Transitions by bryan luther
 
Transitions can be some of the hardest and intimidating things one has to face in his or her life. Half the battle is to understand what it means to transition and plan for it. To transition is to move from one focus to another, whether the case may be moving from your parents’ house to a place of your own or a military life to a civilian one. No matter what the move may be, it can daunt and confuse even the most prepared individuals. Moving from a military lifestyle to a civilian can be very complicated but does not have to be using the right translation. A leader can be defined as someone who has commanding authority or influence. There are leaders everywhere you look. For example, on a construction site they are known as superintendents and for the corporate world there are managers. Both are known as leaders just as sergeants are known in the military, but in different ways. Being able to translate personal experience is very important but needs to be done in a way for anyone to understand. A superintendent's job is to oversee everyone on a jobsite and to ensure the project is being completed correctly and in a timely manner. A manager’s position in the workplace is to oversee subordinates, making sure they are working efficiently and effectively, where as a Sergeant is in charge of the development of a junior Marine by mentoring and monitoring progress in both their personal and professional life. Anyone can get out of the military and say they have leadership capabilities but it needs to be explained as how it relates to what is being applied for. Even the more tangible aspects can be broke down and transfigured to something beneficial to an organization. Monthly and quarterly counselings can be compared to employee progress reports. Both of which discuss the positives and negatives of an individual’s performance, and serve as tools for the one being evaluated by outlining new standards to attain in a given period. In short, knowing “your abilities and talent and relating them to the position you are applying for” is crucial (Jacowski). Language is another big hitter when it comes to becoming a civilian again. Imagine going into an interview and using military slang. The interviewer is going to be confused and unless it is explained you may find yourself tumbling in an endless search for a career. An example of this would the saying “good to go.” Using this particular phrase could be the death sentence not only in an interview, but also to a superior if they do not comprehend what exactly you mean. Instead try saying “I understand” or “Ok.” The difference between the two phrases could be the night and day to the possible employer. Another example of this would be the using the word discipline in a resume. Many people outside of the military attribute a very different meaning than those who spent any time in the military. To the military mind, discipline is the instant willing obedience of orders to include the most fundamental to complex directives. Defining discipline as dedication might be the best option for them to understand what you are actually trying to get across (Wise). The differences between the two occupational paths are often subtle to those with military experience. On the other hand, the real challenge becomes accurately translating military proficiency to civilian know-how. With military people separating everyday, it is becoming more important to help them make this change of lifestyle. Some of these changes are small and seemingly insignificant while others seem to mean the difference between life and death. Knowing what to do can mean the all the difference in the world. Bryan Luther served in the US Marine Corps at Parris Island, SC, four years as a member of the USMC Band. Bryan toured the U.S. as a band member. Upon separating from the military, Bryan became an estimator for a local commercial contractor. He is currently enrolled in classes to achieve a degree in physical therapy and plans on pursuing that career field in the future. He is excited to present his first literary work inspired by his enlistment. Bryan would like to thank Elisabeth Hansen for her support and editorial skills. Works Cited Jacowski, Tony. “Making the Transition from Military to Civilian Employment.” Articlesbase.com. ArticlesBase, 18 May 2008. Web. 24 October 2009. Wise, Lindsay. “They Served U.S., Now They Face a Job Hunt.” AARP.org. AARP Global Network, 29 May 2009. Web. 25 October 2009.

Victor Calzada / AP


Probe Finds Army Charity is Hoarding Millions