rapidfire

Lifting the Fog Mission: Transition

F

or many, military-to-civilian career transition is like looking through a bank of fog so thick you

can’t see where you are going or how to get there. Not knowing which direction to take can create feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Unlike foggy weather, you can lift career fog through conducting re- search and creating relationships. Research sectors, companies, and po-

sitions, and you’ll gain valuable informa- tion about opportunities that might be a great fit for you and your family as you enter life after the military. New rela- tionships will expose you to people who can help you find your way to the perfect career opportunity. You have employed both of these skills in your military ca- reer, so these tools are nothing new.

By conducting lots of research and meeting lots of people, you will begin to create, then refine, a series of career non- negotiables (location, sector, salary or benefits, travel requirements, hours, and others) that support your career objec- tive. It might seem counterintuitive, but the more specific you are in your nonne- gotiables, the higher your probability of getting exactly what you want! A great way to develop nonnego- tiables is by seeking informational in- terviews to expand your network and knowledge. By meeting people over cof- fee or lunch, you’ll learn about common terms of employment and refine those you value most.

— Col. John Sims, USA (Ret), MOAA Transition Center

Ask MOAA’s Member Service Center

If you have a ques- tion about the VA claim process, pick up the phone or send a quick email to MOAA’s Member Ser- vice Center. Member service representa- tives trained by the VA can help answer your questions about health care or disabil-

ity claims, point you to a helpful MOAA or external resource, or get you started with MOAA’s veterans service organization that assists claimants in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Call (800) 234-

MOAA (6622) or email msc@moaa.org to learn more or get your claim started. Average response time is one business day or less.

24 MILITARY OFFICER OCTOBER 2015

IMAGES: LEFT, KELLY LEIGH MILLER; ABOVE, STEVE BARRETT