Beyond The Uniform
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a significant adjustment, and military personnel often have concerns and worries during this process. Here is a list of common things military personnel may worry about after getting out of the service:
Employment:
Many veterans worry about finding a job that matches their skills and experience in the civilian workforce. They may be concerned about competing with candidates who have different backgrounds or qualifications.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides various education benefits and programs to support veterans in their pursuit of education and training. Here are some of the key education chapters offered by the VA:
​
1. Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB): This program provides education benefits to individuals who served on active duty and contributed to the MGIB during their military service. It offers financial assistance for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, and other approved educational and training courses.
​
2. Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E): The VR&E program assists veterans with service-connected disabilities in achieving meaningful employment. It offers a range of educational and vocational services, including tuition assistance, vocational training, and job placement support.
​
3. Chapter 33 - Post-9/11 GI Bill: This chapter provides education benefits to veterans who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. It offers financial support for a variety of educational programs, including college degrees, vocational training, and on-the-job training. Eligible veterans may receive tuition and fee coverage, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies.
4. Chapter 35 - Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA): DEA benefits are available to dependents of certain disabled or deceased veterans. Eligible dependents, including spouses, children, and in some cases, parents, may receive financial assistance for degree programs, vocational training, and apprenticeships.
​
5. Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR): This program provides educational benefits for members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. It offers financial assistance for approved educational and training programs.
6. Chapter 1607 - Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP): REAP provides educational benefits to Reservists and National Guard members who were called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency. The benefits vary depending on the length and type of service.
These are some of the main education chapters offered by the VA. Each program has specific eligibility requirements and benefit structures, so it is important for veterans to consult with the VA or visit the official VA website to determine their eligibility and learn more about the benefits and services available to them.
When it comes to employment after military service, veterans have access to various services and programs aimed at facilitating their transition into civilian careers. The U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) offers a comprehensive range of employment services, including job search assistance, career counseling, skills training, and apprenticeship opportunities. Additionally, the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides workshops and resources to help veterans explore career options, develop job search strategies, and understand available benefits.
Several organizations play a crucial role in supporting veterans' employment efforts. Veterans' Service Organizations (VSOs) such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) offer valuable assistance through job fairs, networking opportunities, resume aid, and other resources. For those interested in entrepreneurship, programs like the U.S. Small Business Administration's Boots to Business initiative provide training and resources to help veterans start their own businesses.
To bridge the gap between military and civilian terminology, military skills translators are available online. These tools assist veterans in translating their military experience and skills into language that resonates with civilian employers. Furthermore, nonprofit organizations like Hire Heroes USA offer personalized career coaching, job search assistance, resume writing, interview preparation, and networking opportunities for transitioning military members, veterans, and military spouses.
State Workforce Agencies also play a vital role in supporting veteran employment. Many states have dedicated workforce agencies that provide job placement assistance, training programs, and information about available resources. Veterans are encouraged to explore local services and organizations that cater to their specific needs and circumstances.
While the availability and specific services may vary depending on the country or region, the range of employment services available to veterans is extensive. By taking advantage of these resources, veterans can enhance their job prospects and successfully transition into civilian employment, building fulfilling careers beyond their military service.
Education:
Growth never stops inside and outside the military. Here are a few different avenues regarding higher education.
Health & Insurance:
One of our biggest worries is about who takes care of us (Doctors, Insurance Networks, etc...) Listed below are a few VA Health Benefits for our Veterans
Our Loved Ones:
As we always Honor Our Brothers and Sister we've lost their families still need looking after. Here are a few benefits the VA offers those surviving family members.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several benefits and services to the surviving family members of veterans. These benefits are designed to provide support, financial assistance, and resources to help ease the burden of losing a veteran. Here are some of the key benefits available:
​
1. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents of service members who died in the line of duty or veterans whose death is attributed to their military service. It provides monthly financial support to help with living expenses.
​
2. Survivor's Pension: The Survivor's Pension, also known as the Death Pension, is a needs-based benefit for low-income surviving spouses and unmarried children of deceased wartime veterans. The pension provides a monthly payment to eligible individuals to help cover their basic living expenses.
​
3. Education and Training: The VA offers educational assistance programs for surviving spouses and children of veterans. The Fry Scholarship provides education and training benefits to surviving spouses and children of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition or who died in the line of duty.
​
4. VA Home Loan Guaranty: The VA provides home loan guaranty benefits to surviving spouses of veterans, allowing them to obtain favorable terms for home loans. This program helps eligible individuals achieve homeownership or refinance existing mortgages.
​
5. Burial and Memorial Benefits: The VA provides burial benefits for eligible veterans, including a burial plot in a national cemetery, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Surviving spouses and dependents may also be eligible for these benefits.
​
6. Counseling and Support Services: The VA offers counseling and support services through the Vet Centers and other programs. Surviving family members can access bereavement counseling, mental health services, and support groups to help them cope with the loss of their loved one.
​
It's important to note that eligibility criteria and specific benefits may vary depending on various factors, such as the veteran's service, cause of death, and the individual circumstances of the surviving family members. It's recommended to contact the VA or visit their website for detailed information and assistance regarding specific benefits and eligibility requirements.