Translate Your Military Skills
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers assistance to U.S. military veterans who want to translate their military skills, experience and training into career options that best suit their capabilities. To get started, log onto https://mst.vaforvets.va.gov/mst/va/ and define your military experience by adding your Military Job Title (for example, your MOS, MOSC, Rating, Designator). Once this information is selected, you can add your subspecialties and training to further customize the job postings available to you. From CareerOneStop, a pathway to career success sponsored by the U.S.; Department of Labor, here are some specialty programs to help connect veterans to specific industries: * Troops to Teachers (https://www.proudtoserveagain.com/) is a U.S. Department of Defense program that helps current and former military personnel begin new careers as teachers in public schools. TTT helps participants identify certification requirements, programs leading to certification, and job opportunities. * Helmets to Hardhats (https://www.helmetstohardhats.org/military-service-members) is a national, nonprofit program that connects National Guard, Reserve, retired and transitioning active-duty military service members with skilled training and quality career opportunities in the construction industry. Most career opportunities offered by the program are connected to federally approved apprenticeship training programs. * Military to Mariners (https://www.marad.dot.gov/mariners_landing_page/veterans/Veterans-Military-to-Mariners.htm) helps connect veterans to careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine. The program, through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, provides information about the Merchant Marines as well as how to apply for certificates and licenses using Navy or Coast Guard experience. * Veterans in Piping (https://www.uavip.org/veterans) offers high-quality skills training and jobs in the pipe trades to U.S. veterans and active duty military personnel preparing to leave the service. VIP is a program of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States, Canada, and Australia. LEARN MORE For more information from CareerOneStop on translating your military skills, visit:...
read moreWalking the Talk – Job Advice for Vets
Transitioning from military to civilian life can seem like a daunting task. Here are some tips for a successful military transition from two experts on the employment front. From Lewis Lin, CEO of Impact Interview (https://www.impactinterview.com/) and formerly Microsoft’s director of product management and marketing: Think about transferrable skillsHow can you describe your military experiences for a corporate role? Take for example: * If you trained more than 200 people on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, think how your training preparation, delivery, and results could apply in a corporate classroom setting. * If you helped the Navy save $3 million dollars by administering 37 government travel accounts, think how this experience could apply to a financial controller position. * If you were in charge of an aircraft repair department, think how the Six Sigma principles you learned could apply to a manufacturing or operations job. Adjust from military to corporate speakA key to getting the job is fitting in — not only do you have to demonstrate the right skills, but you also need to adopt the right body language and speech. Here are a few examples: * Be wary of military jargon. Rather than say you were the “black swan” expert, explain that you developed contingency plans for rare events. * Rather than use military time, use civilian time. That is, instead of confirming an interview for 15-hundred hours, use 3 pm. * No need to address your professional contacts as Sir or Ma’am. You can typically address them by their first name. Play up your strengths as an ex-military candidate Military veterans are known for precise communication, individual accountability, impeccable execution and natural leadership. Don’t forget to showcase this during the interview. All four skills are in high demand, regardless of position. Give yourself credit for strengths that many non-military job candidates lack. Other key skills to play up: poise, ingenuity, and ability to handle stressful situations well. For more tips from Lewis, visit https://www.military.com/military-transition/employment-and-career-planning/secrets-for-successful-military-career-transition.html?comp=7000024628453&rank=22001 Stephen Cleare, of tap2-O.com, is a blogger and the author of “The Little Green Guide for Veterans.” He advises on https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/job-hunting/3-job-tips-for-veterans.html: Look the part. When one of my clients is hiring a veteran, he/she has a vision in their head about what you look like. The picture they have is somewhat about your physical appearance, but mostly about the way you carry yourself. Whether you are interviewing for an executive position or a technical job, maintain the military posture. Now, I’m not saying you need to stand at parade rest. I’m saying you need to stand tall, chest out and shoulders back. Ensure your interview attire is appropriate and pressed. A more civilian haircut is typically preferred, but not a showstopper. The military posture, however, is highly impressive. It raises the bar for your unsuspecting competition. Do your homework. Once you know the name of the company and the person with whom you’re interviewing, do something different – research them. You don’t need to spend all day figuring out who their soul mate is or the names of all the company board members. You do need to find two or three things about the company that you find interesting. This way, when they ask you “Do you know anything about us” you can say “Yes, I know a little” and then discuss...
