Resources for Military Professionals Considering a Civilian Career
Transitioning out of the military and into the civilian world can be an overwhelming experience, especially without the guidance of someone who has already been through the process. From signing out, to finding a new home and career, to dropping the military jargon, the issues that arise during transitioning are diverse and can affect every aspect of your life.
Learn from veterans who’ve already made the transition from military to civilian life, read our step-by-step articles on finding a career, and check out our resources for spouses and family members.
Advice from Orion Alumni
In order to give you some insight from those who have 'been there, done that', we present you veterans who have successfully transitioned to civilian life and are willing to share their experiences.
We hope that Transition Corner will serve as a forum for those transitioning out of the military to receive guidance, advice, and support, as well as to benefit from the experience of a fellow vet.
Would you like to be featured in Transition Corner? Please contactAllison Thomasto learn more!
Craig Fury U.S. Army, Military Police, Captain
Sales Representative, Aardvark Tactical
I left the Army with the rank of Captain nine years ago and initially went to work as a Financial Advisor in Scottsdale, AZ. After drudging through a painful and unforgiving market, I started thinking that I wanted to do something with my time that I enjoyed. I love cooking, and I saw a market for a catering service that provided healthy food. I made the decision to leave the firm, made my plan, then pulled the trigger and started my own catering business. After getting married a little over. . .
Brian Schulz U.S. Navy, Naval Flight Officer, Lieutenant
Spine Consultant, Medtronic Spinal and Biologics
I was hired by Kyphon, now a division of Medtronic Spinal and Biologics, in March 2007 through Orion International. I graduated from the United States Naval Academy and was active duty for eight years, serving as a Naval Flight Officer. When I separated, I had accumulated 30 days of terminal leave and was able to begin my civilian job immediately. . .
Will Simmons U.S. Air Force, Office of Special Investigations, Captain
Manufacturing Supervisor, Actavis, US
When it came to searching for a civilian job as I prepared to transition out of the Air Force, I posted my resume on every online site there was; CareerBuilder, Monster, Jobs for Veterans, and Hire a Hero just to name a few. I also used the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) at Eglin AFB which was effective in that I was able to get information about Orion and the VA; however, I found that it was geared more for people who had never experienced a job search before and was. . .
Ryan Lohstreter U.S. Navy, Submarine Officer, Lieutenant
Field Engineer, Washington Closure Hanford
Orion put me in contact with Washington Closure Hanford, a company involved in the environmental cleanup effort at the Hanford Nuclear reservation. My position is Field Engineer, where I'll be involved in planning and executing electrical safety in field work of all kinds, including the deactivation and demolition of multiple buildings onsite scheduled for decommissioning. Prior to this I was a Navy Lieutenant and a submariner. I'd had experience working with. . .
Robert Stahle U.S. Army, OD Officer, Captain
Supply Chain Manager, Ametek
I was a Captain in the Army serving as an OD Officer for five years in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. I still have a military service obligation for another two years, so I am not completely out until that time elapses. For me, the decision to transition was based on my desire to have a better quality of life.
James Morreale U.S. Navy, Gunner’s Mate, Petty Officer Second Class
Field Service Engineer, Mafi-Trench Co. Houston, Texas
I have used Orion’s services twice; once in October 2007 when I was hired as a Pace Technician for an oil & gas company; and the second time in the beginning of 2009. I was placed with Mafi-Trench Co as a Field Service Engineer, and I started this new position in April 2009.
I served in the Navy and was a Gunners Mate, E-5, and separated in 2008. I was stationed at various locations,
Carolina Gonzalez-Prats U.S. Army, 92 A-Quartermaster Corps (Supply & Logistics), Captain, Field Consultant, 7-Eleven Seattle, Washington
My transition experience began back in 2004, when I separated from the Army as a Captain in the Quartermaster Corps (Supply and Logistics). Orion has helped me find a new career a few times since then. I even utilized their client-side services as a hiring manager at my first job obtained through them.
