Military Transition For Dummies

https://aalamsalon.com/sdc85fus78 Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Introduction About This Book Foolish Assumptions Icons Used in This Book Beyond the Book Where to Go from Here Part 1 Getting Started with Saying So Long Chapter 1 Kicking around the Idea of Moving to Fort Couch Looking for Greener Grass on the Other Side of the Perimeter Fence Mapping the terrain: What it’s really like “out there” Conducting a risk assessment with facts and statistics Deprogramming and reprogramming for civilian life Extending Your Commitment: Waiting a While Longer to Decide Is Okay Extension programs Considering a stint in the Guard or Reserves Sweeping for Common Landmines That Can Derail Your Plans Preparing for a Relaxing Retirement Involuntary Separation: Getting Out When You Have No Choice Breaking down the types of involuntary separation Finding out whether you qualify for severance pay (and how much that is) Dueling with ETS as a Dual-Military Couple Making the Most out of Terminal or Separation Leave Considering Special Circumstances That May Affect Your Transition Swearing in as a citizen Heading for Splitsville: Divorce and transition Making good on military debt Being part of a military investigation Picking up civilian criminal charges Chapter 2 Diving into Transition Programs Getting in the Trenches with Your Branch’s Transition Program Checking in with the Curriculum of Transition Programs Putting your nose to the grindstone on the Employment Track Testing the Education Track Getting technical with the Vocational Track Striking gold on the SBA Entrepreneurship Track Exploring Pre-Separation Resources Using mental health resources for transitioning servicemembers Military OneSource’s Transitioning Veterans Consultation Resources for spouses Chapter 3 Organizing to Prepare for Civilian Life Replicating Your Military Records Banking on Financial Preparation for Your First Days as a Civilian Developing some frugal habits Creating a budget Accounting for separation/retirement pay Filing for unemployment Exploring Employment Opportunities Clocking into career counseling Looking for civilian jobs that parallel your military job Building your resume and applying for jobs Studying Your Educational Goals Using tuition assistance to get a head-start Diving into DANTES and CLEP Prequalifying through credentialing Getting your feet wet with USMAP Certifying through civilian organizations Lining up your GI Bill Managing Your Medical Past, Present, and Future Putting your medical issues on the map Getting a VA disability rating before you get out Keeping your records on the radar Taking Control of Your Mental Health Using the VA Checking in with in-person counseling Perusing the Veteran Training Online Portal Applying yourself through apps Taking advantage of TRICARE’s Telemental Health Program Getting addiction help Migrating toward Your ETS Move Packing up: What the military will move for you ETSing from an overseas duty station Chapter 4 Eyeing Your ETS Process Attending Your Pre-Separation Brief and TAP Offerings Clearing Your Unit: Standard Operating Procedures Raising Medical Concerns Getting checked out at your final physical Leaving a paper trail Keeping tabs on your medical (and dental) records Making Mental Health a Priority Filling in the holes in your behavioral health file Lining up post-service treatment before you get out Heading off substance abuse issues Utilizing resources that are waiting for you to use them There’s Only One Thief in the Military: Returning the Military’s Stuff Scheduling Your Relocation Appointments Working with JAG or Legal Assistance to Update Your Information Passing Your Housing Inspection with Flying Colors Reviewing Your Discharge Papers before You Walk out the Door Reading your DD-214 Reading your NGB-22 Exploring the DD-215, DD-149, and DD-293 Discovering the DD-256 and DD-257 Lining up Separation Leave Chapter 5 Ain’t No Discharge on the Ground (It’s in Your Hand) Dispelling Discharge Myths: The Major Types of Military Separations Recharacterizing Your Discharge The Discharge Review Board The Board of Correction of Military Records Reading into Reentry Eligibility Codes Registering Your Discharge Documents with the Local Government Part 2 Finding a Job Chapter 6 Engaging Yourself in Employment Programs Pinpointing Helpful Programs Apprenticeship.gov Compensated Work Therapy Disability employment with a Selective Placement Program Coordinator IVMF’s Entrepreneurship Programs Onward 2 Opportunity Pathways Recent Graduate Program USMAP Veteran Employment Program Offices VR&E Support for dependents’ employment Tackling U.S. Government Career Transition Programs Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) DOD SkillBridge Chapter 7 Getting Your Foot in the Door with a Strong Resume Identifying the Four Most Common Types of Resumes Chronological resumes Functional resumes Combination resumes Targeted resumes Detailing Your Achievements to Find Your Strengths Filling in All the Details on Your Resume Creating a good objective Surveying skills that follow you after military service Chalking up character traits you can include on your resume Matching a prospective employer’s needs with your strengths Translating military experience into civilian terms Perusing phrases to use (and avoid) on your resume Composing a Compelling Cover Letter Using a new, personalized cover letter with every resume Dropping in a winning one-liner Balancing all the right details to make a great pitch Signing off Surveying sample cover letters Drafting a Federal Resume Capitalizing on your military service Digging up the documents you need Using keywords from job announcements Choosing the outline format with headlines Writing your objective and compiled skills summary Showcasing your employment history Sharing your accomplishments Adding other federal resume requirements