read moreJob-Finding Tips for Veterans
Service members who are leaving the military now face another type of adventure: finding a job. According to Robert Half, many employers are honored to offer civilian jobs to veterans, as the skills you learned while serving translate smoothly into a number of civilian careers. While finding a job after the military that suits you can take time and effort, this employment firm offers some tips and resources to help you start your search: HOW TO FIND MILITARY-FRIENDLY EMPLOYERS All companies and organizations hire veterans, but some offer specific programs to attract former military personnel. Victory Media publishes an annual list of its top 100 military-friendly employers (https://employers.militaryfriendly.com/), which can be a useful research tool. VetCentral also publishes a list of federal contractors and other vet-friendly employers. These lists can be a good starting point for narrowing down your job search. OTHER RESOURCES FOR VETERANS For more ideas on finding military-friendly employers, consider visiting veteran-specific job boards such as Military Friendly (https://militaryfriendly.com/) and Robert Half’s own Career Opportunities for Veterans website (https://roberthalf-veterans.jobs/). Another great place to find employment is at military job fairs. There are several online resources available for researching job fairs based on location, such as Stars and Stripes Veteran Job Center (https://veteranjobs.stripes.com/military-events) and VR, or Veteran Recruiting (https://www.veteranrecruiting.com). Additionally, the U.S. government offers veterans many services geared toward helping them job search, obtain education and training, and sign up for benefits. The GI Bill (https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/) is one of the best-known programs. HOW TO MAKE A GREAT IMPRESSION Landing a job as a veteran requires standing out from the pack, just as it does for nonveterans. Here are a few ways to find and connect with companies that hire veterans: 1. Do Your Research To make sure you target the right companies, first study the occupational specialty codes used by the military and correlate them to skills being sought in the job market. Feds Hire Vets (https://mst.vaforvets.va.gov/mst/va/) is a free, handy tool that can help you make these correlations. 2. Showcase Strengths In the military, you cultivated powerful qualities that can and will set you apart, especially if the companies you target tend to hire veterans. In your resume, be sure to highlight qualities such as: Teamwork, leadership training and decision-making skills Problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure Dependability and punctuality Dedication and commitment Understanding of the chain of command 3. Know What’s Out There Familiarize yourself with related legislation, such as the Joining Forces initiative (https://www.whitehouse.gov), in which the White House pledged to lower unemployment rates for veterans. Through the affiliated website, you can access links to other valuable employment programs, such as the Veterans Job Bank (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/nrd). LEARN MORE: Information for this article came from Robert Half, a global employment services and consulting firm. For more tips and resources visit...
