My Marine Corps squadron came back from Afghanistan shortly after Thanksgiving 2012. I had spent the last few years as part of the enlisted aircrew on UH-1Y attack helicopters, which meant working on aircraft and operating the machine guns mounted on them. I knew my purpose for enlisting had finally been fulfilled, as joining our nation’s ongoing war against terrorism seemed a sacred duty to me from the day I watched the Twin Towers fall.

I thought I was ready for whatever came next in life. I thought I was prepared to look toward the great unknown of the civilian world. Needless to say, I had a very arrogant approach to the next 10 months during demob, before I actually got out. And like most Veterans, I had a transition full of unnecessary stumbling blocks as a result.

Shock and Awe

We had to maintain a relatively high operational tempo after my unit returned. This meant training up new members of our squadron and ensuring that all the new aircrew got enough flight hours to be trusted without instructor supervision.

Because of the rigorous demands of these final military duties, it was difficult to find the time and energy to properly prepare myself for a successful transition. Sure, I went to the mandatory transition classes, but those felt like drinking from a fire hose. Retaining it all was difficult, and discerning what was important and relatable to our particular post-military dreams was hard.

But these career worries just scratched the surface of my problems. At the time I got out, my personal life was a mess, and my mental health was in poor shape at best. Our squadron had dealt with the loss of several Marines, we had recently returned from a very active combat deployment, and, just like half of all married Marines today, I had recently gotten divorced.

While you’re in the military, you don’t have much time (or need or interest) to sit down and actually address your personal problems. Yet when you’re holding a freshly printed DD 214 in your hand, time is all you seem to have.

Redefining Freedom

My active duty service time officially ended in October 2013. I drove off Camp Pendleton in Southern California on my last day, ecstatically smiling, blaring music from my car. I was a free man with no idea what came next.

I ended up in San Diego in the spring of 2014. I attended community college to knock out prerequisite classes before transferring to a four-year university to pursue a business degree. While I was grateful for the support of my girlfriend Kelly (also a Marine) during this period, it was at this point that I realized I needed more professional help and guidance. I simply wasn’t prepared to start a new life and assume a new civilian identity. I didn’t a have a plan.

My experience is that, while you’re in the military, you take for granted that a schedule exists — written by someone else — to ensure that you’re completing purposeful tasks each day. When you exit, you have to rediscover a purpose to keep yourself moving forward. You have to stay accountable — not to a unit full of friends who will call you out on your stupidity and whose lives depend on you in the field, but just to your own self. You have to discover who you are again, outside the identity you cultivated as a member of the armed forces.

These tasks can be much more daunting than they sound. During your final year on active duty, you may be better off if you start deciding which habits are important to you. Then, be sure to maintain those habits after you leave the military. Don’t neglect the daily routines that helped bring you success during your time in service. The habits of disciplined work hours, physical activity, and maintaining high standards are easily transferable to any goal you set your mind to once you get out.

Luckily, the Post-9/11 GI Bill was an unexpected saving grace for me. The classes I attended — and the income I received from it — provided me with some much-needed structure and financial breathing room to get my priorities straight. Without a real plan and nothing internal driving me anymore, having my bills paid and going to class created at least a hint of order, even if not of my own design. This underutilized military benefit helped me to start moving in a positive direction professionally, which in turn gave me the time to focus on rebuilding myself personally.

Facing Inner Battles

Like many combat Veterans, I was having a hard time with insomnia, anxiety, anger, and survivor’s guilt from the memories I had repressed during my enlistment. I also had serious unresolved pain in my back, knees, and right shoulder. After talking to a few other Marines I respected, I decided to reach out to the VA for support.

I was referred to an official Veteran advocate organization, my local VFW, which assigned someone to represent me for a medical claim so I could get the mental and physical support I needed. I had been intimidated by the process before, and I had heard so many nightmare stories that I didn’t want to even start. I was worried that the VA would lose my paperwork, take months to see me, or even deny my benefits altogether. I was also used to choosing self-administered care over going to Medical during my enlistment and risk depleting its precious resources for those who seemed to need it more. But with someone who had been through the VA process dozens of times before by my side, I felt much more confident.

