What’s Next: Your Next Mission

WHAT’S NEXT

Transition to Civilian Life

By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy

Your Next Mission is Transition: Tips from Sergeant Major Jack Tilley

Sergeant Major Jack Tilley graduated high school at the early age of 17. A prodigy? Nope. At age 4, he’d follow his older brother to school, so his parents thought it was easier to just start him young. He had no idea what to do when he graduated, so when his buddy suggested they join the Army, Tilley said “OK.” Little did he know that meant actually fighting wars.

He finished basic AIT Jump school, going straight to war in Vietnam. “I went from being 18 to 55 real quick,” says (bemoans)Tilley. He went from the 173rd Airborne and into his first infantry in 1967. Then the shock set in. His buddy had his stomach blown out and bled to death.

This took a toll. He eventually decided to get out, but after 2 years, he realized he liked being a soldier vs a civilian, and went back for another 30 years. He was deployed across the Middle East and promoted to Sergeant Major in 2000. In DC, he walked out of the Pentagon minutes before the plane hit on 9/11. He ran back in to help, but the scene was too dangerous. What he saw would stay with him forever.

After holding every key leadership position in the Army, he retired in 2004 as CEO for a company that specializes in placing military leaders into corporate America.

Sergeant Major Tilley is well-equipped with advice to help those thinking about transition.

1. Start the process of transition about 2 years

out. Use that time wisely. Network with everyone you can. Look for military associations and go to their annual meetings. They have vendors there looking for employees, so go meet them. Gather and keep business cards. Start reaching out to those contacts about a year out and testing the waters.

2. Have 2 resumes: 1 military and 1 civilian.

You’ll need one that can position your military experience into relatable skills and accomplishments for corporate America. But if you were to work for a DoD Contractor, your language can be military speak. Also, don’t use acronyms! Spell it out. And start floating your resume to your contacts early-on.

3. Get a mentor (or several).

Mentors are invaluable. They can help you translate your military experiences into real-world accomplishments, and help guide you on where you want to go. Ask questions, get their feedback and input based on their experiences.

4. Complete your education.

If you have a 2 year degree, get a 4 year degree. If you have a 4 year degree, get an advanced degree. This has a HUGE impact on your net worth.

5. Know your worth and understand your value.

How can you know your worth if you haven’t had a salary to base it on? You ask your mentors and do your research. When Tilley was asked what he was worth, he had no idea! He assumed maybe $50-60K. His mentor informed him, “no, you’re worth WAY more than that.” And he was. Much, much more.

It’s also important to understand upward mobility. Sometimes you take a job for less money to work your way up.

6. Figure out your niche.

You have to be comfortable with what you’re doing. Take the time to really figure out what you love. Also, your niche doesn’t have to be limited on location. In this era, you can pretty much work from anywhere!

7. Keep your spouse involved in the transition

process. They’re a good sounding board! And, they deserve input! Tilly notes,” if you’ve been in the military over 20 years, the person who makes the decision on where to live is your spouse.” When you get out, you want to pay your spouse back by giving her what she needs. He laughs as he recalls his wife saying “you used to have 1.3 million people under you, now you have me!”

8. Realize the importance of military connections. There’s a special connection to anyone who’s served in the military. You’re bonded for life. If you’re looking for a job, find out if the employer ever served in the military. You can use LinkedIn or other networking tools to look for employers that have senior execs that have served.

9. Know that it’s OK that you’ve experienced trauma.

Tilley says the worst thing is people getting killed around you. Probably 1 in 5 have some form of PTSD. How do you buck up and keep moving forward? You have to bear down and continue forward so you don’t get depressed. Stay connected.

TIlley is purposeful in maintaining his relationships with his military family, and makes sure to reach out to one of his comrades once a week to check on them. Even if 2 years have gone by, just keep connected. You won’t feel alone, because you’re not alone.

Tilley says, “Transition can be hard but it’s not the hardest thing you’ve ever done.”

Jack Tilley served for almost 37 years in the United States Army, culminating in his appointment in 2000 as the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army, a post he held until his retirement on January 15, 2004. He was the last Vietnam War veteran to serve in that position.

Additional information and resources: Bio: www.ausa.org/army/12th-sma-jack-l-tilley

Book: Soldier for Life:

www.amazon.com/Soldier-Life-Leader-LessonsSergeant/dp/0996318100

Podcast Series: Your Next Mission is full of content about military experiences and transition.

https://yournextmission.org/

www.bandofhands.com