Transitioning from military to civilian life can be a positive but significant challenge, especially for veterans who’ve served for many years. It’s a big shift in identity. No more morning shaves, short haircuts or searching for my boots and Common Access Card (CAC), a necessity for base access and government computer logins. One day, you wake up and your military service is over. When that moment came for me, I asked myself, “What’s next?”
When Your Post-Military Plan Changes
Like many service members who have come before and after me, I had a solid post-military plan: Take a year off, start my own business and take it easy. However, my plan was swiftly derailed when my wife was diagnosed with cancer shortly after my retirement, changing everything. I quickly became her primary caregiver. This diagnosis dramatically altered our lives and our way of thinking, as it reminded us that nothing is promised. During this transition period and amid the bad news, I needed an outlet for my thoughts. Yet, I wanted to use my time wisely – for personal gratification, self-improvement and to prepare myself if I needed to return to the civilian workforce for insurance purposes.
Choosing a Military-Friendly Online College
I had a lightbulb moment – why not go back to school? I conducted an extensive search for the right online college, and let me tell you, there are so many options for veterans that it can be overwhelming. I considered program flexibility, institutional reputation and support services for veteran students. After some consideration, I discovered American College of Education (ACE) and, as of this writing, I’ve just completed my 24th online course.
Using the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and Army Career Skills Program
About 12 months before my military retirement, I began the transition to civilian life. My first step was participating in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Through TAP, I learned that the Army allows soldiers to enroll in the Career Skills Program (CSP), so I remotely joined the Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA), an 18-week paid training program. After completing MSSA, I finished my out-processing.
Lessons Learned: Why Veterans Should Start College Before Separation
Reflecting on my experience, I realize that instead of starting with MSSA, I should have started my degree program right away. This would have motivated me to complete my degree and better prepare for a civilian career. The military offers various transition plans and timelines to accommodate service members. However, proactive effort during the early stages of the military-to-civilian transition is crucial for crafting a clear path to the next chapter of life.
Earning a Master’s Degree as a Veteran Student
Going back to school as a veteran has allowed me to concentrate on the things I can change. For the things I can’t, I’ve been able to invest my time in completing assignments and expanding my knowledge through education. I have fulfilled the requirements for my master’s degree and am looking forward to pursuing a doctoral program, which would be my third program at ACE.
Life Beyond the Uniform
Taking my first online class at ACE was a transformative and captivating experience. Discovering the college was crucial to my transition, revealing that there is life beyond the uniform. This journey requires careful planning and strategy, but every step is worthwhile. Embracing this change has opened doors I never imagined, proving that the effort invested in the transition from military to civilian life is a gateway to endless possibilities.
