Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

By Janelle B. Moore; Don Philpott and Cheryl Lawhorne-Scott

Auszug. © Genehmigter Nachdruck. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.

Life After the Military

THE SCARECROW PRESS, INC.

Contents

Acknowledgments............................................................................................vii1 Leaving the Service......................................................................................12 Developing Your Own Individual Transition Plan (ITP).....................................................213 Transitioning to a New Career............................................................................614 The Entrepreneurial Spirit...............................................................................975 Finding a Home...........................................................................................1336 Going Back to school.....................................................................................1497 Health and Insurance.....................................................................................1618 Transition Benefits......................................................................................1779 Finances.................................................................................................245Appendix 1 Useful Websites.................................................................................259Appendix 2 Transition Checklists Used as Part of the Recovery Care Coordinator Program.....................267Appendix 3 Guide to Entrepreneurship.......................................................................279Appendix 4 VA Facilities...................................................................................283Index......................................................................................................311About the Authors..........................................................................................315

Chapter One

The key to a smooth transition is to be prepared well before you separate from the military. Start early. Make connections and build networks that will help you transition smoothly into the civilian world.

OVERVIEW

There are many different sorts of transitioning—depending on whether you are single, have a family, are looking to find a civilian job, or planning on enjoying retirement as a veteran.

The transition process is also different depending on whether you are considered a first-termer, a midcareerist, or preretiree. Another distinction is between Active Duty and Reserve.

Returning to civilian life is an exciting time, one full of hope for what the next chapter in your life might bring. But the transition is also a complex undertaking. You have many steps to take and many questions to get answered. Transition assistance staff, personnel office staff, relocation specialists, education counselors, and many others can help, but only you and your family can make the critical decisions that must be made. So where should you start?

This guide will help you work through the sections listed on DD Form 2648, Preseparation Counseling Checklist. The checklist allows you to indicate the benefits and services that you wish to receive additional counseling on as you prepare your Individual Transition Plan (ITP). In those cases where the transition counselor cannot answer questions, you will be referred to subject-matter experts that will provide you the information that you need. Work through each element of the guide but take advantage of your opportunity to request the specific resources that are appropriate for you. If you are uncertain about your future plans, now is the time to obtain all the assistance and information you need. Professional guidance and counseling are available at your transition assistance office, as are workshops, publications, information resources, automated resources, and government programs. Take advantage of each one that applies to your unique situation. It is your Individual Transition Plan: It is your responsibility and your life.

The new "My Decision Points" ITP program will help you develop your personalized game plan for successfully transitioning back to civilian life. My Decision Points provides the framework to help you identify your unique skills, knowledge, desires, experience, and abilities to help you make wise choices. It is not a Department of Defense form; it is something you create by yourself, for yourself, with information found at http://www.TurboTAP.org and assistance from a transition counselor. Those who do not live near a military installation can also get assistance by telephone, e-mail, CD ROM, and so on.

As you prepare to transition into your new life, there are a number of psychological matters that have to be taken into account as well as all the other critical issues, such as finding a home, a job, getting the right health coverage, ensuring you have all the benefits you are entitled to, and so on. However, as you prepare for these life-changing events, it is a good time to consider how these will impact your life and those around you.

COPING WITH CHANGE

Transitioning back to civilian life, especially after periods of deployment, may present unique emotional and psychological challenges. It is natural to experience a sense of significant change, some stress, and feelings of ambivalence. You must reconnect with family, friends, and community while attempting to understand and cope both with deployment experiences and your changing circumstances.

Coming home represents a return to comfort and security, but the routines of home and work are markedly different from the focused, intense, and regimented life of active duty. There are several things to keep in mind for a smoother, healthier transition:

• A period of readjustment is normal. Take things slowly. It takes time to reestablish relationships.

• Things will be different. You have changed, as have your family members. Everyone needs to adapt to a new and mutually acceptable family pattern.

• Communication is key. Talk things out. Be honest, be clear, and be sure to listen.

RETURNING FROM HAZARDOUS DUTY

If you have been in harm's way or on hazardous duty, you may experience symptoms of combat stress. Most conditions related to stress during combat are normal reactions to abnormal circumstances. Reactions may be physical (such as sleep disturbances), cognitive (such as concentration or memory problems), or emotional (such as anger or depression).

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also become an issue for those returning from hazardous duty. PTSD is an anxiety disorder that may develop weeks, months, or even years after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal. Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD.

A person with PTSD exhibits three main types of symptoms:

• reexperiencing the traumatic event

• avoidance and emotional numbing

• increased arousal (hypervigilant or "on guard")

There are many ways to cope with these reactions. Positive coping strategies include rest, exercise, and social involvement. If these symptoms persist, consult with a trained health professional. Therapy, with or without medication, has proven extremely effective.

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