• Applying to business and/or law school is a long, difficult, and nuanced process and I heavily leaned on my veteran network to achieve success.

• College helps, and do not underestimate the value of doing courses while you are in. Your wallet will thank you and it will give you a leg up.

• Bad grades can be explained in a supplemental letter.

• The undergraduate degree is not important, mine was in psychology and my friend was in Geology. The GPA and prior school holds more weight. My friend was accepted to MIT, Harvard, Columbia, Yale and Dartmouth. Most programs offer Executive MBAs, which allow for full-time employment and are often better networking opportunities as the cohort is usually filled with established people.

• Don’t shy away from the trade jobs. Most of the trade schools required for those jobs are fully funded by the G.I. Bill, are only 1 semester, and will have a starting pay similar to a bachelor’s degree.

• Take your credit score seriously.

• Get control of your spending; clear all debts.

• Research and identify VSOs in your final destination. These Veteran Services Officers will be able to assist you through your process of the disability claim. I was lucky enough to be referred to and represented by the Wounded Warrior Project when fighting the VA on certain claims. Appeal what you receive initially, it will help increase what you deserve, you earned it. Having a VSO provides you with further insight that can be beneficial through the processes.

• If you did not transition to the National Guard or Reserves, be cautious with VA benefits. If you receive VA benefits and try to re-enlist, it will be difficult (not impossible, but difficult).

• The last thing I will say isn't for everyone but take a hard look at the NG or Army Reserve; especially if your future plans involve medicine or technology. The benefits are really very good, $200 a month Tri-Care for your family, education benefits, retirement, networking are just a few. It isn't for everyone and not even NG SF is like Regiment. You will miss b-days, family events etc. but a retirement check and medical for life at age 60 isn't all that bad. I also used the NG as a "go to hell" plan; if things got real bad economically I could always take a mobilization to pay my bills and take care of my family.

• Make sure that your medical is all covered. If you have not started, you will need to put together a VA disability claim. This is very important for the fact you can receive many benefits to include some of the certs you are seeking free of charge. I would recommend that you speak to your doc and he/she should get you all the appointments you will need to start your packet. If you receive 100% disability, in addition to financial benefits, you can get free education and certs. e.g. In Florida you do not have to pay property taxes. Research Disabled Vet benefits by state.

CAREER ADVICE

• Work to define the objectives you want to achieve: type of role you are seeking, industries you are interested in working. Few companies are looking for leaders or problem solvers. What are you passionate about and what skills do you possess? They want people who can fill specific roles and have the hard skills and experience to fill these roles. Reach out to people in those industries. Consider finding some places to do some volunteer work to get experience and to expand your network.

• Nobody keeps the first job they take after they transition. If that happens to you great, you are the exception. Almost everyone has to get out there and try things out before they figure out what they like/want. Don’t beat yourself up if things don't initially work out. Learn lessons, adjust fire, and continue moving forward. You’ll land where you need or want to be.

• Do what you want to do now, not what others think you should do.

• Very overwhelming and stressful. But just understand that it is a work in progress that is specific to you. Do not compare your progress and plans to others' transition goals. Understand what it is that makes you happy after your service, make goals off of that, and then execute.. one step at a time.

• Lower your expectations of co-workers. They are not always like us. It will be a big change from the people you are used to working around.

• Immediately develop skills relevant to the job market you seek to participate in.

• Don’t shy away from the trade jobs. Most of the trade schools required for those jobs are fully funded by the G.I. Bill, are only 1 semester, and will have a starting pay similar to a bachelor’s degree.

• Don’t chase the dollar. Do something you enjoy and success will follow.

• Your first job after the Ranger Regiment will not be your last job. Not much of my initial plan happened. Lots of changes, just like Regiment be flexible because the only constant is change.

• Look at all the benefits of a job, not just the money. Education, Health, Travel, ease of doing your job; not is the job easy but does the company make it easy to do your work. Many benefits might make a job paying $5000 less more attractive.

• You started as the new guy when you first joined the Army and throughout your career. Just when you started to be confident in a position, you were moved and usually up to the next level, and once again, you were the new guy. When you retire or transition, you end an era and begin a new one. Once again, you chose to start over. This is nothing new as you have repeatedly been the new guy throughout your career; it is part of the growth process. Embrace the newness; it is a challenge, and there should be no complacency. Like in BN, you will only be the new guy until the next one appears. SUA SPONTE!

• SkillBridge program. Please use these resources as they will expose you to many companies. I interned for a company in Tampa and received numerous offer letters upon completion.

• There are no Infantry Platoon Leaders/Company Commander positions in the civilian sector, but there are Project and Program Manager positions requiring similar skills. Take the time to learn how your military skills translate into being marketable for positions outside the military.

