HAVE A PLAN

I was certain life outside would be easy. Going to college, hanging out with girls and partying on the beach was my highest ideal.
As it turned out, life had other plans.
Only months after my discharge, I found myself on a path of destruction and waste. The very same reasons I left the military became my ruin. Freedom, the lack of structure and routine I craved, encouraged toxic patterns like late night drinking and sleeping away the day.
I spent two years working menial jobs, living on couches, and moving every few months. Risky activities like mountain biking, snowboarding, drinking, and drugs were the only source of joy I could find. My life spiraled out of control and I eventually decided I needed to change, or I’d end up dead. So, I made the decision to enroll in college.
Unfortunately, by the second week I convinced myself college was pointless.
Thoughts like, “Why should I listen to this guy? He’s spent his whole life in a classroom.“, and “What the fuck does this spoiled ass kid know about anything?” was the narrative that circulated around in my head.
I lasted one semester.
Feelings of isolation, depression, and disconnection filled my life. Finally, in the winter of 2017, almost five years after leaving the military, I walked into a VA mental health clinic to get help.
After listening to my story and discussing the issues I was struggling with, the VA referred me to the local Vet Center where I was assigned a readjustment counselor.
It’s been two and a half years since I walked into the VA and today my life looks a whole lot different.
I am currently eight credits shy of attaining my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Colorado Denver and plan to attend grad school to become a therapist.
Looking back at my experience there are clearly quite a few mistakes I made. And there are many things I would’ve done differently.
Now that you’ve heard my story, I’d like to share 3 things that will help you transition to civilian life.
1. Have a Plan
I know it feels like once you get that piece of paper, once that DD-214 is in your hand, you’ll be free and life will just fall into place, but the reality is it won’t.
Having a plan, whether it is to go to school or get a job will serve you tremendously. A major point of contention for a lot of soldiers making the transition to civilian life is losing a sense of purpose and meaning.
Simply making a commitment to something can help guide you towards finding a community, mission, and ultimately a reason to wake up day after day.
2. Accept Help
The military has a ton of resources that can help you make the transition to civilian life.
Unfortunately, I thought I had it all figured out. I completely neglected all the information and programs specifically designed to help veterans have a smooth transition.
Whether you need to write a resume, enroll in college, apply for the GI bill, find housing, or get a car there is a resource with a group of individuals willing to help you.
And most importantly, if you’re suffering from any physical or mental health issues don’t be hesitate to contact the VA and get help. Despite the common perception that those who seek assistance are weak, the truth is everyone needs a hand at times, and it takes courage and strength to confront your issues.
3. Find Community
This is something that can be difficult but is extremely important.
As a member of the military you are provided with a lot of things that make life meaningful. Everyone has a mission, a reason to show up, and there’s a mutual understanding that everyone is there for the same reason. This is the cornerstone of community and something civilian life can lack.
If you don’t consciously seek a community you can easily end up isolated and lonely like I did.
Fortunately, there are countless ways to connect with people online and in person. I recommend joining websites Facebook groups dedicated to something you enjoy doing or learning about. Whatever you decide just understand it can be difficult to find people that you connect with as well as you did in the military and that’s fine, but finding your new tribe is critical.
While making the jump from military to civilian life will be a challenge, if you make a plan, accept help, and are intentional about connecting with others you will be on your way to having a great transition.
Recent Articles
-
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment - The Night Stalkers
They were born out of a doomed operation, but their role has become irreplaceable. Their brothers in arms count on them in the most difficult of times while they remain the enemy’s worst nightmare. Battle-proven, always resilient, and lethal, they are highly respected among all the services and have often...
-
Operation Hump: 173rd’s Legendary Operation in Vietnam
Soldiers take cover in a crater during the Vietnam War (Courtesy Photo/U.S. Army) Operation Hump is a legendary operation conducted jointly by Australian and American Airborne forces in Vietnam. The Friendly composition consisted of the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, as well as a battalion from...
-
The Elusive Blue Air Assault Beret
Blue Air Assault Berets: A Brief Chapter in Military History In the accounts of military tradition, berets have often stood out as symbols of honor and excellence, providing soldiers with an extra element of pride. They adorn soldiers' heads, signifying their commitment to a unique calling. While everyone in the...