read moreTap into “TAP” for an Effective Transition
Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be exciting. But it can also be challenging and overwhelming at times, given the complex process that’s involved. With that in mind, the U.S. Military established the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to meet the needs of separating service members during their transition period by offering job-search assistance and related services. Below are the names of each service’s TAP, and three key steps for getting the most out of their offerings, based on guidance from Military.com (https://www.military.com/military-transition/3-steps-to-getting-ready.html): Army: Soldier For Life — formerly known as the Army Career and Alumni Program, or ACAP (https://www.soldierforlife.army.mil/). Air Force: Airman and Family Readiness Center . Navy: Fleet and Family Support Center. Marines: Career Resource Management Center (CRMC)/Transition & Employment Assistance Program Center. Coast Guard: Worklife Division – Transition Assistance (https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-of-Work-Life-CG-111/). Step 1. Schedule Your Pre-Separation Counseling One of the first things you must do is to make an appointment to meet with your Transition/ACAP Office or Command Career Counselor. In most cases, these professionals can be found in the Family Center of your military installation’s Transition Assistance Office. They can assist you with special transition benefits information, employment workshops, automated employment job-hunting tools and job banks, veteran benefits information, and other particulars. Best of all, their assistance is free of charge! Step 2. Review the Pre-Separation Counseling Checklist Your Transition Counselor or Command Career Counselor will walk you through the Pre-Separation Counseling Checklist. At this meeting, he or she will: Assist you in developing an individual needs assessment. Identify helpful relocation resources. Offer immediate and long-range career guidance. Provide benefits counseling. Refer you to other service providers for any additional assistance you may require. Step 3. Draft Your Individual Transition Plan Information on developing your individual transition plan (ITP) is available through the Transition Assistance Office. You may want to use your Transition Counseling Checklist as a guide for developing your own unique ITP. Three key decision points to be considered when creating your ITP are money, benefits and employment. Once you’ve created your ITP, review it with your spouse or another adult family member and get their feedback. It is recommended you also review your ITP with a Department of Veterans Affairs counselor or a Department of Labor Career One Stop staff member. PLEASE NOTE: You may schedule your Pre-Separation counseling appointment any time within a year before your planned separation date. But since it takes time to prepare for an effective transition, be sure to contact the office at least 180 days before your separation. By law, pre-separation counseling (completion of DD Form 2648, the “Pre-Separation Counseling Checklist”) must occur no later than 90 days prior to...
read moreSaving for a Rainy Day
Saving for a “rainy day” or emergency fund can help protect you from having to use high-cost credit when you hit a rough patch. Getting started is the first and most important step, and fortunately, there are resources available to military members — at no charge – to help you start down the road to financial freedom. So, why not begin now? Here are three programs listed by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau: Begin with the Personal Financial Management Program Start on your installation by talking with the PFMP office located in military and family support centers. These offices are present on all Department of Defense military installations. Find location and contact information for yours by going online and choosing “Personal Financial Management Services” under program/service. National Guard and Reserve personnel not located near a military installation can access information and personalized financial counseling assistance through “Military OneSource” by calling 1-800-342-9647 or visiting it online at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/. Earn 10% interest with the Savings Deposit Program Military personnel have the opportunity to earn 10% interest on up to $10,000 in savings annually while deployed to or in support of a combat zone. Uniformed members of the Armed Forces can contribute to the Savings Deposit Program, which is administered by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, after 30 consecutive days of deployment outside the U.S., for as long as you are receiving hostile fire pay. Any military finance office in your area of deployment can help you establish an account and set up the deposit method most convenient for you. Retire/Invest with the Federal Thrift Savings Program The Thrift Savings Plan (https://www.tsp.gov/index.shtml) is a retirement savings and investment plan for Federal employees and members of the uniformed services, including the Ready Reserve. By contributing as little as $20 per payday, your savings could really stack up. LEARN MORE: This content was developed using advice from the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. For further information, visit the U.S. government agency’s website at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/servicemembers/planning/...