• Security Contracting Advice

• Do not get disappointed if the leadership in your civilian job is not as good as your experience in the Regiment, every leader there was the top 1%. Do not catch yourself saying “When I was in BN we did it this way.” No one cares and you will just make enemies who will try to derail your forward progression.

NETWORKING ADVICE

• I cannot stress enough the importance of leveraging TRF Mentors to aid your transition. Relationships matter!

• No ONE person has all the advice you need to be successful. So talk to many people who've transitioned and poach one or two nuggets from each person. Spend a lot of time learning about different roles and job descriptions, talking to people in those roles to really make sure you know the exact job or jobs you want to do then viciously pursue those opportunities.

• My Dad has conceded that even as a Harvard grad, Harvard Business School doesn't compare to the network you have coming out of Regiment.

• Someone's knowledge, Rolodex, and assistance are why we all got our jobs!

• I can certainly appreciate the frustration associated with breaking into a market. I can also appreciate having a good network of people when times get tough.

• You are in great hands with all of the Rangers that will reach out to you, something I did not have when I got out. All it takes is one person to look out for you and you have every Ranger that has come before you that will do just that.

• I think Rangers will persevere no matter what is thrown at them. Still, if we can get them to stay in touch with the group, I think we can help them in the future with so many decisions, retirement planning in the civilian world, good groups/agencies to work with, etc.

• Do not hesitate to ask for help and reach out to others! There are so many available resources out there at your disposal. Creating a network of support is one of the keys to success! Building an initial transition plan may seem

• Rangers aren’t individuals; they are team players. They get stronger by transferring their strength to others, no other creature like it!

• I know things can appear daunting to the young Rangers now. I hope they realize there is a virtual battalion of teammates willing, eager, and able to support them in their respective journeys.

• Through my transition, I've gained valuable insight into the importance of building your network and capitalizing on all the free resources available to veterans.

• Network to develop Partnerships to build Resources.

• You don’t have to know everything, surround yourself with people who are experts in their own fields.

• Define what success looks like to you and surround yourself with those people

• Plan to reach your goals with phase lines to ensure you are on track. Build a solid support network.

• Surround yourself with successful people and learn the good and bad from the leaders over you. Never burn your bridges and if you've survived, then utilize your training, leadership, and experience to continue to grow and develop others for your team or organization. Never stop learning and helping others.

• Use your network; especially Ranger-centric organizations. When talking or emailing with Rangers, I often hear that they feel like a bother or "sorry to ask". Here is a news flash we like helping YOU and all Rangers; we get something out of it too.

• Stay in touch with this team. Networking will get you across this bridge, It has helped me and now it's my time to give back!

• Observe how others interact on LinkedIn if you are new to it; Send personal messages to make new connections; Be genuine in the content you post and your conversations. Be thankful for the time others offer you to support your transition.

• Get a LinkedIn account, learn how to use it, and work it a few days a week.

• Cast your net wide, be honest, follow-up and follow-through.

• Never talk poorly about any company or person – you don’t know who is connected and how.

• Find mentors who have walked a similar path on which you are headed.

• Mentorship is not a one-and-done, much like mentoring a young Ranger when he is a private and continuing to mentor them through your retirement. CSM to SFC relationship.

RESUME ADVICE

• It's got to be tailored for the jobs for which you're applying, so you're tweaking it each time you apply. The HR folks are doing a word search and not looking at them/reading them like we would an NCOER or an OER during a promotion board. It is a glorified business card to get you in to talk with a job manager. Your "elevator speech" to tell why hiring you would make their company better, is key.

• Note there are many different kinds of communications these days, as you build your resume warehouse of skills and comments, they can be used for intro letters, focused resumes, emails, elevator speeches, and whatever else. Writing and rewriting the resume is not a waste of time because, like planning, it is the process of planning, not the plan that matters. The more you think about and write down your skills and experiences, the better you'll be able to communicate them written and verbally when needed.

• Read the job description! If you don't meet the minimum requirements for the role...probably not a great idea to apply. Not all, but most hiring managers won't look at you if you don't meet the minimum requirements.

• Don't use a generic resume. Tailor the resume to meet the job requirements. If you're looking for a job in logistics, your CBRN skills from your time in service will probably not land you the job.

• Unless you're applying for a GS position, a government contracting role, or a role that deals specifically with the military, take the military jargon out of your resume. Less than 1% of the nation has served in the military. That leaves another 99% who aren't necessarily going to understand what a Platoon Leader or an Operations Sergeant Major does. Find the civilian job titles that best describe what you did in the service and use those. Director of Operations will get you further in the screening process than Operations Sergeant Major.

• Even after someone finishes the "perfect resume," they will still have to customize each submission with the keywords posted for the job they are applying for. Yes, that means creating a new resume for each application. Keywords come from the company’s exact job posting. When their computer finds “keywords” in your resume, their computer will flag your resume as a ‘good fit.’

