Just want to Thank You for your service. Best of luck post-military separation.Planning to retire from the military (Army, Lieutenant Colonel) in next couple years and planning my exit strategy. I’m 43 and my window opens next September which gives me at least 23 years but I can wait another 10 years before forced out.
The Army will help my transition by stationing me in the region I plan to retire and positioned to work as a civilian. Also, I get one fully paid move after I retire BUT can save that move for several years AFTER retirement. My branch is Field Artillery which doesn’t directly translate to civilian equivalent outside defense industry. While I have a personal affinity for finance, I have very little interest in being a CFP or insurance agent (another common recommendation). Another field is IT given some assignments designing, mastering the systems, and then teaching senior leaders (General Officers down to brand new Soldiers) how to “operationalize” or employ the various mission computers to support planning, operations, and decision making. However, I have ZERO interest is being a SYS Admin.
I’m a hyper-aggressive type-A personality with a high level of attention to detail but I loathe being inside a cube farm or reading spreadsheets all day. Business development has also been recommended to me given my personality and how quickly I build relationships but I couldn’t tell you much else beyond standard google search. However, I have to balance this with 3 kids (12, 10, and 8) so top schools then in state university is number 1 concern balanced with income.
I’ve thought about starting in defense sector with a company that has a large non-defense portfolio so I can eventually transition in normal business environment as business knowledge increases. Also, I’ve thought about government civilian (GS-13 would be pretty easy to get) but not sure I can settle for lower income potential in exchange for more stability. I’m not opposed to contract work (will have healthcare benefits) but really need to come out gate at least at $100k and desire to hit $150-250k figures in sub 10 years. I prefer salary primarily for budgeting but aware that compensation takes many forms. My absolute floor is $80k or I may as well go govt job; I’m VERY hungry to make up income missed for my younger days and recognize the first few years will be a grind to establish credibility.
Fortunately, my health is relatively good (some broken bones, tinnitus, couple compressed disks from parachute ops, etc. kept in check by diet, exercise, rest, and motrin and rest takes care of) but I acknowledge this will likely get worse as I age. I expect to have at least 30% disability from all this so good hospital, gym, grocery stores, kids schools, etc are very important for location.
While our family is primarily south east and personally we LOVE west coast mountains and beach the politics and cost of living keep us away. If forced, I’ll choose income over location if all other factors are same. The income is based on medium cost of living area and don’t mind travel but I’ll refuse anything not first world country and recognize business travel sucks with age.
Assignments include working with all services with past few years spent working primarily with very senior (3/4 * generals and their staffs and I have active TS/SCI security clearance. My undergrad is from Virginia Military Institute (2.7 history) and masters is Central Michigan University (3.9 management/admin) with masters thesis being a business plan case stuff for small business in Kansas City area.
So, all that said, I’d appreciate insight on region and career recommendations to explore.
Thanks!
Statistics: Posted by AlwaysLearningMore — Sun Aug 04, 2024 10:55 am — Replies 48 — Views 7405