Introduction
A professional shift might be one of the most challenging things a person can go through. The change is predicted to be more challenging for our country’s servicemen and women. The above-mentioned service personnel is ready to work in a high-stress atmosphere. From early mornings through late at night, and is willing to fight whenever the country calls. Veterans are prepared for anything. Transitioning from military to civilian life may be the most challenging. Every year, around 2500 military people face this challenge (Olsen & Asen, 2017). Due to the numerous obstacles encountered, bridging the gap between military duty and a civilian profession is a highly challenging process. However, having a plan, talking to a counselor, and continuing education can help close the gap.
Speaking With a Counselor
When other veterans do not surround a service person, handling the various problems they confront might be challenging. Research shows that more than 45% of veterans have post-traumatic stress disorder (Smith, 2018). The illness known as PTSD is brought on by seeing or going through a terrible incident. Flashbacks, mood swings, a sense of guilt, jumpiness, and even violent outbursts are prominent symptoms of PTSD among veterans. Service personnel ultimately leave the military and transition to civilian employment. In rare cases, a service veteran with PTSD working in a civilian job area may cause problems. When a veteran has PTSD, employers might not know how to respond. As a result, the service member can feel alienated and be motivated to resign. However, members feel more at ease when they contract and schedule a meeting with a counselor or therapist. The counselor shows the veteran coping mechanisms for their PTSD.
One of the most challenging circumstances a veteran may face is the transition from military member to civilian. Suicidal thoughts are on the rise, most prevalent during the first month of transition. When a member of the military transition, they no longer get a salary, medical care, housing, or other benefits. The military member is now in charge of their medical treatment and housing. They begin to feel like an outcast as they struggle with how to care for their family. A counselor can assist the veteran in preparing themselves for any economic changes while helping them to cope with the new phase of their lives.
A counselor, however, does more than merely assist a military person in coping with PTSD. They also help to develop a strategy for a service member’s smooth transition. Counseling helps military members and veterans establish post-transition goals such as education, employment, and many others. Counselors can also help one create a CV, translate military skills, and prepare for interviews. A counselor can help one bridge the gap between military service and a civilian career.
Continuing Education
While military experience gives an excellent basis for civilian careers, completing their degree will put them ahead of their peers applying for the same post. The average service member joins the military at the age of seventeen and reports to their assigned boot camp at the age of eighteen. Education is critical for success in civilian professional fields, and the military provides service personnel with valuable skills. On August 1, 2009, the Post 9/11 GI Bill was introduced for veterans who served after September 10, 2001. Powers (2019). It covers all tuition and fees at any public university for qualifying individuals. In addition, any private institution or overseas university might get up to $17,500 under the legislation.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill enables military members to attend college and advance their education for free. For military members having difficulty finding work or making ends meet, it gives a housing allowance equal to the E-5 basic allowance. This is not money that a veteran can survive on (Dolan, 2020). A former serviceman was interviewed and commented that the wife utilizes her GI bill, which is enough money to handle vehicle payments, groceries, and everyday necessities.
The Montgomery GI Bill is another educational option available to veterans. The Montgomery GI Bill applies to colleges, technical institutions, and aviation institutions. Military members who qualify may get approximately 36 months of educational benefits. Several factors determine the amount of money received by the beneficiary. These include the type of training, the veteran’s category, university fund eligibility, and whether the person paid for the participation. The y bill is divided into four sections: an active duty for a minimum of two to three years for the first time after June 30, 1985. Everyone who served before January 1, 1977, falls under Category II. Category III veterans were involuntarily separated in 1991 after serving between September 30, 1990, and September 30, 1991. 2020 (Hunter-Johnson). Education not only gives the above individual more experience in a civilian profession, but it is also accessible for qualifying persons.
Military veterans have different characteristics, regardless of their branch of duty, level of achievement, or the length of their service. Leadership and discipline are qualities that HR professionals may be particularly looking for. For instance, SMOs (Senior Military Officers) have a lot of leadership expertise, particularly in security and international relations. TAP (Transition Assistance Program) may connect those employers with SMOs leaving their jobs and looking for an organization that best uses their degree and skill set. Defense contractors, private military contractors, and IT services are just a few industries that may be interested in enlisted soldiers with unique talents. Veterans in transition may also find success by connecting them with other veterans who are successful businesspeople. Some veterans believe the entrepreneurial attitude is similar to the military mindset (Veteran on the Move, 2021). To operate a successful business, it may be necessary to work with franchise firms since they provide training and procedures to be combined with talents gained via military duty.
Having a Strategy
While in the military, one has access to housing, medical care, and a guaranteed salary. The change may be frightening, but having a plan increases the likelihood of a service member’s smooth transfer. Finding a place to reside should be the most essential component of one’s strategy. When it comes to housing, there are several aspects to consider. The state where the veteran intends to relocate should be the most crucial factor. Will they be able to return to their native state, or will it be too costly? They must also examine the location of their children’s schools and any health dangers in the area where they intend to relocate parents (Le Menestgrel et al., 2019). Qualifying military members can obtain a VA loan to aid with housing costs.