read moreEmergency Assistance for Servicemembers
Should an emergency situation arise, members of the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard and their families may qualify to receive financial or other types of assistance to tide them over. While eligibility factors vary, here are some resources to keep in mind, along with a brief description of their offerings and contact information: AIR FORCE AID SOCIETY (AFAS) Financial assistance from the Air Force Aid Society is available to Airmen and their eligible family members to meet their immediate needs in an emergency situation. The AFAS provides interest-free Standard Emergency Assistance Loans and Grants, for which there is a standard application and requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. It also provides Falcon Loans of up to $750, for which there is a streamlined application process that requires no budget information, backup documentation or First Sergeant/Commander approval. In addition, Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve personnel on extended active duty 15 days or more under Title 10 USC are eligible for emergency assistance when the emergency is incident to, or resulting from, an applicant’s active-duty tour. For more information, contact the AFAS at (703) 972-2650, or https://www.afas.org/. ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF (AER) Army Emergency Relief serves as the U.S. Army’s emergency financial assistance organization and is dedicated to “Helping the Army Take Care of Its Own.” AER funds are made available to commanders to provide emergency financial assistance to soldiers — active and retired — and their dependents when there is a valid need. AER funds made available to commanders are not limited, and are constrained only by the requirement of valid need. For these reasons, the AER assistance program is conducted within the Army by major commanders and their installation/organization commanders through AER sections and other related organizations. For more information, contact AER at (703) 428-0000, toll free (866) 878-6378, or https://www.aerhq.org. NAVY-MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY (NMCRS) The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides financial assistance and education, as well as other programs and services, to members of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, their eligible family members, widows, and survivors. Its main goal is to help each person who comes to it get support for their immediate needs. Programs and services include: Financial Assistance and Counseling, Quick Assist Loans (QALs), Education Assistance, Health Education and Post-Combat Support, Budget for Baby, Emergency Travel, Disaster Relief, and Thrift Shops. For more information, contact the NMCRS toll free at (800)-654-8364, or online at https://www.nmcrs.org/. COAST GUARD MUTUAL ASSISTANCE (CGMA) Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is the official relief society of the U.S. Coast Guard. Established as a non-profit charitable organization, it works closely with the Coast Guard, but is an independent corporation. Its mission is to promote the financial stability and general well being of Coast Guard people through interest-free loans, grants, and financial counseling. For more information, contact CGMA at (703) 872-6716, toll free (800) 881-2462, or...
read moreAvailable Dollars for Degrees
Your service in the U.S. Armed Forces may help you reduce the cost of getting an education. Eligibility and benefits vary, but here are a number of programs that are available to help you plan and achieve your educational goals. Visit their links for more detailed information. The Montgomery GI Bill The MGIB Active Duty provides up to 36 months of educational benefits to active-duty veterans. Reservists may be eligible for the MGIB-Selected Reserve. Post 9/11 GI Bill The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after 9/11/01, or individuals discharged with a service-oriented disability after at least 30 days. https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp VEAP/REAP The Veterans Educational Assistance Program and the Reserve Educational Assistance Program are each contribution-based platforms that provide service members with educational funding. https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/veap.asp and https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/reap.asp Loans and Grants There are three kinds of federal aid: grants, work-study, and student loans. Federal student aid is need-based. To find out if you are eligible, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. https://fafsa.ed.gov/ Some states offer additional educational benefits to members of the military or their family members. https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal?_nfpb=true&_nfxr=false&_pageLabel=BenefitsByState There are also private loans, which are usually at a higher interest rate than the government loans. These loans do not have the same terms as federal student loans and the repayment terms may be significantly different. Scholarships Scholarships for military personnel and family members are available from a variety of sources, such as military professional organizations and veterans service organizations. Some are need-based; others are awarded on merit. The National Resource Directory lists a wide variety of scholarships available. https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/nrd The American Legion’s Need A Lift publication also lists a wealth of other resources to help further your education. LEARN MORE: This content was developed using advice from the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. For further information, visit the U.S. government agency’s website at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/servicemembers/planning/...
read moreSaving Money, the Navy Way
The U.S. Navy has some useful — and creative! – advice for military personnel and their families who ask: Where am I going to find extra money to put away? Listed below are a few of the Navy’s tips, which may help you in your effort to build a substantial nest egg. When payday comes around, always pay your savings account first as though it were a regular bill. Direct deposit is probably the easiest way to do this. Remember, the amount you deposit is not as important as depositing something on a regular basis. So set it – and forget it! Save all of your change in a jar. Pick a designated date and take it to the bank to deposit into savings. Scrimp one month out of the year. Let your imagination go wild on how you can save as much as possible for one month. Knowing that this episode of frugality will end in 30 days may help add to your motivation. Give up one trip to a fast food restaurant per week and make a sack lunch to eat instead. Put the money you saved into your account! Make some family savings goals together (save for vacation, a dinner out, or a trip to an amusement park). Show the children your written family budget. Add up the numbers so they can see where the money is being allocated. Try to get a family consensus on which expenses can be cut back, and task each person with a money savings responsibility. Make a game out of cutting costs and saving. Offer special rewards to your kids if they meet their own savings goals (saved enough money for a toy, a trip to the movies, clothes, bike, or a first car). LEARN MORE: This content was developed using money-saving tips from the U.S. Navy Personal Financial Management Program that were posted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on the CFPB’s website. For more tips and information, visit: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/servicemembers/planning/creativesavingsstrategies, or...
