Upcoming Book

Hi Vets and Soon to Be Vets,Just wanted to drop a note and let everyoneknow that we have an upcoming book that willaddress the challenges with adjusting tocivilian life.It's been almost 5 years since I've left themilitary and let me tell you, it's been veryinteresting at times.When we're in the military, we have such astructured outlook on life and on how webelieve the world functions.The main concern I have is the adjustment tothe civilian workforce. I can not stress enoughhow different the experience will be for eachof you.During the initial stages of Veterans In Motion,we transmitted many newsletters. Thesenewsletters addressed many scenarios ofhow civilian life can be in the workforce.We also addressed the internal adjustmentsthat a military person goes through.With the most recent developments of the workforce,i.e. layoffs, business closures, and outsourcing, I believein my heart and soul that it's imperative thatVeterans In Motion relay the updates of what'staking place in the workforce.I've been fortunate to observe first hand what'staking place with veterans returning to school tolearn a trade that's transferable to the civilianworkforce. I've also been fortunate enough towork in the staffing industry to see what workersare experiencing. For the next several weeks,I'm committed to letting you know more aboutwhat's taking place.The down time from the blog was needed toresearch where the work industries areheaded. Once again, I can honestly say thatbeing in alignment with the staffing industryhas really helped.Stay tuned for the next several weeks to hearabout what many people are experiencing.One thing I can relay to you is, when we are inthe military, we are under contract. Very similarto our civilian counterparts who work under contractwith major corporations.Yes, believe it or not, many civilians work undercontract and aren't permanent workers for acompany. This is an area that I would like eachof you to research. Especially if you're in atechnical field.Stay tuned for more information on the civilianworkforce and employment trends with technicaloccupations. Take care and be safe.Johnetta MatthewsVeterans In Motion

Posted on: 9 July 2007 | 2:07 am

Article Directory Changes

Comrades,We've added a video to the article directory and haveseveral more articles pending approval.The video shows a very great company that supportsmen and women looking for employment after themilitary.The videos on the front page will change from timeto time to introduce supporting organizations thatassist with military to civilian transitions.Pray for our men and women overseas that theyhave a safe passage back home.To see the video and a new set of articles on thefront of the article directory, visit here.Stay Safe,Johnetta MatthewsVeterans In MotionThere's a free e-book download at the bottompage of the directory for a limited time.

Posted on: 28 January 2007 | 2:58 pm

Military Transition Tips Update

Happy New Years Comrades,We've finally reached a solution with theMilitary Transition Tips' Article Directoryat http://www.militarytransitiontips.com.It's amazing how a web site can become popular tothe point that the bandwidth exceeds repeatedly.Last week we accepted 34 new articles and todaywe approved at least 2 articles for the directory.Why is the directory important? Many of us wouldlike to have a resource to read various topics. Whenwe're in the military, we primarily focus on themilitary. As we leave the military, our focuschanges.We apologize for any inconveniences. Have a great2007!Johneta MatthewsMy Gift To You:

Posted on: 8 January 2007 | 8:14 pm

Upcoming Job Fairs

Comrades,This is an update for upcoming career fairs acrossthe United StatesUpcoming Job FairsYour Military Transition CoachShorten Your Military Transition TimelineInformation is key!

Posted on: 28 December 2006 | 1:51 am

Military Transition Article Directory Update

By the beginning of the year, the Article Directorywill no long exceed it's bandwidth. It's became sopopular that we are still working on the project.We'll keep you posted once the issue is finallyresolved. Until then, see our archives and staytuned for updates.Merry ChristmasMilitary Transition Coach

Posted on: 25 December 2006 | 3:37 am

Enormous Job Feed - Search For Job - Military Transition Jobs

This is one item I really wanted to post in ahurry. The below link is a quick way to finda job. See if this can be of some help:New Job SearchThis shows that modern technology really canhelp speed up the job selection process.Another Job Lead:This is a lead that I would take seriously.AAA is hiring! If you'd like to test thewaters, send your resume to Lori Duvall,at duvall.lori@aaa-calif.com . Your resumewill be sent directly to Lori and she willensure that it gets to the right place.Be sure to include your contact information.Best Wishes and Merry Christmas!Military Transition Coach

Posted on: 25 December 2006 | 3:27 am

Military Transition Tips Article - What Do You Do For Work?

