Today we’re speaking with Amanda who served in the Air Force for six years as Civil Engineer Officer. Amanda has a successful blog and podcast, and in 2019 she released her first book. Amanda has a successful blog and podcast, Airman to Mom, and she published her first book in 2019 titled Women of the Military, sharing the stories of 28 military women.

Veterans looking for mentorship should consider visiting Veterati's website.

If you're looking for resources to help the transition from Active Duty to Civilian, also check out Vet2Industry.

Welcome back to another episode of the How2Serve podcast where I interview current and former service members so that we can educate those of you thinking about joining or separating from service. If you’d like to know more information and tips about joining or separating from service, you can find me on Facebook and LinkedIn. You can find this podcast on most platforms where podcasts are found. If you have a chance to rate the podcast, whether good or bad, please take a moment to do so. Today we’re speaking with Retired Warrant Officer Bob Jordan who served active duty in the Navy from 1993 to 2019 in Intelligence. When I joined the Navy, Bob was already a well-respected and well-known Master Chief, the most senior of the enlisted ranks, and soon after made the move to become a Warrant Officer.

>>Also, if you enjoyed the information Bob provided, you'll probably enjoy his book even more. The book sells on most platforms and in locations where books are sold. Look for Faith, Flag, and Family by Robert Jordan.  https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Flag-Family-Purposeful-Selfless/dp/1098016769/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=robert+jordan+books+faith+flag&qid=1591063782&sr=8-1

Key takeaways for joining and separating: Plan ahead. 

Today we’re speaking with myself who served active duty in the Navy from 2006 to 2012 in Intelligence.

Key takeaway for joining: Research and know, as best you can, what you want to do and get out of your military experience. Don't let anyone, including your recruiter, try to sell you on something you're not willing to give 100% at.

Key take away for separating: Plan, plan, plan. Research housing and jobs in the area you'll want to live. Go to job fairs and get professionals to provide resume feedback. Make use of the military transition resources.

Today we’re speaking with Ana who served Active Duty in the Navy from 2007 to 2012 in Intelligence. In 2012, Ana left Active Duty for the Reserves.

Key takeaway for joining: Know your reasons and motivations before you sign up to serve. Have a vision of where and who you want to be when you've finished.

Key takeaway for separating: Know where you want to be at the end of service and in life, and use the entire time during your service to prepare and develop yourself and your situation to achieve that goal. Always be preparing. Be resilient.

Today we’re speaking with Trey who served active duty in the Marine Corps from 2005 to 2014, starting in Computer Maintenance then moved into Psychological Operations, then transitioned out of active duty into the Army Reserves as a Combat Medic.

Same key takeaway for joining and transitioning out: Take the time you need to plan ahead. It works the same for joining and for separating.

 Today we’re speaking with Joe who served Active Duty in the Air Force from 2006 to 2016, then transitioned to Air Nat’l Guard and is still in today.

Transition talk starts ~50m

Key takeaway for joining:  Be honest with yourself about what you want to get out of the military. Also, be sure to involve your family in the decision to join.

Key takeaway for separating: Really think about and have a plan for becoming a civilian. Think about jobs and your financial situation. Life as a civilian won't be as easy as the military because of lot of the military benefits don't exist when you transition out.

Today we’re speaking with Chris who served as a Personnel Specialist in the Navy from 1995 to 2017.

Transition talk starts ~35m 42s

Key takeaway for joining: You have to go in with the mindset that the Navy is a job like any other with ups and downs. You have to have the right mindset.

Key takeaway for separating: Make use of all the transition programs the military has to offer; there's no reason not to use them.

Today we’re speaking with Brad who was enlisted in the Navy about 10 years ago as a 3913 Human Intelligence/ Counter Intelligence Specialist.

Transition talk starts ~33m 48s

Key takeaway for joining: Be deliberate and find what works best for you.

Key takeaway for separating: Be ready for more of a challenge than you think you'll have separating. 

Tonight we’ve got on the line Rex who is a former Enlisted Marine Infantryman turned Officer. He served from 1992 to 2013.

Start discussion of transition out of the Navy ~36min

Key takeaway for joining: Talk to recruiters from every branch. Extensively research about all jobs. Also, if you start Enlisted then switch to Officer, it's like a reset button in terms of career fields.

Key takeaway for separating: Build your professional network the entire time you're in the military; it'll definitely help on the transition out.

Ian served in the Marine Corps from 2008-2017 as an 5939 Aviation Communication Systems Technician.

Transition out of the military started at approximately 55 min.

Lesson for joining the military: If you choose to join the military, accept there will be challenges. Use what time you have to prepare as much as possible

Lesson for transitioning from the military: Submit all your VA paperwork while you're still active because it's quicker and easier than when you've separated.