Today, I’m thankful that those initial negative thoughts didn’t override my desire to improve. It took a few months, but I ended up getting the help I needed. This was all because I simply decided to stop listening to my self-destructive negativity and took action.

During this period, it became apparent why people re-enlist after they get out: They miss their military family, and they realize that the military culture simply doesn’t exist in the civilian world. Many of us — myself included — let ourselves get pulled into isolation as a result. In my opinion, this isolation is the most dangerous aspect of the Veteran transition. It’s where people fall into depression, self-pity, hopelessness, and just a general purposeless existence.

The solution to avoiding this isolation can be as simple as reaching out to your friends and family, even if it feels strange at first. Knowing that you’re not alone in this world — that you’re neither the first nor last person to feel these things — can also make the mental obstacles we face much easier to conquer. Remember: You didn’t fight your battles alone while you were in the military. Don’t try to do it when you’re out.

Returning to Human

Discovering who you are and what drives you — after suddenly separating from the only life you knew for the last several years (if not longer) — is no easy task.

For me, this discovery started to take place only after I got the support I needed. These resources gave me the chance to look both inward and outward, toward the future. Who was I now (not 12 months ago)? What did I value? Who did I want to become?

I think these are all very common questions we face as human beings. But they are especially poignant when you’re forced to assume an entirely new persona than the warrior you once were.

The path I took to find these answers involved a lot of reading, self-reflection, and identifying the people I admired and the traits or habits that made them great. From people as varied as the great Stoic Marcus Aurelius and the Holocaust survivor (turned psychologist) Viktor Frankl, I learned to find meaning in life and purpose in suffering. From the daily examples set by fallen Marines in my unit like Corey Little and Eric Seaman, I reflected on what it means to be kind, optimistic, and determined.

But it was also the way music spoke to me, the way the artists expressed themselves honestly and fearlessly that helped me find my own voice. And it was the examples of courage and sheer will displayed by people like Elon Musk that inspired me during this time, as he dragged humanity kicking and screaming into the future. I came to realize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution in the transitioning process, but there are plenty of people and traits worth emulating to ease the journey.

Committing to Forward Motion

With all the changes that new Veterans experience, it can be easy to grow paralyzed with indecision — a sort of “analysis paralysis.” But this resistance to progress must be fought through. My experience is that it doesn’t really matter what direction you’re making progress toward, as long as you stay in motion. My recommendation is to identify what type of person you are and what circumstances let you thrive both personally and professionally. Then, make a plan to get there.

For me personally, I found that helping others through their own hard times gave me incredible energy. I found that learning new concepts and teaching them to others was surprisingly empowering. Equally important, I found that spending time with my dogs (away from people) renewed my spirit, and that my motivation to fight global injustice in Afghanistan could be repurposed to right everyday wrongs as a civilian.

Whatever invokes a strong internal reaction in you as a unique individual is something you can start to take note of as a critical element to your future happiness and success. Rather than ignore those traits within yourself, start making them work for you instead.

Looking internally for broad answers first can help. Do you love structure, clearly defined rules to clearly defined games, and the feeling of predictability? Then you will probably do well working in environments and for companies that provide those elements for you. Does the thought of taking orders again crush your soul? Then you might (like me) do better on a more entrepreneurial or nontraditional path, for example, in business.

As you consider your future life, think back on the times when you experienced a sense of “flow” at work, during a hobby, or in your personal life. What were you doing? What kinds of actions were you taking and skills were you using? I personally found leveraging various people’s natural strengths to achieve a common goal highly addicting, so I looked for those opportunities in a career. Asking yourself these questions will help you define the person you want to become and the kind of life you want to live.

For me, these reflective, intentional steps made all the difference in my transition out of the Marines. I started as someone who knew nothing about myself — other than the fact that I was lost, aggressive, and angry. Only gradually did I transform into someone I could be proud of today. I fought the nightmares, the horrible memories, the broken relationships, and the lack of direction until I had beaten them into submission.

