FORT RUCKER, Ala. (May 7, 2015) -- Every person in the military will hang up their uniform for the last time -- some earlier than others.
For those who have been in service 20 or more years, transition brings about numerous changes.
Decreased Self-worth. Transitioning Soldiers who are retiring have developed a military life-style and mind set. Don't be surprised if you find yourself feeling a little down when you go to the closet each morning and have to pick out a new set of clothes to wear.
However, you are just continuing to wear a uniform in your new job that is different from the one you wore in the military. You may find this a little hard to do initially, but you will soon get the hang of it.
Also, almost all transitioning service members have to take a job that pays lower, initially, than what they were making before they transitioned. Don't let this hamper your efforts to shine in your new job. You're going to find that promotions will come soon and often in most cases.
Communication. Some transitioning military men and women are fortunate enough to land a job on a military installation. If it is the same service that they retired from, then they will have no problem with communication.
But for the others who don't get a job with the same service or a job that is unrelated with the military, they are going to have a harder time communicating initially.
Your first days on the job may be challenging just trying to understand what is being said because, just like the military, the corporate world also has its own acronyms that you are going to have to learn. Even if you go to work for a sister service, the acronyms are different from the ones that you learned.
Also, in the military, everyone wore their rank so that you knew where they were in the leadership structure. That won't be the case in the corporate world. You will have to get to know everyone individually.
You may even find that communicating with other employees at gatherings you are a little more reserved. While in the military you could identify with other patches that the Soldiers were wearing and have instant connections and familiarity; but that won't be the case any longer.
A sense of loss. Don't be surprised if you feel a little down after you transition, especially if you retired. It is normal to go through a grieving process, similar to the loss of a loved one, when you retire. After all, you are changing just about everything that you are accustomed to doing -- your whole world may feel upside down.
In some cases, you have given up your familiar surroundings, language, friends and entire lifestyle. It could take some time before you adopt your new environment, but you will get there -- don't give up.
The only other recourse is to stay in the area where you retired and get a job on the installation.
For more information on this and other transition topics, contact the Fort Rucker Soldier for Life Center at 255-2558.
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