read moreHoliday $$$ Help for Military Families
The holiday season can bring both joy and stress to military families, not only emotionally but financially. Gifts and get-togethers are great, but expenses can run high! For service members and their families who seek financial assistance, here are some examples of resources that may be available nationally, or in your local community: USO – Ask your local USO about its holiday programs. Some offer free meals, entertainment, and toys to military families. https://www.uso.org/locations Toys for Tots – Since 1947 the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve program has distributed nearly half a billion toys as Christmas gifts to children in the communities it serves. This program is open to all children, including military kids. Families can select their state from the “Request a Toy” tab to learn about how to sign up. https://www.toysfortots.org/request_toys/Default.aspx Veterans’ Service Organizations – Many Veterans’ Service Organizations (VFW, American Legion, etc.) provide holiday support to service members, veterans, and their families. Programs vary, but may include holiday meals, food pantries, gift card distribution, and fellowship. Check out BBB Wise giving Alliance at www.give.org for information about charities supporting members of the military and veteran communities. Installation Support – Holiday support at local installations also varies, but may include food baskets, holiday meals, toy donation, fellowship, or entertainment. Contact the family center at your nearest installation and ask about the support provided this year. Local Nonprofits – The scope of support varies greatly. Nonprofits may be regional, national, or only provide support to military families within a certain county. Operation Homefront is an example of a national nonprofit that provides regional support. In some areas it offers holiday meals, holiday parties, and toy drives for military families. Contact your family support center for a list of nonprofits providing support to military families in your area. Military Discounts – Also keep in mind that discounts are offered by numerous stores, services and online sites – and not just during the holidays! – withnames spanning from A (Apple, Applebees, Armed Forces Eyewear, etc.) to Z (Zales Diamond Store). For a comprehensive list, visit https://militarybenefits.info/military-discounts/. LEARN MORE: Information for this article came from The National Military Family Association, a private, non-profit group; and MilitaryBenefits, a non-government, privately funded website. For additional tips and referrals, visit https://www.militaryfamily.org/ and...
read moreGetting The Best Deals Month To Month — A Shopper’s Guide
Saving money is every shopper’s dream – and it’s essential if you’re operating on a tight budget. While you probably receive e-mails, texts, tweets and circulars touting great sales daily, it’s also good to keep in mind that deep discounts for some items still go by the calendar, which can help you to plan ahead. Here’s a list compiled by Consumer Reports for getting the best deals on goods, month by month: January – Bedding, linens, toys, treadmills and ellipticals, TVs, winter clothing February – Humidifiers, indoor furniture, treadmills and ellipticals March – Digital cameras, humidifiers, small consumer electronics (MP3 players, DVD and Blu-Ray players, etc), TVs, winter sports gear April – Laptop and desktop computers, digital cameras, lawn mowers, spring clothing May – Athletic apparel and shoes, camping and outdoor gear, carpeting, cordless phones, lawn mowers, mattresses, small consumer electronics June – Camcorders; carpeting; computers; indoor furniture; pots, pans, and dishware; small consumer electronics; summer sports gear, swimwear July – Camcorders, indoor and outdoor furniture, swimwear August – Air conditioners, backpacks, dehumidifiers, outdoor furniture, snow blowers September – Bikes; digital cameras; gas grills; lawn mowers; shrubs, trees, and perennials; small consumer electronics; snow blowers October – Bikes, computers, digital cameras, gas grills, lawn mowers, winter coats November – Baby products, bikes, camcorders, gas grills, GPS navigators, toys, TVs December – Bikes, camcorders, gas grills, GPS navigators, large and small home appliances, small consumer electronics, toys Learn More: This content was developed using advice from the experts at Consumer Reports. You can get more information on these tips and explore a variety of savings opportunities at...
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