This is a very helpful article to read regarding whatwe do for work and how we view our career path.This article is from the Military TransitionTips Article Directory:"What Do You Do For Work?"By: Doreen BanaszakI remember being asked this question a lot when I wasdissatisfied with my career. My usual strategy would be togive a pat answer and immediately turn the question backon the person who asked it.My avoidance of the question wasn't so much.......Article ContinuedMilitary Transition Tips ArticleVeterans In Motion

Posted on: 22 October 2006 | 10:00 pm

Military Transition Tips Web Site - Restored

As many have noticed, our Military Transition Tips Web Siteis now restored.For several months, our site has been hacked on severaloccasions. This is just another strike on how many peoplemay not understand the needs of people leaving the military.We are working on a project that will eliminate the hackingof our Military Transition Tips web site so we can make the siteavailable for your viewing.We apologize for the interruption of service. Believe me,we are on top of it. Thanks for your patience.Military Transition TipsVeterans In Motion

Posted on: 22 October 2006 | 9:48 pm

Dressing for Successful Job Interviews - Military Transition Tips

This is one of the articles on Military Transition Tips. Our article web sitecan be very helpful for your job search and more. This is one of the articlesfrom our Military Transition web site.Dressing for Successful Job Interviews The first thing an interviewer will notice about you is how you're dressed.Even before you say hello or shake their hand, they are starting to form animpression of you based on your appearance. This week's job searching tipdeals with making sure you are dressed properly for interviews.It's estimated that people gain meaning more from non-verbal cues inconversations than from the actual words exchanged. Therefore, how youpresent yourself in an interview will have a significant impact on how theinterviewer perceives you.If you're applying for a job as a manager, the interviewer will be trying todecide how you would be perceived by subordinates and other managers.Basically, they're asking themselves, "would this person fit in?" One way tofigure out how best to dress to fit in would be to visit the company aheadof time for some "surveillance" work.If you hang around outside the company's parking lot, you could observehow most people dress there. Of course it's best not to be conspicuous - ifthe interviewer saw you hanging around their parking lot a few days earlier,they might think you're strange!There are some basic rules that everyone should follow when going on a job interview:- Your goal should be to look clean, healthy and successful.- Make sure you don't have bad breath. Nobody wants to work withsomeone who smells bad.- On the other hand, don't overdo it with aftershave/perfume.- Always err on the side of conservatism. Men shouldwear conservative ties for interviews and women should opt for a moreconservative blouse.- Your hair should be clean and neat.- Your nails should be clean and a reasonablelength.- Women should wear tan or light hosiery.If you know people who workin a similar company (or the same company) in the same location, talkto them about how people dress for work. Especially if you are movingfrom another part of the country.For example, lawyers in California often dress a bit more casually andwear less conservative ties than lawyers in New York. Be sure to followrules of etiquette when on the interview itself. Give the interviewer achance to offer you a seat. If you're wearing a suit jacket, don't take itoff in the interview.Remember, an interview is partly a formality. Especially if theinterviewer is a human resources person or other staff member who isnot very familiar with your field, you may be judged much more onyour appearance and how well you conform to the "picture" of what agood interviewee should be like than on the content of what you say inthe interview.A great movie about creating the right appearance is the recent StevenSpielberg film, "Catch Me If You Can," which starred Leonardo Di Caprio.In the movie, which is based on a true story, Di Caprio plays a con artistand counterfeiter named Frank Abignale, Jr. Frank is able to work as anairline pilot, a doctor and a lawyer all because he is able to come acrosslike he fits in. Even though he was only 16, he knew enough to do hisresearch ahead of time and create the right appearance.One of the great lines in the movie is when Frank says to the detectivetrying to catch him, "Why do you think the Yankees always win? Is itbecause of Mickey Mantle? No, it's because everyone's busy watchingthe pinstripes."About the AuthorScott Brown is the author of the Job Search Handbook(http://www.jobsearchhandbook.com/). As editor of the HireSites.comweekly newsletter on job searching, Scott has written many articles on thesubject. He wrote the Job Search Handbook to provide job seekers with acomplete yet easy to use guide to finding a job effectively.Johnetta MatthewsVeterans In MotionShorten Your Military Transition Timeline