• Tailor your resume towards the job you going after & never sell yourself short. Your experiences in Rgr Batt are valuable to an employer.

• Reach out to the SOCOM Coalition Care Program. They have many programs that will help you with your transition, resume building, etc

• Target your cover letters. A business knows a generic form when they see one.

• Work your resume before you get out. Hire a professional if need be. Consider a resume focusing on your skill set and another on your leadership abilities.

• Don’t pad your resume. Many former military members know what a first sergeant or XO does and is responsible for.

• Find something you enjoy, preferably interesting and/or active. Fishing, competitive shooting, surfing, sky diving, metal work, boating, golf, scuba, mountain biking, and triathlons are just some of the hobbies I’ve seen guys take up. Last year I was talking to recently retired Master Sergeant, who had just taken up wood working. He realized he was drinking too much because he didn’t have anything else to do and was bored, so he filled the gap productively. Do something for yourself, have fun with it, and don’t let yourself get bored.

• Of course, the Regiment and the creed have been my North Star all of my life.

• Transitioning is difficult, you will feel obsolete when you’re not contributing to the same mission as when you were in. I’ve been there, other vets that I have managed have been there. It is something you get through as a team. Reach out to your Ranger buddies, ask for help, look for guidance. Never quit on yourself. Be a professional. Trust me, I had to learn the hard way. RLTW!

• If you apply what you learned in the military and as a Ranger you will be ultimately successful in whatever you do. The Bible is my life guide however I live and breath the Ranger creed today. Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert and physically strong. The intestinal fortitude. I will shoulder more than my share of the responsibility whatever it may be 100% and then some. I shoulder my weight as a husband, father and business partner. Nobody will outwork me or out hustle me. If you have grit, you will out hustle anybody in whatever industry you are in. Prioritize, make wise decisions and DON'T BE LAZY!

• Humility isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a path to success and a leadership trait, ask questions, seek advice, call for help.

• Transition is a team sport. If you are single build a team of mentors, both military and civilian. If you are married. Have open and vulnerable conversations with your spouse. Don’t forget they’re in transition too. If you are have kids. Involve them in the process. Let them have a voice. Find out what scares them about the next step, new school, leaving friends and family. Building a team will give you new perspectives and highlight blind spots.

• Fitness...don't take a break when leaving service. Keep a focus on fitness. I see so many veterans who took 'a break' from fitness but never get it back. Being unhealthy is a very slippery slope and best to just avoid the issue. And the issue gets more and more important as you get older.

• Get involved in your community, volunteer, coach, join a group. Find some people outside that you can relate to one thing other than Army.

• Be patient. The pace and sense of urgency of the Army and war does not exist at the same level in the Civilian life.

• You are a leader! Take the lead… keep a journal. You will miss the rangers. Tell your story!

• Transitioning is a struggle we all battle internally and daily.. it’s okay to reach out and ask for advice now & you don’t have to explain anything we understand.

• Maintain your PT, it’s not just for war. It keeps you sharp.

• Don’t lose the built in structure to your life that Battalion gave you. Stay regimented, keep a schedule.

• Know that nothing will be as exciting as battalion from an adrenaline sense. Plan adventures and exciting things to fill the void that battalion did for you( TDY, schools, rotations, shoot houses, jumps etc). Feed your brains ADHD with new things constantly or else you’ll feel stuck in place

• Always strive to improve yourself, education, seminars, books, technical training etc. Civilian life is different than Regiment life, but 1 thing is similar the person who is always growing and improving usually gets a head.

• Find a hobby or something to provide enjoyment and relieve stress. Shooting, Hiking, PT etc. Civilian life has many good things, but you will likely not get the same relationships you had in your squad, platoon etc. and you can't tell the same jokes.

• What is in it for you? Your personal physical, mental, and emotional health is your consistent bank of wealth. Making withdrawals for the service up front requires planning what your 90-year-old self will look back on and enjoy recalling. Invest now in your transition to manage expectations to keep stress low and enthusiasm high for the next leg of your life's journey.

• Maintain your physical, spiritual, and mental fitness; set aside and protect predictable family time. Put it all on your calendar so nothing preempts it without a decision.

• Reach out to others if you are unsure or feeling alone – someone else is or has been there.

• Find a meaningful volunteer activity that gives you a sense of purpose.

• Getting to my current position since retirement has been an interesting journey. I am glad I did not compromise and took the challenge to prove myself in a new environment once again. I strongly believe the lessons learned as a Ranger were instrumental in my success, I would also argue we forget at times that what makes a Ranger is our ability to take challenges head on and not expect the easier path but take the right path and accept/welcome the challenges.