-
Wisdom from the Community: Top Five Pieces of Advice for New Paratroopers
Wisdom from the Community: Top Five Pieces of Advice for New Paratroopers Hear ye, hear ye! Young paratroopers, we believe you deserve some valuable advice because you are at a stage where you need it to shape your military career. Because we care, we reached out to our community to...
-
Operation Restore Democracy: The Landing that Never Happened
Operation Restore Democracy: The Landing that Never Happened In the early 1990s, Haiti's democracy was in constant crisis, and the island was being governed by unconstitutional leadership. The regimes kept changing but lacked national and international legitimacy, leading to U.N. sanctions. The United States created a multinational force (MNF) to...
-
The Evolution of Airborne Operations: From World War II to Present Day
They called it "The Iron Rain." On the fateful day of June 6, 1944, as part of Operation Overlord, more than 13,000 paratroopers from the American 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions leaped into the night sky, their hearts racing, their minds set on one goal: the liberation of Europe from...
-
Boots On Ground: The 82nd Airborne in the Battle for Iraq
Transporting you from your favorite reading nook literally into the boots of the 82nd Airborne in the Battle for Iraq, Boots on the Ground by Karl Zinsmeister details the story of the frontline in a way that often isn't covered in the headline news story. A frontline reporter traveling with the 82nd,...
-
The Essentials: The C-17 Globemaster
"The Essentials" Series is a monthly blog related to Airborne culture. We target fundamental topics such as Airborne equipment, culture, traditions, trivia, etc. While we have a semi-annual plan on the topics, we remain open to ideas from paratroopers like yourself. So, feel free to reach out and propose a...
-
The Filthy Thirteen: The True Story of the Dirty Dozen
Tightly bound to one another in times of war, unforgiving in the way they approach a battle, and legendary in their bravery, the story is told of the US paratroopers of the US 101st Airborne Division in The Filthy Thirteen. Finding the courage to parachute behind enemy lines in the...
-
Battle of Yongju: The Battle of the Apple Orchard
Also known as the Battle of the Apple Orchard, the UN orchestrated the Battle of Yongju to fight back against the North Korean forces during the Korean war. In this offensive maneuver, the US 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team—or the US 187 RCT was called on to move in front...
-
The Chosen Few: US Paratrooper's Battle in Eastern Afghanistan
Bringing you to a more recent battle in a different part of the world, The Chosen Few by Gregg Zoroya is a detailed account of how a U.S. Paratroopers company fought in eastern Afghanistan in 2007. In hopes to go in on a single, swift mission in order to befriend the isolated...
-
No Better Place To Day: The Battle For La Fiere Bridge
In this first-person narrative, Robert M. Murphy transports you right into the battle at La Fiere in the early morning hours of D-Day. Taking you through a firsthand account of close-quarters combat in the industrial war of the 20th century, Murphy covers all sides of the war, from the paratroopers...
-
Airborne Equipment: The Waco CG-4A Glider
During World War II, the U.S. Army Air Forces utilized military gliders as a method of delivery to battle. These one-time use, engineless aircraft were towed in pairs near to the front lines of battle, typically by a Douglas C-47 military transport aircraft, carrying troops or supplies to bolster advancing...
-
Over 100 years of bravey: The 173rd Airborne Brigade
The 173rd Airborne Brigade is a United States Army airborne infantry brigade formed on 12 June 1917 at Camp Devens, Massachusetts. It is one of the oldest airborne units in the United States Army and has a rich history of service and combat operations. A WORLD AT WAR During World...
-
War: Through the eyes of the 173rd Airborne in Afghanistan
"Brotherhood has nothing to do with feelings; it has to do with how you define your relationship to others. It has to do with the rather profound decision to put the welfare of the group above your personal welfare. In such a system, feelings are meaningless. In such a system,...
-
Into The Viper's Nest: The First Pivotal Battle Of The Afghan War
"I set out then to report this story from many points of view - American and British, from soldier to general, from diplomat to president. It seemed to me that only by getting behind the scenes could anyone pretend to understand what was happening. And it seemed far better to...
-
You can Jump from a plane. How about jumping into a book?
As paratroopers, we know you've got discipline and are always on the lookout for that new book title that will leave a lasting impression. The global library has never been more diverse, yet you want something you can relate to. The good news is that we've reached out to our...