Keeping Tabs on Your Federal Resume After You Submit It Chapter 8 Familiarizing Yourself with Civilian Employment (and Pay) Getting the Job You Want versus Getting the Job You Need Being realistic about your job prospects Figuring out what makes you happy Pinpointing work-related dissatisfaction Identifying your vocational interests Contrasting the Military Ladder and the Corporate Matrix Comparing Types of Employment Part-time employees Full-time employees Seasonal employees Temporary employees Leased employees Independent contractors Gig workers Interns Starting on the Bottom Rung of the Ladder Entry-level jobs Mid-level jobs Senior-level jobs Making Sense of Money Matters Salary and hourly pay Civilian overtime rules Commission pay Tipped employees Fitting into tax brackets Delving into Job Market Statistics Joining Forces with a Labor Union Finding Civilian Jobs USAJOBS, apprenticeship.gov, and other job boards LinkedIn Cruising into Career Fairs Planning your participation Fitting in while standing out Concocting thoughtful questions on the fly Following up when you’re interested Using an Agency to Find Work Personnel placement services Staffing services Executive search firms Searching for Gig Work to Tide You Over Getting Two (or More) Jobs Chapter 9 Getting the Skinny on Government Jobs Investigating Why Some Troops Choose Federal or State Government Jobs Using Veterans’ Preference to Get a Government Job 0-point preference 5-point preference 10-point preference Preference categories States and preference points Applying for jobs only open to federal employees through VEOA Applying for government jobs under VRA Applying for a government job under a disabled veteran program Skipping the Confusion with O*NET Ferreting Out Government Jobs USAJobs DONHR Agency websites Interpreting Federal Government Job Vacancy Announcements Eyeing the Differences between Competitive and Excepted Service Acquainting Yourself with OPM Assessment and Selection Distinguishing Government Pay Scales and Grades Getting familiar with GS grades and pay Navigating FWS grades and pay Getting a big 10-4 on GL grades and pay Doing recon on FS grades and pay Scrutinizing SES grades and pay Bringing in Background Checks, Drug Tests, and Security Clearances Bombing (or not) your background check Getting all As on your drug test Scouting out a security clearance Chapter 10 Connecting with Civilians in Your New AO Making a Great First Impression Preparing for success Minding social cues and body language Pushing through Discomfort in Social and Professional Situations Cooking up a Good Elevator Pitch Asking yourself the right questions Perfecting your delivery Listening in on exceptional pitches Knowing when to give someone the rundown Checking out Networking Events Exploring relevancy Giving people the business (card) Coming in hot (or not) Finding the best people to network with Following up with connections Using Social Media to Your Advantage Knocking on the doors of trade-specific groups Rubbing elbows with high-level networkers Introducing yourself to strangers Nurturing your connections Posting regular updates Joining Military Associations Understanding service organizations General military organizations Army, Reserves, and National Guard Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps Coast Guard Doing Your Own Informational Interviews Approaching the right people Getting off on the right foot Asking the right questions Conducting an after-action review Following up after an informational interview Standing Out from the Crowd Chapter 11 Working Your Way through Interviews Getting Familiar with Common Types of Job Interviews Taking a turn with traditional interviews Running through serial interviews Working under a microscope with assessment interviews Taking it easy with informal interviews Getting your comms online with remote interviews Breezing through career fair interviews Creating a Favorable First Impression in Your Interview Doing recon on your interview location so you’re on time (that is, early) Outfitting yourself for employment Modeling professional behavior from the get-go Navigating through Interviews Acting like a civilian in public Getting your postural feedback effect on Speaking the right body language Dissecting common interview questions (and how to answer them) Dodging unlawful interview questions Ending things on a confident note Knowing When to Walk Away Following Up after the Interview Chapter 12 Negotiating Your Salary When You Get a Job Offer Getting Over Negotiation Fears Fearlessly Asking for What You’re Worth (without Demanding) Kicking off negotiations Listening while you negotiate Being likable Choosing (and fighting) your battles wisely Fielding tough questions Negotiating multiple issues at the same time Controlling the anchor Employing the Thursday-Friday strategy Taking your time before making a commitment Negotiating through Email Avoiding Negotiation Pitfalls (or, How to Lose Negotiations Every Time) Closing the Door on an Un-closeable Deal Chapter 13 Assimilating into the Civilian Workforce Opening Your Eyes to the Big (Civilian) Picture Adjusting to the less-urgent pace of civilian work Improving your interpersonal skills Curbing your enthusiasm for curse words Differentiating between military discipline and civilian workplace behavior Knowing that you can quit (or be fired) at any time Taking a few tips for your first weeks on the job Applying Your Military Skills in the Civilian World Discovering Right-to-Work Laws Knowing Your Rights as an Employee Federal and state laws to protect workers Discrimination at work Harassment in the workplace Sexual harassment in the workplace Equal pay for equal work Minimum wage and overtime Reasonable accommodations for people in protected classes Whistleblower protections Meal and rest breaks State safeguards Perusing Union Protections Chapter 14 Starting