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Transition Corner

Transitioning out of the military and into the civilian world can be an overwhelming experience, especially without the guidance of someone who has already been through the process. From signing out, to finding a new home and career, to dropping the military jargon, the issues that arise during transitioning are diverse and can affect every aspect of your life.

In order to give you some insight from those who have 'been there, done that', we present Transition Corner. Along with candidate transition material, we will feature veterans who have successfully transitioned to civilian life and are willing to share their experiences. We hope that Transition Corner will serve as a forum for those transitioning out of the military to receive guidance, advice, and support, as well as to benefit from the experience of a fellow vet.

Would you like to be featured in Transition Corner? Please contact Allison Thomas to learn more!

Chris Canfield U.S. Marines, 0203 Intelligence Officer, Captain Project Engineer, RQ Construction, Inc.
	When it came time for me to transition out of the Marine Corps, I had served eight years at Camp Pendleton, California as a 0203 Intelligence Officer. My biggest consideration during my transition was location and maintaining my current lifestyle based on the requirements of my family. I was not really concerned with what industry I was going to end up in, but rather with the atmosphere, challenges, and growth potential that industry represented. My wife and I have a good group of local friends here in Carlsbad, so the decision to stay here after I separated seemed natural. On top of that, our kids have been in school for a few years, and the weather is beautiful. Because of this decision, I did not have the hassle of a final move and did not have to plan for housing and relocation. Read more… Have a question for Chris? Ask it here!

George Benjamin U.S. Navy, Aviation Electronics, Chief Warrant Officer Quality Engineer, Honeywell
	Transitioning was not a choice; it was mandatory for me to retire. In the Navy, when you are promoted to CWO5, you are only allowed to serve two more years to pay back your promotion. I did this and received my letter saying it was time to retire. Of course, when I was on terminal leave, I did get a call from my detailer saying that the rules had changed and I could remain on active duty, but, by that time, I had a job lined up, and I didn't want to go back to sea duty or go through the transition again. Prior to obtaining my job with Honeywell, I utilized TAP and the Fleet and Family Support Center at my station, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, in preparation for finding a job. TAP was very helpful in learning how to write a resume, interview, and what to expect in the civilian world. The counselors were available outside of the classroom to review resumes and answer any questions. TAP is a very worthwhile program. Read more… Have a question for George? Ask it here!

Shawn Strandberg U.S. Marines, 7509 AV-8B Harrier Pilot, Lieutenant Colonel (select) Site Leader, CIRCOR Aerospace \| Corona, California
	I had been considering retirement from the Marine Corps for several years, so my wife was ecstatic when I turned down promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. The transition out of the military was exactly what we wanted to do. Fortunately, we were in a great position when I retired. Our finances allowed me to not work while focusing on our future. I interned at a local hospital while researching full time MBA programs and career opportunities. I was stationed in Yuma, Arizona, when I retired from the military. After retirement, I started an internship at Yuma Regional Medical Center working for the hospital's corporate leadership. Because I already had a plan for my transition, I did not utilize any on-base transition programs aside from the mandatory classes I had to attend. I applied to several MBA programs with the intent of starting school in the fall of 2008. Read more… Have a question for Shawn? Ask it here!

Kostas Hatzidakis U.S. Navy, Naval Submarine Nuclear Officer, Lieutenant Maintenance Planner, ExxonMobil
	Once I realized I was no longer interested in deploying overseas, I decided to separate from the Navy. During my transition, I found that one of the easiest parts was finding career opportunities. You will have many opportunities coming out of the military. Obtaining the opportunities is not the hard part - the hard part is choosing the best path to get you to where you want to be in 20 years. Most military officers will have several opportunities thrown at them prior to transitioning, just as I did. I kept an open mind and used all the resources possible to find the right career for me. The resources included Orion International, Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com, other recruiting agencies, NAVNET, and networking through friends." Read more… Have a question for Kostas? Ask it here!

Cory Demery U.S. Air Force, Nuclear Missile Operator (Missilier), Captain Sales Engineer, Tyco Electronics \| Los Angeles, California
	Prior to my current career with Tyco Electronics, I completed my training at Vandenberg AFB in central California. My base station was FE Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I had about 45 days of leave saved when I left the Air Force, and I also had a commander that granted me additional leave for job/house hunting. After my transition, I settled in Los Angeles, California. I wanted a fresh start in a big city, and California seemed perfect. Also, my fiancé had the opportunity to complete her Masters at Cal State LA. Transitioning out of the military can be a very stressful experience. With the economy in its current state, it's hard to justify leaving the job security that the military provides. But keep in mind that civilian companies often offer the same type of benefits as the military and can be as flexible, as well. Read more… Have a question for Cory? Ask it here!

Tom Grady U.S. Army, Petroleum Supply Specialist, Specialist Stockton, California
	My transition out of the military was a little rough due to the economy and job market at the time of my departure. I was stationed at Ft. Carson, Colorado, and separated in March 2006. There were a lot of soldiers getting out of the military in Colorado Springs, so jobs for ex-soldiers were scarce. I had 23 days of terminal leave saved up, and it ended up being about 30 days after I left the military that I was hired by my current employer, although I didn't start my job for another six weeks. The job required a move all the way to Iowa from Colorado. I had a 5-month-old son at the time of my separation from the Army, and money was definitely tight. It was really strange not going to formations and PT and everything that I had done every day for the last four years. I had just gotten back from my second tour in Iraq, too. It was hard enough transitioning from combat zone to home, but, on top of that, I was transitioning into the civilian work force. Read more… Have a question for Tom? Ask it here!

Patrick Zimmer U.S. Navy, Mineman, Third Class and Sonar Technician, Third Class Field Engineer, Baker Atlas
	Crossing the brow for the last time and being rung ashore was one of the most bittersweet moments of my life, and I still look back on that as the day my world changed. Facing the uncertainty associated with change is the hardest part of transitioning out of the military. Leaving the Navy after seven years was frightening when you consider that the Navy was really the only job (or practical experience) that I had held to that point. I served both as a Mineman Third class (MN3) and as a Sonar Technician Third Class (STS3). My seagoing tours were at Naval Submarine Base Bangor, Washington, onboard USS NEVADA (SSBN-733(B)), and at Naval Station Ingleside, Texas, with MCM CREW BULWARK (onboard USS CHIEF AND USS SENTRY). I spent my shore time at Naval Submarine Base New London at the Naval Submarine School (staff and student) and in the Naval Nuclear Power Training Program at Weapons Station Charleston, South Carolina (student). Read more… Have a question for Patrick? Ask it here!

Tim O'Neill U.S. Air Force, Government Flight Representative/Aviation Maintenance Manager, Captain Business Unit Manager (Program Manager), CIRCOR Aerospace \| Corona, California
	Transitioning from the Air Force was not as easy as I thought it would be. I had one-and-a-half month of terminal leave saved up when I separated, but I did not begin my new career until four months after leaving the Air Force. I started sweating it when I didn't find a job right off the bat. I'm glad I had saved money in case the transition didn't go as smoothly as originally planned. All-in-all, I'm very happy I was able to be placed through Orion International into a great career that now utilizes what I've learned in the military. I did utilize the Transition Program on base, but I felt it was not geared toward officers. I did not think they completely answered my questions and concerns. That's when I turned to Orion's services. I found them to be a great bridge between active duty and the civilian job market. I couldn't have done it without them! Read more… Have a question for Tim? Ask it here!