Hello Pfarrjam,

Couldn't agree more. The reality for most organizations and individual managers is that they either don't have programs to support this type of transition or don't realize such support and training is necessary. It was fortunate for you that you had a retired Army Colonel to support your efforts, but not everyone is as fortunate.

Our goal here is to help bridge the gap for our fellow military to at least offer a space to ask questions and get candid feedback. I believe that through collaboration we can help guide the process. Additionally, in our own way as we pollinate various industries and organizations I think we as transitioned military officers need to champion the effort to support others who are undergoing the transition. Reach out, offer to help, be a sounding board, etc.

Thanks for your comments and if you feel that there is information/resources that ManagingAmericans might include to help other transitioning military officers please let me know.

I left active duty in 1998 after 13 years of service and took a job in IT project management consulting for the Y2K effort. I had the good fortune to get hired by a retired Army Colonel - he took me under his wing and showed me the ropes of the consulting world. It was a good fit and I flourished in that environment.

Since then I've changed jobs 6 times and none of the companies offered any kind of transitional training or development for new hires, much less those with military experience. Corporate America expects you to come to the game fully prepared to execute and deliver the goods - don't show up expecting the same training and prep you received in the military.