The transition from military to civilian life can be done successfully. But you have to know what you want from life, and you have to be willing to work hard to get it. The only way you do that is by listening to the voice inside, while committing to yourself and those around you that you will make your biggest dreams into your reality.

It’s no secret that transitioning to the civilian workforce after the military can be challenging. In fact, so many former soldiers find this process to be a culture shock that only 1 in 5 Veterans will stick out their first civilian job for more than two years.

What does this all mean for you, as an employer? There’s a huge opportunity to distinguish your organization as a place that’s committed to retaining and engaging Veteran workers. And because more than 500 service-members are transitioning to civilian life every day, one Veteran’s success story will likely attract many others.

Here are the top three things that Veterans we talked to at SAVI say employers can do to help ease their transition into civilian work life and encourage retention.

1. Speak Their Language: Between writing business-friendly resumes and translating their military skills to the civilian job market, Veterans spend a great deal of time learning the new language of civilian work culture. It wouldn’t hurt for managers and co-workers to meet them halfway on this challenge by getting more familiar with some basic military jargon and culture to make Veteran workers feel more welcomed.

Another major difference many former service-members point out about their new civilian workplaces is typically lower urgency levels. A core value of military life is timeliness, yet civilians don’t always have the same pressures to show up on time — be it for meetings or project deadlines. Keep this ingrained perspective in mind when you have a meeting with Veteran colleagues, so that you either make sure you’re punctual or, at the very least, let them know you’ll be late.

Though these differences may be seem small, they can be extremely important for managers and co-workers to address when trying to build a successful work team and relationships with a new Veteran hire.

2. (Ask to) Ask About Their Service: Military Veterans are often proud of their service — as they should be. And just like all other members of the human race, they talk about their experiences as a way to build a shared understanding with others. So, don’t be shy in letting Veterans know you’re happy to listen — but don’t force it either. For many Veterans, their military service is what first shaped their worldview, and by asking questions about their service, you may better relate to their mindset on the job. For other Veterans, being pressed for details of their service can come off as stereotyping, bring up painful memories — or even be outright prohibited by security clearance laws! A good strategy is to first ask if they want to talk about their experience serving.

Then (if they say yes), don’t just ask what branch they were in and go on your merry way. Go a level deeper to learn what their specific job was when they left their branch of service, what that role involved, and what it was like in the day-to-day. They’ll probably use some terms you don’t quite follow, so ask for a clarifying description if you need it. You don’t need to be an expert, but if you’ve done Step 1 above, you probably have at least some understanding of the military and can ask more specific questions that will get them talking — not to mention earn you some brownie points.

3. Know Their Value and Tell Them: Everyone wants to feel like they’re contributing something valuable at work, but Veterans especially are used to a career that centers on defending our country and fighting for freedom. Talk about being a meaningful mission! Because of this innate drive, make sure the Veterans on your staff know their immediate and long-term impact and that they understand the clear purpose and mission of your organization. Direct communication and feedback is not only acceptable, but preferred. By showing them in real, measurable ways how they are contributing to the success of your team (or still have room to grow), you will help give them greater job satisfaction, which for you means higher retention rates. It’s a win-win.
Want to learn more about recruiting, retaining, and engaging Veteran employees? Looking to assess the gaps and areas for improvement at your own organization? Visit our For Employers page or contact email@savivets.wpengine.com.

If you’re an employer with Veterans on your payroll, you might not be aware of just how much potential these former service-members bring to your organization. Beyond the industry-specific, technical expertise listed on their resumes, Veterans often show up strong in terms of their interpersonal skills — and there’s nothing “soft” about that.

If such skills didn’t come to the forefront during the interview process, don’t be discouraged or assume they’re lacking. In the military, respect for the chain of command encourages deference to superiors until the moment when their own authority is officially granted. This means that the Veteran might not hit his or her stride — exhibiting awesome creativity and leadership — until assigned specific tasks to deliver on for your team.