The second stage is to schedule and prepare for a job interview. Civilians communicate in a different way than military service members. When a veteran attends a job interview, it is critical to emphasize personal talents (Veteran on the Move, 2021). Because of how the military educated them, it is normal for veterans to be uncomfortable talking about themselves. Additionally, the veteran must know what employment they wish to apply for. Every position in the military teaches the veteran a unique ability. When submitting applications, the service member must acknowledge these talents. Planning a professional path and scheduling interviews enhances the likelihood of a seamless transfer.
The next stage is to create a detailed budget. A budget plan will assist the veteran in determining how much money they are able to spend. Because they are taking on more bills than they were previously, it is critical for the service member to create a financial budget. When implemented correctly, a financial plan can also assist in preventing homelessness (Military.com, 2021). A savings account should be established in conjunction with a financial plan. The budget plan will show how much money is available in the savings account in case of an emergency.
The last phase of the strategy is to prepare the family. The shift in lifestyle has an influence on the entire family. Assuring family members that, despite challenges, the service member will eventually spend more time at home. It is critical that the veteran comprehend the requirements of their family (Parker et al., 2020). Several tools are available to military members and their families to assist with the adjustment. Developing a strategy for utilizing these services and learning to adjust to the family’s needs will ease the transition.
Creating a plan helps the military member take essential elements of civilian living into consideration. They start to comprehend their obligations, as no service member is ever ready to leave the military service (Smith, 2018). The military member and their families go through a lengthy transition phase. However, making a strategy aids the veteran in staying on track and ensuring a smooth transition.
Peer Support Groups
A common misperception is that counseling cannot help a military member or veteran transition. The general consensus is that peer support groups are more effective than counseling sessions. However, this is a typical misunderstanding. Support groups do not alleviate PTSD, as has been demonstrated, but they provide the retired service members with a feeling of community. Support groups accept individuals with a difficult time transitioning and those with PTSD (Gov.UK, 2020). Veterans can talk to one another in peer support groups about their triumphs and shortcomings. Counselors are trained experts, despite the fact that they are efficient (Gov.UK, 2020). They assist these individuals not just with PTSD but also with effective transition by pointing them in the right direction.
Protected Veteran Status
A protected veteran is a serviceman who participated in military service in the United States armed forces during wartime or in operation or excursion for which a combat medal was permitted under Department of Defense statutes. Many veterans think that since they are protected persons, they do not need to pursue further education once they leave their branch of the armed forces. Furthermore, these are persons who have the characteristics such as a disability, active military service during a period of war, recent separation from active duty, or participation in an operation for which a medal was bestowed. While a protected veteran is guaranteed freedom from discrimination at work, employment is not guaranteed. Businesses are not required to give these people preference when hiring (Biniecki & Berg, 2020). Once the former military personnel is employed, the protected status is not advantageous for promotions. However, if the disabled veteran advances his education stands a better chance of getting a promotion and cannot essentially be discriminated against due to their protected status.
There Will Always be a Gap
People will say that there will always be a gap between military service and civilian career. This information is not wrong will say that mental health is a problem some service members face while transitioning into the civilian world and that is right. There are so many different factors that are required in transitioning from military service to civilian career, but they cannot all be prevented. It is essential to try to close the gap anyway possible.
Conclusion
Transitioning from military service to a civilian career is one of the hardest things veterans may go through. The adjustment is understood to be more difficult for those serving the nation. Although these veterans have received special training to function in this setting, their biggest challenge is transitioning from military duty to a civilian profession. Closing the gap between military service and civilian career is a very difficult procedure because of the many barriers incurred. However, the gap can be bridged by speaking with a counselor, continuing education, and having a strategy.
References
Biniecki, S., & Berg, P. (2020). The senior military officer as a veteran in transition: Opportunities for adult learning and bridging the military-civilian divide. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 2020(166), 25-36.
Gov.UK. (2020). Help for service leavers from defense transition services. GOV.UK.
Military.com. (2021). Are you eligible to join the military? Military.com
Olsen, K. E., & Asen, W. (2017). Bridging the gap between civilian and military passive radar. IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, 32(2), 4–12.
Parker, K., Igielnik, R., Barroso, A., & Cilluffo, A. (2020). The American veteran experience and the post-9/11 generation. Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic.
Powers, R. (2019). Army commissioned officer career path. The Balance Career
Smith, A. (2018). “My understanding … Has changed addressing the military-civilian gap with an academic-community engagement project. Journal of Veterans Studies, 3(1), 1. Web.
Veteran on the Move. (2021). Restore hyper wellness with Joe Donnelly. [Video]. YouTube.