Foresman.

About The Authors

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Darryl E. OwensDarryl Owens is an Orlando-based writer and columnist who covers military affairs for the Orlando Sentinel and wrote the article “Getting the Most Bang for Your Post-911 GI Bill Buck.” As Editorial writer and Columnist, Darryl is responsible for producing editorials on subjects that involve state politics, education, the military and criminal justice.

He writes a once-weekly column on these subjects. Darryl earned a degree in Journalism at Howard University and has written for the Orlando Sentinel for over 20 years, winning various state and national awards. He is on the Sentinel’s Editorial Board.

Tammy MaasTammy Maas wrote the article “Profiles in Courage: Alexandra Jansen” which is an insightful article about one soldier’s return from Iraq and what she learned in making the transition from a warzone and back into a civilian job. Tammy is an author who moonlights as a domestic Goddess. She resides in Iowa where she watches her children and

the corn grow. Her debut novella, A Complicated Life in a Small Town, was published in February 2012. Tammy ghost writes for several online clients. She was published by Oatmeal Studios and was a writer/photographer for Houston County News. Check out her blog at: http://animaasity.weebly.com

About The Authors

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Laurence ShatkinLaurence Shatkin, Ph.D., is one of the nation’s leading occupational experts and appears regularly on national news programs and in major print publications to share his expertise about trends in the world of work. He contributed the article “Top 10 Best Jobs Overall for the 21st Century.” He is a Senior Product Developer at JIST Publishing, has 30 years of experience in the career information field, and

is an award-winning career information systems developer. He has written dozens of books about job-hunting and finding the right career, including 2011 Career Plan (Career Plan the Best Moves Now for a Solid Future) and The Sequel: How to Change Your Career Without Starting Over. His many books can be found on Amazon. He is also a frequent presenter at career development conferences.

June WalbertJune, who contributed four articles to this compilation, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner with USAA Financial Planning Services. June helps families get financially fit by sharing practical financial guidance on topics such as tackling credit card debt, saving for college, planning for retirement, leaving a legacy and other long-

term goals. June’s passion for making smart financial decisions has created demand for her as a speaker at conferences and conventions around the world. Her advice has been featured in national media including CNN, FOX Business News, CNBC, U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Kiplinger’s magazine, Kiplingers.com, SmartMoney.com, MSNBC.com and Forbes.com. She writes an advice column, “Ask June” on military.com and can be heard on Enlisted Spouse Radio and ArmyWifeTalkRadio.com. In addition to her CFP® designation and membership in the Financial Planning Association, June holds FINRA Series 7 and 63 securities registrations. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma. June has 20 years of military service and serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.

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Where Do I Go From Here: Civilian Transition is intended for military service members who are preparing to make the transition back to civilian life. The book is a compilation of relevant articles covering areas such as translating your military experience and skills into marketable civilian job skills, planning a civilian career, transitioning to civilian life, and planning for life after the service. An extensive, categorized transitions directory of resources points the way to over 50 agencies, government offices or services that can provide assistance.

Brigadier General Norris Overton (U.S.A.F. retired), retired after 32 years of active duty military service and successfully transitioned into senior management positions in business ranging from Vice President of Information Systems to Vice President and Chief Financial Officer with Amtrak. In his forward, he describes how military training, experience, skills and attributes can bring value to your resume.

Forward Your Military Service Will Serve You Well Welcome Back to Civilian Life

Translating Military Skills Into Civilian Terms Marketable Skills? You Have Them! Translating Your Resume into English

Planning a Civilian Career Getting the Job You Want Top 10 Best Jobs Overall for the 21st Century 7 Tips for Nailing the Job Interview

Transitioning to Civilian Life Profiles in Courage: Alexandra Jansen Your Transition Checklist

Life After Service The After Life Getting the Most Bang for Your Post-911 GI Bill Buck Staying Covered: Life Insurance Military to Civilian Retirement Tips Why A Good Credit Score is Important Will Your Credit History Pass Employer Screening? Budget Worksheet Transitions Resource Directory

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