Yet many post-military employees are also unaware of the tremendous professional assets they possess from the service. That’s why we at SAVI put together the following four-step process, to ensure that you and your Veteran employees can uncover and capitalize on their unique strengths in the workplace sooner rather than later.

1. Begin with One-on-One Engagement: Yes, individual conversations may be a time-consuming endeavor if you have a busy schedule. But making space in your calendar for personalized sit-downs with Veteran employees is key to the strength-identifying process. In these meetings, ask Veterans what they consider to be their own interpersonal strengths (e.g., communication, conflict resolution) and how these could be applied to help your team or bottom line see greater success.

This face-to-face interaction will not only be beneficial for you as the employer, but it will also make each Veteran staffer feel respected as an individual, especially in a potentially unfamiliar civilian setting. Take the time to build that rapport — it will be worth it as you chart a path together.

2. Follow Up with a Strengths Test: Once you’ve heard directly from your Veteran employees about their strengths, have them take an assessment, like Gallup’s CliftonStrengths test, to gain a more objective evaluation of what they offer beyond the duties assigned. According to Gallup’s 2014 analysis of decades of research, simply learning their own strengths makes employees 7.8 percent more productive. The military mindset of your Veteran staffers will likely respect this data-driven approach if you frame it that way.

By layering a quantitative measurement on top of your in-person, qualitative discussion, you’re likely to get a clearer view of what the actual strengths of your Veteran employees are. Such tools are also great ways for any employees to re-evaluate what they think of their strengths versus what the trends and data show, as sometimes personal views differ from reality.

3. Test-Drive Their Skills: Now it’s time to test-drive these newfound strengths. Encourage the Veteran’s managers or project leads to assign your employee a small task using one of the assets identified during the first two steps. (You can also ask the Veteran for suggestions, of course.)

Maybe you have a Veteran employee who appreciates her natural eye for efficiency. Let her prove it by developing a process brief that could streamline an upcoming project phase. Maybe you have a Veteran staff member who tested as a strong communicator. Let him take a client call or give a presentation. The idea here is to put Veterans’ distinguishing character traits to good use — even if they might not be the traits you originally imagined. Get creative, and monitor the results.

4. Create Dream Teams: Once you’ve identified and test-driven your Veteran employees’ skills, now is the time to create your company’s dream teams. The military is an intensely team-driven environment. If you have skill gaps you’re hoping to fill — a project group that needs better organization, motivation, or timeliness, for example — consider a Veteran as the missing link. Veterans know all too well how leveraging different strengths for a single mission offers the best chance for success.

Looking for more ways to recruit, retain, and engage Veteran employees to achieve better outcomes? Visit our website at www.savivets.org today to learn more.

If you’re a soon-to-be-Veteran, you’re probably contemplating the biggest question of your life so far: Where on earth do I settle down?

That’s right: “settle.” This term has been absent from your vocabulary throughout your military career but has now suddenly become your impending reality. You must choose wisely.

Luckily for you, our team of SAVI Veterans, milspouses, and researchers has some wisdom to share on the top 10 cities you should consider for your “Expiration Term of Service.” This list looks at the best places for new Veterans to start a new career, go back to school, or launch a business — all while fitting in seamlessly with the Veteran-friendly community.

1. Fayetteville, N.C.

There’s no question that Fayetteville is home to the nation’s largest military population, with more than 50,000 soldiers stationed there. Since three military installations — Fort Bragg, Pope Air Force Base, and Camp Lejeune — are either in or around town, Fayetteville offers tailored services and perks for Veterans everywhere you turn.

It’s also a town of educational opportunity, with three college options: Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville State University, and Methodist University. Fayetteville offers promising career options as well, with jobs in major industries including educational services, healthcare, public administration, recreation, and food services. If you’re looking for the smoothest of sailing into your post-military days, Fayetteville is number one for a reason.

2. Colorado Springs, Colo.

Holy scenery! Colorado Springs has eye-catching views in all directions and is home to some of the best hiking, geological features, and natural landmarks in the country. Boasting several military bases — including Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, and Schriever Air Force Base — and offering tons of high-tech Veteran careers, the sprawling city proves it’s more than just a pretty face.