• Continue to set high standards, as soon as you tell somebody you’re a former Ranger they’ll expect more from you and see you in a different light

• Create a business-only email account. You’ll know that anything that hits the inbox has something to do with your future.

• As I continue to learn, it’s often the most basic step that causes the breakthrough, not the advanced or sophisticated solution.

• Create a business card. Name, email address, cell phone number; consider adding LinkedIn URL, QR code with current resume.

• The biggest accomplishment in my life was serving in the Rangers. One takeaway while being in 2nd Battalion, is that all Rangers learn to adapt and accept hardship, which makes us stronger, both physically and mentally. If you survived the battalion, you can accomplish anything if you put your heart into. When you are a young Ranger, you feel invincible, but when you get out and try to find your niche in life, it ain't always easy. But remember to apply all your skills, especially in leadership. Find something that you really want to do, and go for it. There might be failures, but always have a contingency plan, then regroup and do it again. Do your best and never give up.

• For better or worse, you're married to the Regiment the rest of your life. Hell, even the actual Regiment doesn't even comprehend this because it's full of Active Duty guys. But you will forever be connected to and a reflection of; the 75th Ranger Regiment. This almost seems like an obvious concept at the same time. But once you're out, and word gets out that you were in this fraternity, everyone you will ever meet will be judging the Regiment based off of their own ambassador to RGT: you. So straighten up your back, clean your shit up. There are men that you have never met that you represent, same as when you were active, and the older alumni carried the torch. It's our turn.

• Always maintain your awareness of your surroundings, do not let go of any standards, demonstrate the skills you bring to any employer you may be with. Your determination, ability to adapt, see the mission through is something that civilian employers appreciate. You are an asset and businesses need the people from our community, people who never quit, and sets the standards.

• Sometimes a step back is the best way to take 2 steps forward if it is on track to your long-term objectives. Bet on yourself, you’ll rise to the top.

• Nobody owes you anything. Just like when you started basic or your first day. In your new unit, you have to learn and earn your new duties.

• Always know what you did in Batt will fit out here leadership is hard to come by and the civilian world needs it in the worst way!! LFG ALWAYS MOVING

• 1) Take the same approach with your new job as you did with the RGRs. 2) Ranger standards never disappear. 3) Make sure you continue to fight for tasks, conditions, and standards.

• Now for some advice: since you have already reached out for help you are on a good start. Use all the tools to get right in the: head, physically, relationships, finances and spiritually. Anyone of these things can ruin us. Surround yourself with enablers and cut ties with people that drag you down, sounds corny but it has got me through everything that could have ruined me. GallantFew and Three Rangers Foundation have great resources to guide you in your decisions and through any difficult times. Biggest suggestion I can give is plan your life like an operation, with clearly defined intent and what success looks like. Have phase lines you can check your progress and make corrections/adjustments. Network, meet new people (help them out where you can) and maintain the healthy ones. Don’t get too frustrated, it is called a transition for a reason. Best of luck on all your endeavors.

• Do not stress over this transition, I know at times a transition can feel uncertain but research and develop a plan of action. Having a plan allows you to be in control of the situation and never hesitate to reach out to us.

• It's my experience that transitioning is a life-time process; doing this by oneself, is not as effective as with working alongside others who care about you and your journey in life.

• Like all Rangers, we're gifted at planning and executing. So, my approach was to develop a Transition Campaign Plan. It consists of 4 Lines of Effort (LOEs) and 4 Major Objectives (MOs) with numerous tasks required in between to achieve those MOs. I still have it on my whiteboard. Why you might ask? Transitioning is a process that doesn't stop. I'm still working on my 4th LOE, towards achieving my last MO. Transition doesn't stop at Army retirement, it's just beginning.

• The value of your technical military skills have a very short shelf life as military technology, tactics, and warfare is constantly evolving. (I’m now an infantryman working on a new US Air Force Tanker). The people and leadership skills you learned are portable and durable... they will serve you for decades.

• Anything inside of 12 months from transition would be considered "Hasty" (In my opinion); I made my decision at about 7 months from my planned transition date. I was still in Command and it was PAINFUL, stressful, and challenging.

• Read job search books (these are only suggestions). They are probably in your local library.

  • What Color is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers, by Richard N. Bolles

  • Knock ’em Dead: The Ultimate Job Search Guide, by Martin Yate, CPC

  • How to Find Fulfilling Work, by Roman Krznaric

  • Life Reimagined: Discover Your New Life Possibilities, by Richard J. Leider and Alan M. Webber

  • The Pathfinder: How to Choose or Change Your Career for a Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success, by Nicholas Lore

• Close your eyes. Imagine how you want to live (city, country, acreage or small place, quiet or noisy); decide how much you want to spend. That will drive where you live. Work will find you if you work at it.