Your Own Business Running a Veteran-Owned Business Considering Programs Designed to Help Vets Open Up Shop Veteran entrepreneurship training programs from the OVBD VA Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization Vets First Verification Program Boots to Business Finding Funding to Start a Veteran-Owned Business Determining how much funding you need Self-funding versus finding an investor or crowdfunding Taking out a small business loan Using the SBA’s Lender Match Scoping out the SBA’s investment programs Getting grants designed for veteran startups Surveying Special Franchising Opportunities for Veterans Contracting with the Federal Government Part 3 Gearing Up to Go Back to School Chapter 15 Advancing on Your Scholarly Career Facing Down Common Challenges and Finding Military-Friendly Schools Surfing for Online Educational Opportunities Applying for College Admission Filling out the Common Application or the Coalition Application Lining up letters of recommendation Composing college admissions essays Submitting your standardized test scores and transcripts Revamping your resume Amassing application fees (or using fee waivers) Taking Advantage of CLEP Opportunities Chapter 16 Cashing in on Your GI Bill Knowing Which GI Bill Is Yours Forever GI Bill Post-9/11 GI Bill Montgomery GI Bill Finding Places to Use Your GI Bill Applying for GI Bill Benefits with the VA Perusing Other Programs to Get You Back in School Earning technical certifications through VET TEC Discovering the Accelerated Payment Program Finding Financial Aid Fiddling around with the FAFSA Fishing for types of federal student aid Petitioning for scholarships Chapter 17 Fitting into Your New Role as a Student Tapping into Your Academic Advisor’s Knowledge Visiting On-Campus Veterans’ Resources Utilizing Your School’s Career Services and Job Placement Opportunities Getting in Touch with the VA about Problems with Your School Finding Civilians on the Map Re-charting your personal course Adjusting your attitude Part 4 Adjusting to Civilian Life Chapter 18 Managing Your Money as a Civilian Comparing Military versus Civilian Pay Making Rent without BAH Paying application fees Saving for a security deposit Making rent payments Understanding the impact of utility bills Side-Eyeing Housing Discrimination Buying a House with (or without) a VA Loan Timing your purchase the right way Knowing whether you’re staring down a money pit Saving for a down payment Scoring Your Own Health Insurance Using the VA medical system Perusing employer-sponsored plans Clearing up civilian healthcare options Taking a Wise Approach to Credit Handling credit Managing debt through consolidation Avoiding potentially predatory lenders Creating a Smart Budget Chapter 19 Zeroing in on the Benefits You Earned Navigating Access to Your VA Benefits DS Logon AccessVA and eBenefits accounts ID.me account Veteran ID card eVetRecs Determining Which Benefits Are Yours for the Taking Banking on retirement pay Sheltering in place with a VA loan Using VA healthcare Making the Most of Military OneSource and Other Avenues of Support Chapter 20 Transitioning as a Wounded Warrior Tackling Transition Programs for Wounded Warriors U.S. Army Recovery Care Program Air Force Wounded Warrior Program Navy Wounded Warrior Program U.S. Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment Figuring out Your VA Disability Pay Compensation payments and disability ratings Exploring Extra VA Disability Benefits Disability housing grants Automobile allowance and adaptive equipment Clothing allowance Aid and Attendance and Housebound allowance Service dogs Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance and Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance Vocational Rehab and Employment The 180-Day Family Housing Extension Dependents’ Educational Assistance DOD Programs to Give You a Head-Start Seeing about Social Security Disability Exploring PTSD Resources Getting Military Sexual Trauma Help Working with Civilian Organizations Finding Family and Caregiver Resources Chapter 21 Getting Help When You Need It Battling Your Demons: Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention Accessing Resources for Financial Help Supplemental Security Income Supplemental Security Disability Insurance Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Temporary Assistance for Needy Families General assistance Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers Unemployment insurance Workers’ compensation Receiving Help for Disabilities Combating Loneliness and Boredom Being Part of Veterans’ Groups Reaching out When Life Is Ugly: Legal, Addiction, and Housing Concerns Dealing with legal issues and incarceration Facing down addiction Getting a hand up from homelessness Doing an About-Face: What If You Want to Get Back In? Part 5 The Part of Tens Chapter 22 Ten Tips to Help You Find a Job Assess Your “Work Wants” Search Early and Search Often Create Tailored Resumes for Every Job Make Your Cover Letter Count Network like Crazy Dress to Impress at Job Interviews Charlie Mike without Military Jargon Follow Up with Interviewers Look for Work on Multiple Websites Consider Different Avenues Chapter 23 Ten Tips to Help You Score a Job Stay Flexible Use Your Veterans’ Preference Stay Away from the Us-versus-Them Mentality Work Hard at Civilianizing Yourself Write an Effective Resume Figure out How to Be a “People Person” Pay Attention to Your Body Language Use the Career Programs Available to You Don’t Be Above a Job Ask for Help Chapter 24 Ten Tips on Filing a Successful Claim with the VA Apply for a Rating Early Use a VSO Understand What’s Required for Your Claim Use the Right Forms Back up Your Application with Facts Write a Statement in Support of Your Claim Go to Your C&P Exam Be Prepared for All Your Exams Meet All Your Deadlines Don’t Give Up Appendix Civilian Terms for Military Experience Index EULA