Military Career Transition Tips from the National Security Seminar at the Army War College
This week I had the immense pleasure of attending the United States Army War College's National Security Seminar. I was humbled to be among the 160 hand-selected civilians who joined the hundreds of resident students and international fellows to discuss how the instruments of national power: diplomacy, information, military, and economic strategies help make the world a better place.
Among the highlights were engaging and learning with senior leaders from around the world, a tour of Gettysburg as a strategic leadership lesson conducted by John Bodin, Ph.D. & Col. (Ret.) US Army, singing the Army Song with 300+ people on the Army’s 244th birthday, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Allied invasion on D-Day while surrounded by leaders representing some of our allies today, receiving the largest challenge coin I’ve ever seen and of course the many new friends I made during the week.
But if you know me at all, you’ll recognize that I couldn’t resist the opportunity to ask some participants and distinguished guests what tips they have for transitioning service members and for veterans seeking civilian jobs. What follows are highlights of just a few of my conversations on that topic.
Following his keynote on information as a component of national security strategy, I met briefly with James Clapper, former Director of National Intelligence and Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. Clapper said, “Veterans have great skills that help the civilian workforce including discipline, loyalty, and getting the job done.” I couldn’t agree more!
In meeting with the Commandant of the Army War College, Major General John Kem, he mentioned that if you’re junior enlisted, recognize that you may have a lot to learn in your transition. If you’re a senior officer, you should recognize that there are stereotypes you will have to overcome, such as rigidity and being set in your ways. I concur that it’s important for everyone to keep learning, no matter where you are in your career. General Kem is absolutely right: some stereotypes – true or untrue – certainly exist. While my extensive work with veterans has proven most stereotypes to be largely untrue, you should certainly be aware of them. To counter any negative stereotypes, my best advice is to be open, be yourself, and be vocal about your service. The more veterans that civilians meet in the workplace, the more they’ll realize how that many commonly held stereotypes are incorrect. I hope that your openness can enable more civilians to appreciate, as I do, the richly diverse and valuable experience, skills, and personalities of our veterans.
My host for the week was Lieutenant Colonel (soon to be Colonel) Doug Thomas. He encourages his field artillery teams to be “In position ready to fire.” In the Army this means to be “ready to receive missions.” When it comes to your transition to a civilian career, you should be “in position, ready to fire” (to start your civilian career mission) long before your out date. It’s never too early to start planning for your transition, to begin networking, or to start working on your résumé.
I also had the privilege to dine and chat with Federal Judge Jane Milazzo of New Orleans, Louisiana several times during the week. Her words of wisdom for transitioning service members included, “Don’t be afraid of the journey. If a door opens walk through it!” That’s a good reminder to keep an open mind about the path ahead on your transition. Judge Milazzo’s words complement advice I got way back in high school that has proven to be true time and time again... “Allow the life plan to change often.”
To encourage veterans in her hometown and beyond, Mayor Debbie Winn of Tooele, Utah and I discussed that vets “know something we don’t know. We’ve got more jobs than people, so we should capitalize on all that veterans bring to the civilian workforce.” Mayor Winn also encourages veterans to be a mentor for others.
Further, in partnership with the Life’s Worth Living Foundation the City of Tooele has erected the first monument in the United States addressing suicide in their veterans park. They have also commissioned another monument to Vietnam vets with the goal of respecting those who have served.
In meeting with the Commandant of the Army War College, Major General John Kem, he mentioned that if you’re junior enlisted, recognize that you may have a lot to learn in your transition. If you’re a senior officer, you should recognize that there are stereotypes you will have to overcome, such as rigidity and being set in your ways. I concur that it’s important for everyone to keep learning, no matter where you are in your career. General Kem is absolutely right: some stereotypes – true or untrue – certainly exist. While my extensive work with veterans has proven most stereotypes to be largely untrue, you should certainly be aware of them. To counter any negative stereotypes, my best advice is to be open, be yourself, and be vocal about your service. The more veterans that civilians meet in the workplace, the more they’ll realize how that many commonly held stereotypes are incorrect. I hope that your openness can enable more civilians to appreciate, as I do, the richly diverse and valuable experience, skills, and personalities of our veterans.
My host for the week was Lieutenant Colonel (soon to be Colonel) Doug Thomas. He encourages his field artillery teams to be “In position ready to fire.” In the Army this means to be “ready to receive missions.” When it comes to your transition to a civilian career, you should be “in position, ready to fire” (to start your civilian career mission) long before your out date. It’s never too early to start planning for your transition, to begin networking, or to start working on your résumé.
I also had the privilege to dine and chat with Federal Judge Jane Milazzo of New Orleans, Louisiana several times during the week. Her words of wisdom for transitioning service members included, “Don’t be afraid of the journey. If a door opens walk through it!” That’s a good reminder to keep an open mind about the path ahead on your transition. Judge Milazzo’s words complement advice I got way back in high school that has proven to be true time and time again... “Allow the life plan to change often.”
I discussed my "Smart 5th Grader Test" advice with Bob Bradford, Col. US Army & Professor of Strategic Studies at the Army War College. He recommends simplifying how you describe your veteran experience to civilians by saying, “Talk to your grandma!” I agree! My granny (who was part of the civilian war effort in manufacturing during WWII) would certainly have appreciated a simple message that makes it easy to explain the value you bring to civilian employers.
To encourage veterans in her hometown and beyond, Mayor Debbie Winn of Tooele, Utah and I discussed that vets “know something we don’t know. We’ve got more jobs than people, so we should capitalize on all that veterans bring to the civilian workforce.” Mayor Winn also encourages veterans to be a mentor for others.
Further, in partnership with the Life’s Worth Living Foundation the City of Tooele has erected the first monument in the United States addressing suicide in their veterans park. They have also commissioned another monument to Vietnam vets with the goal of respecting those who have served.
Anderson Sainci is a leader for the City of Dubuque, Iowa. His advice for vets is to “Find what you’re passionate about.” Anderson has found a passion for serving his community and has great aspirations for his future in government. Do you remember hearing about the program to encourage kids to read to their barber in exchange for a free haircut? Yeah, that was Anderson's idea! Harness whatever your passions are!
As a community leader in Atlanta, Georgia, Linda Womack helps people find new paths to success in their careers after hitting rough patches in life. Her advice to veterans was, “Be yourself. Share your story. Even if you’re in a really tough spot, from homelessness to those overcoming other barriers, take time to share how you’ve overcome obstacles and seek the help you need so you can thrive.”
I encourage you to take the advice of these first-rate professionals and world leaders. Remember, veterans, reservists, and military families can tell civilian recruiters, “I am a P.A.T.R.I.O.T.”…
I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learned and everyone I’ve met this week. I look forward to posting more about here it in the future.
In closing, here’s the aforementioned gigantic challenge coin I received! The front represents the Army War College Class of 2019 and the back depicts the gift the Class of 2019 provided to a veterans cemetery nearby.
Thanks for reading. Learn more about how to succeed in your career transition on my web site at www.ScottVedder.com.
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