In addition to job opportunities, “The Springs” also offers several options by way of higher education, including Colorado College, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, and Pikes Peak Community College. Fun fact: The United States Olympic Committee is headquartered here, as well as one of the Olympic Training Centers.

3. San Angelo, Texas

When it comes to job security, you just can’t beat San Angelo, Texas, which Forbes Magazine calls one of the “best places for businesses and careers.” Between Goodfellow Air Force Base — which averages a weekday population of 6,500 – a strong telecommunications presence, two major healthcare centers, and the renowned Angelo State University, this Texas town is bursting with opportunity for Veterans. Plus, the historic sites and artillery on display at Fort Concho, an 1860s Army post, flow into a restored downtown area and a lush walking trails that seamlessly bridge the gap between past and present.

4. Carlisle, Pa.

With relaxation spots as diverse as wineries, golf courses, art galleries, and everything imaginable outdoors, Carlisle’s got it. Its beautiful forests and mountains create a picturesque backdrop for this retirement spot that is also home to the U.S. Army War College and one of the top liberal arts schools in the country, Dickinson College.

Forbes has also ranked this Pennsylvania town as one of the cheapest cities to live in and the second-best place in the nation to raise a family. Employment opportunities include industries in education, military, government, and retail. Another tidbit worth noting: The state of Pennsylvania doesn’t tax federal pensions. Happy retirement, yinz!

5. Madison, Wis.

Want the best of all seasons? Move to Madison, where all your ice fishing, snowmobiling, swimming, and hiking dreams come true. Even Money Magazine took notice of this Wisconsin town’s overflowing amenities when it named Madison one of America’s best small cities in 2008.

The town is bursting with healthcare, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing careers and also offers highly ranked educational options, including the University of Wisconsin. Though its closest military installation, Fort McCoy, is more than an hour’s drive away, the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital is conveniently located in Madison.

6. Topeka, Kan.

Like Dorothy after her own whirlwind journey, you may think you’re not in Kansas anymore! Well, you might actually be if you move to Topeka, where job growth, education services, and a high quality of life abound! This thriving city in northeast Kansas boasts renowned school systems, including Washburn University, home to one of the top 20 law schools in the United States. In addition to the Topeka VA Medical Center, Topeka also has two main hospitals — Stormont Vail Health and St. Francis Health – making it a major hub for those entering the healthcare industry after the military.

7. Syracuse, N.Y.

If you’re thinking about going back to school, Syracuse just might be the city for you. With 11 colleges — including Syracuse University, Le Moyne University, and Onondaga Community College — in or near town, Syracuse has more than enough options to suit your educational dreams.

If Syracuse’s schools, 40-plus golf courses, and year-round professional opera company don’t convince you of this city’s many attractions, maybe its access to Veteran services will. “The ‘Cuse” offers a local VA medical center, a short drive to military installation Fort Drum, and a zero tax policy for federal pensions.

8. Kenner, La.

What couldn’t we say about Kenner!? It’s got as many amenities and attractions as there are stars in the sky, including the nearby port mecca of New Orleans, NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility, views of the Mississippi River, and the New Orleans Naval Air Station (for all your commissary needs). Tulane University, recognized as a top university throughout the world, is also located in Kenner, along with career options in major industries such as tourism, entertainment, healthcare, and government. If we were allowed to choose favorites at SAVI, Kenner would be a winner!

9. Tucson, Ariz.

Tucson is a military meeting place in the desert. Surrounded by four major bases — Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Fort Huachuca (Army), Luke Air Force Base, and training center Camp Navajo — there’s no shortage of a military-friendly atmosphere here. It also sports views of five mountain ranges, meaning its outdoor and scenic game are on point. For employment, manufacturing and industry lead the pack in this Wildcat town, which is home to the University of Arizona.