Chris Canfield U.S. Marines, 0203 Intelligence Officer, Captain
Project Engineer, RQ Construction, Inc. Carlsbad, California
When it came time for me to transition out of the Marine Corps, I had served eight years at Camp Pendleton, California as a 0203 Intelligence Officer. My biggest consideration during my transition was location and maintaining my current lifestyle based on the requirements of my family. I was not really concerned with what industry I was going to end up in, but rather with the atmosphere, challenges, and growth potential that industry represented.
Cory Demery U.S. Air Force, Nuclear Missile Operator (Missilier), Captain
Sales Engineer, Tyco Electronics Los Angeles, California
Prior to my current career with Tyco Electronics, I completed my training at Vandenberg AFB in central California. My base station was FE Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I had about 45 days of leave saved when I left the Air Force, and I also had a commander that granted me additional leave for job/house hunting. After my transition, I settled in Los Angeles, California. I wanted a fresh start in a big city, and California seemed perfect. Also, my fiancé had the opportunity to complete her Masters at Cal State LA.
George Benjamin U.S. Navy, Aviation Electronics, Chief Warrant Officer
Quality Engineer, Honeywell
Transitioning was not a choice; it was mandatory for me to retire. In the Navy, when you are promoted to CWO5, you are only allowed to serve two more years to pay back your promotion. I did this and received my letter saying it was time to retire. Of course, when I was on terminal leave, I did get a call from my detailer saying that the rules had changed and I could remain on active duty, but, by that time, I had a job lined up, and I didn’t want to go back to sea duty or go through the transition again.
Once I realized I was no longer interested in deploying overseas, I decided to separate from the Navy. During my transition, I found that one of the easiest parts was finding career opportunities. You will have many opportunities coming out of the military. Obtaining the opportunities is not the hard part - the hard part is choosing the best path to get you to where you want to be in 20 years.
Patrick Zimmer U.S. Navy, Mineman Third Class and Sonar Technician
Third Class
Field Engineer, Baker Atlas
Crossing the brow for the last time and being rung ashore was one of the most bittersweet moments of my life, and I still look back on that as the day my world changed. Facing the uncertainty associated with change is the hardest part of transitioning out of the military. Leaving the Navy after seven years was frightening when you consider that the Navy was really the only job (or practical experience) that I had held to
that point.
Shawn Strandberg U.S. Marines, 7509 AV-8B Harrier Pilot,
Lieutenant Colonel (select)
Site Leader, CIRCOR Aerospace Corona, California
I had been considering retirement from the Marine Corps for several years, so my wife was ecstatic when I turned down promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. The transition out of the military was exactly what we wanted to do. Fortunately, we were in a great position when I retired. Our finances allowed me to not work while focusing on our future. I interned at a local hospital while researching full time MBA programs and career opportunities.
Tom Grady U.S. Army, Petroleum Supply Specialist,
Specialist Stockton, California
My transition out of the military was a little rough due to the economy and job market at the time of my departure. I was stationed at Ft. Carson, Colorado, and separated in March 2006. There were a lot of soldiers getting out of the military in Colorado Springs, so jobs for ex-soldiers were scarce. I had 23 days of terminal leave saved up, and it ended up being about 30 days after I left the military that I was hired by my current employer, although I didn’t start my job for another six weeks.
Tim O’Neill U.S. Air Force, Government Flight Representative/Aviation Maintenance Manager,
Captain Business Unit Manager (Program Manager),
CIRCOR Aerospace Corona, California
Transitioning from the Air Force was not as easy as I thought it would be. I had one-and-a-half month of terminal leave saved up when I separated, but I did not begin my new career until four months after leaving the Air Force. I started sweating it when I didn’t find a job right off the bat. I’m glad I had saved money in case the transition didn’t go as smoothly as originally planned. All-in-all, I’m very happy I was able to be placed through Orion International into a great career that now utilizes what I’ve learned in the military.
