Veterans: Thrive in Civilian Life (Skills & Stories)

A Beginner’s Guide to and Profiles of Veterans Succeeding in Civilian Life

Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a significant undertaking, presenting unique challenges and opportunities. Many veterans find themselves seeking guidance, resources, and inspiration as they navigate this new chapter. This guide offers a starting point for veterans seeking successful civilian careers, delving into crucial areas like career planning, education, entrepreneurship, and mental health support. But what does success truly look like for veterans in the civilian world, and how can you achieve it?

Translating Military Skills to Civilian Careers

One of the first hurdles veterans face is translating their military skills into terms that civilian employers understand. The military develops a wide range of valuable skills, including leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, discipline, and technical expertise. However, these skills are often described using military jargon that doesn’t resonate with civilian hiring managers.

Here’s how to bridge that gap:

1. Identify Your Skills: Start by creating a comprehensive list of your military experiences, duties, and accomplishments.
2. Translate Jargon: For each item on your list, identify the corresponding civilian skill. For example, “leading a squad in combat operations” could translate to “leadership, team management, decision-making under pressure.” “Maintaining and repairing communication equipment” becomes “technical troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, problem-solving.”
3. Quantify Your Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments with numbers and data. For example, “Managed a team of 10 soldiers responsible for the safe transportation of $5 million worth of equipment” is more impactful than “Managed a team.”
4. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume and cover letter for each job application, highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific position. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your application gets past applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Many veterans also find it useful to create a skills matrix, a spreadsheet that maps their military skills to specific civilian occupations. Several online resources, such as those offered by the Department of Labor and the Small Business Administration, can assist in this process.

Based on my experience working with transitioning veterans, a common mistake is underselling their capabilities. Many veterans are hesitant to boast about their accomplishments, but it’s crucial to highlight the value they bring to an organization.

Education and Training Opportunities for Veterans

Education and training are vital for veterans seeking to advance their careers or transition into new fields. The GI Bill offers significant financial assistance for veterans pursuing higher education, vocational training, and other educational programs.

Here are some key aspects of the GI Bill:

• Eligibility: Most veterans who served on active duty after September 10, 2001, are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
• Benefits: The GI Bill covers tuition and fees, provides a monthly housing allowance, and offers a stipend for books and supplies.
• Transferability: In some cases, veterans can transfer their GI Bill benefits to their spouse or children.

Beyond the GI Bill, numerous other educational and training opportunities are available to veterans. These include:

• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program: This program provides assistance to veterans with service-connected disabilities, helping them prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment.
• Scholarships and Grants: Many organizations offer scholarships and grants specifically for veterans.
• Online Learning Platforms: Platforms like Coursera and edX offer a wide range of online courses and certifications that can help veterans develop new skills and knowledge.

It is crucial that veterans carefully research and select educational programs that align with their career goals. Consider factors such as program accreditation, job placement rates, and the availability of support services for veterans.

Veteran-Owned Businesses: Success Stories and Resources

Veteran-owned businesses are a significant force in the American economy. Veterans possess the leadership, discipline, and resilience needed to succeed as entrepreneurs. There are many resources available to support veteran entrepreneurs, including:

• Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA offers a variety of programs and services for veteran-owned businesses, including access to capital, mentorship, and training.
• Veteran Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs): VBOCs provide counseling, training, and technical assistance to veteran entrepreneurs.
• SCORE: SCORE is a nonprofit organization that provides free business mentoring to entrepreneurs.

Success Stories:

• Bottle Breacher: Founded by Eli Crane, a former Navy SEAL, Bottle Breacher creates handcrafted bottle openers made from recycled ammunition. The company has grown into a multi-million dollar business.
• Ranger Up: Founded by military veterans, Ranger Up is a patriotic apparel company that celebrates military culture.
• Black Rifle Coffee Company: Black Rifle Coffee Company, founded by veterans, is a coffee company that roasts its own coffee and sells it online and in retail stores.

These are just a few examples of the many successful veteran-owned businesses. By leveraging their military skills and taking advantage of available resources, veterans can achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, veteran-owned businesses contribute over $1 trillion to the U.S. economy annually. This demonstrates the significant impact that veterans have on the business world.

Addressing Mental Health Challenges During Transition

The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, and many veterans experience mental health challenges. These challenges can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. It’s essential for veterans to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed.

Here are some resources for veterans struggling with mental health:

• Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers a wide range of mental health services, including individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management.
• National Center for PTSD: The National Center for PTSD provides information and resources on PTSD and other mental health conditions.
• Give an Hour: Give an Hour is a nonprofit organization that provides free mental health services to veterans and their families.

It’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By addressing their mental health challenges, veterans can improve their overall well-being and increase their chances of success in civilian life.

Building a Strong Professional Network

Building a strong professional network is crucial for veterans seeking civilian careers. Networking can help veterans find job opportunities, learn about different industries, and connect with mentors and advisors.

Here are some tips for building a professional network:

1. Attend Industry Events: Attend industry conferences, job fairs, and networking events to meet people in your field of interest.
2. Join Veteran Organizations: Join veteran organizations like the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to connect with other veterans.
3. Use LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a powerful tool for connecting with professionals in your field and finding job opportunities.
4. Reach Out to Alumni: If you attended college or university, reach out to alumni who are working in your field of interest.
5. Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and gain valuable experience.

It’s important to be proactive and persistent in your networking efforts. Attend events, reach out to people, and follow up with your contacts. By building a strong professional network, veterans can significantly increase their chances of success in civilian life.

The transition to civilian life is a journey, not a destination. By understanding the challenges and opportunities, leveraging available resources, and prioritizing their well-being, veterans can create fulfilling and successful civilian careers. The stories of veterans who have successfully navigated this transition serve as inspiration and a reminder that anything is possible. What steps will you take today to start building your successful future?