10. Cheyenne, Wyo.

Often overlooked, Wyoming is a flyover state that people don’t often think of as a “settling down” destination. But we think it should be added to your radar. And here’s why: Cheyenne is just 1.5 hours from Denver, sits in the northern part of the Rocky Mountains, and offers a low cost of living with ZERO state income tax. Plus, Veterans enjoy a close proximity to Francis E. Warren Air Force Base for any military-related services, as well as access to educational opportunities at the University of Wyoming and Laramie County Community College. Career growth is also strong here in the Union Pacific Railroad city, with options such as manufacturing, tourism, mining, agriculture, and transportation. Don’t just fly over it — come and stay awhile in the Frontier City.

Looking for more resources to make the most out of your transition into civilian life? Check out SAVI’s free offerings here, or contact email@savivets.wpengine.com to learn more.

“Military-friendly” has seemed to become as a trendy buzzword for many companies these days, complete with shiny stickers to slap on your recruiter’s door. But what does the term actually mean to real Veteran considering your organization for the next stage of their career?

From our conversations with former service-members transitioning into the civilian workplace (including many on our team), SAVI has narrowed it down to this: Veterans want to feel like they belong. They want to make an impact, add value, and contribute to a team’s success.

This means that it’s not enough to hire them. You need also to embrace them, value them, and then step back — because a proper Veteran engagement plan will let you enjoy the view as these high-skill, reliable class of workers sets your industry on fire.

So, if you’re thinking of flying the “military-friendly” flag, then you better be sure to have at least these six practices in place at your workplace:

• Don’t put them in a box. Sure, everyone has a job to do — but don’t limit the Veteran’s potential to one or two skill sets, especially if these skills are based on stereotypes. Veterans excel in a multitude of specialties and are extremely capable of adapting to new situations and overcoming barriers to success. Make sure your team is responding to the Veteran’s unique strengths. Also, don’t forget to consider leadership roles, opportunities for impact, and process improvement as three areas in particular where former service-members may shine.

• Accommodate and acclimate. Think through in advance how your organization might make reasonable accommodations for Veterans with service-related disabilities (physical or mental). Also — since no two Veterans are exactly alike — be prepared to address and adapt to these needs on an individual, shifting basis to help you acclimate Veteran talent successfully.

• Use power tools. (No, not those kind.) Set new Veteran hires up for success by providing them with tools required to do their jobs effectively. Help them feel trusted and empowered so as to motivate them to work hard, and they will surely exceed the goals set out for them. Go for walk-and-talks to check in and hear their ideas, encourage their forward-thinking, and help them see the big picture of how things fit together in the long run.

• Recognize … With the Veteran’s permission, introduce them to the team with mention of their military background. Acknowledge and show gratitude for their service if you feel so inclined, and share what they’ve accomplished in their career so far to help build trust among their colleagues — particularly other Veterans on your team.

• … but also criticize. To honor a Veteran is to give them feedback — directly and often. In the military, there’s often no time to politely beat around the bush when you’re trying to get something done. Delivering criticism can be intimidating for many project managers in the civilian world, but Veteran supervisees may be the most receptive audience you’ll ever find in terms of listening and responding to ideas for on-the-job improvement.

• Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask Veterans about their experiences — starting small of course. Engaging in honest conversation like you would with anyone else is one of the fastest ways to dispel the stigmas that civilians often associate with the military community. Veterans can be exceptionally capable in a surprising number of disciplines. By asking questions, you give the Veteran a chance to set themselves apart from the stereotypes. In return, they’ll share with you the personality, knowledge, and depth that your team may not have realized was there all along. If you allow a Veteran to be their best, they’ll give you everything they have.

With more than 550 military members transitioning out of the service each day, hiring Veterans is one of the best ways to diversify and grow your workforce. But if Veterans are placed into the wrong roles or aren’t properly brought into your culture, they won’t be as successful.

Leverage the strengths of a Veteran by following these six pieces of advice and to maximize your ROI on Veteran hiring. It’s not a sprint to see who can recruit and hire the most Veterans — it’s a marathon, requiring tactful and meaningful retention and engagement when building a pro-Veteran workforce. Once you’re doing it right, fly that “military-friendly” flag with pride.