Your decision to leave the military will not have been taken lightly. A career in the armed forces will have helped shape the person you are today, and you might find it hard to close the door to that chapter in your life. Whilst some people may have made the decision to leave the military, others may not have had much of a say in the matter. Before now, some people have complained that the military had tried to kick them out. If you are facing involuntary administrative discharge, it’s important to try and appeal it. Other people shouldn’t be able to kick you out of the military for no reason, so you might want to get in contact with some military defense lawyers to try and fight your case for you. Although this has happened before, it doesn’t happen to everyone. Most people decide when they leave the military for retirement.
Fortunately, the future can be bright for a veteran, as there are so many opportunities they have yet to explore. Read the five things you must do once you have left the military.
An Online Degree
The University of South Dakota has designed an online degree for military members in active service, as well as veterans. You can choose from a variety of bachelor and masters degrees that can provide a viable career path once you have left the armed forces, such as professional accountancy, business administration, addiction studies and health sciences, plus more all with the help of using software similar to this Yuja lecture capture platform to record the lecture teachings. Once you have chosen your degree, the University of South Dakota will help with the application, enrollment and financial aid processes.
Create a Strong Resume
Your resume will set you apart from the competition. While many people might have extensive experience in different careers, nothing can quite compare to the leadership and organization skills you will acquire during your time in the military. If you don’t know where to start, consult a recruitment specialist who can help you write a strong resume that will showcase the developed in the armed forces. Don’t forget to detail any training you have received or your accomplishments before, after or during service.
Take Advantage of Free Training
There are many free or subsidized training programs you can enjoy during and after the military. Try to identify if you have any skill gaps, and embark on a training program that can provide the training you need to flourish in an area.
Ask for References
To give yourself the best possible start to a new career, request references from military personnel who can provide a glowing report during your time in service. Write a list of the supervisors and peers, as well as their contact information, so you will have different people to turn to should you ever need a character reference. You can guarantee the reference will stand out in the minds of an employer, and it could be all it takes to convince them that you are the right person for the job.
Create a Military Binder
Every veteran will have various documents they have accumulated during and after their time in the armed forces. It is advisable to store the documents inside a binder so that you will have a list of your duty stations, addresses, training certificates, awards and recommendations, should you need them. Plus, the documents could also be passed down through the generations, as your family will be proud to have an ancestor who served his or her country.
Many veterans don’t know where to start when leaving the military, which is why the above tips can be a great way to embrace a career outside of the armed forces.