ABC Veteran Entrepreneurs Group’s Post

Reposting for expanded reach. There is a conspicuous gap in transition support for retiring military officers. Various service policies present barriers to accessing career transition fellowships that provide valuable civilian experience. Current service career transition programs are insufficient, and the number of veteran-focused non-profit organizations highlights both the gap and need.

As part of #ArmedForces week, today marks specific recognition of those in our Reserve Armed Forces. You might even spot some wearing their military uniform to their civilian work today, where safe and practicable. Reservists are commonly cited as "twice the citizen" as they choose to support the Armed Forces in their spare time, typically during the evenings and weekends, but occasionally full-time when the country needs additional support. I was an Army Reservist for 13 years. I had a huge amount of opportunities presented to me which helped my professional development, which, in turn, my employers were able to benefit from. Whether that was transferring ideas/best practice/working models to/from the military and civilian worlds, or in the training & experience I gained in leadership and operational roles. Do you know any Reservists? How does your company support and enable them?

In my life I've had many ask, and I know others wonder, what makes the Marine Corps unique and why do we insist on calling ourselves Marines, not Soldiers? It's because, seen below, to become a Marine is one of the hardest things to do in the US military. A US Marine's basic requirement, The Crucible, is in the top 3 hardest training in the US armed services with Navy Seal and Army Ranger training. The difference is EVERY Marine must go through the Crucible before they can graduate Boot Camp and earn the title of a US Marine. Not all make it but if you do, you never forget it. In contrast, the Navy's "Seal"and Army's "Ranger" training are specialize for advanced combat readiness in their branch and not part of their core competencies. You must be selected to go to those and very few are. The mission of all 3 trainings is to be first to the fight and ready under any geographical condition using any form of mobility available. This is why we call ourselves Marines and not soldiers and the same reason Ranger call themselves Rangers and Seals called themselves Seals. Not to disparage any other branch of our beloved armed forces. Everyone of us signed the line to give our life for a greater cause and that makes everyone who served selfless heroes. Semper Fi Devil Dogs!!

Our #Veterans Service Organizations are great at connecting veterans to their earned benefits...at no cost, by the way. That's just one piece of the pie, though. Our #Membership and #Programs troubles are complex, and this episode focuses on just one "value add" we can apply to our membership that could benefit both the veteran and the organization. On top of that, it can complete the pie! :) Mmmmmm...pie. "If they ain't working; It ain't working" -------------------- USMC US Army US Navy United States Air Force United States Space Force U.S. Coast Guard DAV (Disabled American Veterans) The American Legion Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Team Red, White & Blue Team Rubicon Student Veterans of America Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs California Department of Veterans Affairs United States Department of Defense

Only the U.S Army and the U.S. Navy can take my military discharge code of RE-3 and the future is uncertain so an age waiver for military service might be needed. You also got people in politics, the lawyers, and the Army general that got to Miami, FL in 2021. According to U.S. Navy in theory, I might not need to repeat bootcamp and maybe with the Army. The Air Force don’t usually take prior service first because new applicants comes first. I know that Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard doesn’t take RE-3. The Air Force always works with the Army. Regular people that fail bootcamp in the Army have to repeat bootcamp in the Air Force too.

I made a comment to my eldest today when he was complaining to embrace the Suck which got us into a conversation about what it means. The phrase "Embrace the Suck" is more than just military slang; it's a mantra that encapsulates the essence of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering strength in the face of adversity. Rooted deeply within the military culture, this saying serves as a powerful reminder to soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines that hardship is not only inevitable but also an integral part of the journey towards growth and achievement. This article delves into the origins, meanings, and applications of "Embrace the Suck," shedding light on its significance within the military and beyond. The applicability of "Embrace the Suck" extends beyond the military, offering valuable lessons for civilian life. It teaches the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the power of a positive mindset in overcoming obstacles. Whether it's navigating personal hardships, professional challenges, or societal issues, embracing the difficult aspects of any journey can foster growth, strength, and, ultimately, success. How many beside me says this to their kids? 😀 US Army US Navy United States Marine Corps United States Air Force U.S. Coast Guard US Army Infrastructure Masons #veterans #veteransupport #veteranshelpingveterans

I have a lot of #America on right now. Part of it is to record. The rest kind of just happened. Even with our issues, I'm still grateful and proud to live here. I'm not saying that we can't do better or that we are in need of some changes, but our capacity to improve and change I'd built in. The organizations we belong to are the same. They have built in mechanisms to make the organization capable of survival and thrival. <--- exercising my right to make up words. We have to be diligent in our organizations to allow voices to be heard, corrective or improvement actions to made, and to root out and expose personal agendas and corruption that take us off mission. We ourselves have personal issues, buy we have the capability to be better today than we were yesterday. We are part of the organizations that we belong to. We are citizens of thus country. As we improve ourselves, we make all that we belong to...better. Lead the way my #veterans friends. To me, this is true #Americanism. Plus, I honestly think we have the best looking flag. Semper Fi -------------------- United States Marine Corps US Army US Navy United States Air Force United States Space Force U.S. Coast Guard Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) DAV (Disabled American Veterans) The American Legion AMVETS National Headquarters - Alumni Student Veterans of America U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Los Angeles County Department of Military & Veterans Affairs Marine Corps League

Below is a discussion on the value of talking to peers and mentors in the industry. Is there anything you would add? US Navy US Army United States Air Force United States Marine Corps U.S. Coast Guard United States Space Force #veterans #veteransupport #veteranshelpingveterans