Posted on: 13 August 2006 | 11:29 pm

Military Transition Tips - Job Search

Wow,Let me let you in on something first hand. Have you every noticedthat on many job sites, a job can advertise at a certain salary, thenwhen you click for details, a lower salary is offered?Be very careful when applying for positions. If you decide to havean interview, make sure you fully understand what the positioninvolves and the salary that's being offered.We don't want to think that an employer wants to intentionallydeceive us, yet we may have a family depending on us and we onlywant to look after ourselves and know the details.This is just a tip for your upcoming job search. Information iskey. Best wishes with your job search.Johnetta MatthewsVeterans In Motion

Posted on: 13 August 2006 | 11:06 pm

Military Transition Tips Web Site - Back Up

Hi Everyone,It's been real challenging keeping the Military Transition Tips Web Siteup and running. Apparently, we must have a good idea, otherwise wewouldn't have so many people trying to hack the web site.We're working with our connections to keep the web site up for you.In case you haven't seen our earlier posts, Military Transition Tipsprovides articles that can assist with your job search and it also hasarticles of interest in many other topics.Visit www.militarytransitiontips.com to how the site can help.Best wishes with your military transition.Johnetta MatthewsVeterans In Motion

Posted on: 13 August 2006 | 10:59 pm

Military Transition Job Fairs - June through December 2006

It's high season for military transition job and career fairs.We have a great alliance with Military Connection and theykeep us posted on upcoming military transition job andcareer fairs nationwide. See the below link for moreinformation.Upcoming Military Transition Job & Career FairsHave a great weekend.Johnetta MatthewsVeterans In Motion

Posted on: 3 June 2006 | 9:36 pm

Military Transition Tips Web Site

Wow,The Military Transition Tips Web Site was a huge hit this month.Many of you may have noticed that we exceeded our bandwidthand had to consult our hosting company to increase it.We had so many visitors that the whole web site shut down!We're really glad to see that our web site has launched so well.Be sure to visit our Military Transition Tips web site for articleson just about every subject under the sun. Once again,thanks for the huge success of our web site.Johnetta MatthewsVeterans In Motion

Posted on: 1 June 2006 | 1:22 am

Military to Civilian Career and Job Fairs - Military Transition Tips

Hi Everyone,Just want to remind everyone that this is the time to seekmilitary to civilian job and career fairs. This is a high peaktime to seek your civilian employment.There are several agencies online to assist you with yourjob search. It's understood that it's difficult going frommilitary to civilian.Our Military Transition Article Directory will like to aidwith your search. See the below link for upcomingcareer and job fairs. Our military transition tips sitealso has great tips for career fairs. See below.Military to Civilian Career and Job Fairs:http://www.militarytransitiontips.com/category45.htmlJob Search Etiquette Article:http://www.militarytransitiontips.com/article3468.htmlThe above articles are available for reprint.For Military Transition Coaching be sure to drop a lineat vetsinmotion@aol.com .Johnetta MatthewsVeterans In MotionShorten Your Military Transition Timeline

Posted on: 6 May 2006 | 2:50 am

Announcement - College Open House

If you're located in the Southern California/Los Angeles Area and wantto attend a career college Open House, call either 626.927.0123 or either626.927.0124 for details. Best wishes with your Military Transition.Johnetta MatthewsVeterans In Motion

Posted on: 2 May 2006 | 3:08 pm

Military Transition Tips Announcement - New Categories

Military Transition Tips Article DirectoryAnnouncement:Veterans in Motion has added several categories to the MilitaryTransition Tips Article Directory. We're also moving a greatdeal of the articles to the appropriate categories. Thanksfor your patience in this area.Be sure to use the search feature on Military Transition TipsArticle Directory. This will allow for you to find yourarticles quickly until we're able to scan through the previouslysubmitted articles.There are two categories you may want to read if you're experiencinga military to civilian job search. The below links will assist withresumes, career fairs, job interviews, and more. Articles willbe added to the below categories daily. Visit often.New Military Transition Tips Categories:Job Interview and Resume Tips Employment & Career Fair TipsJob Search Announcement:Upcoming Career Fairs (Courtesy of Military Connection)Review our articles on Military Transition Tips and let us knowif there is a topic that's not covered on the directory that you'dlike to see. Best wishes with your military transition and mayVeterans in Motion be a valuable tool for your military to civiliantransition.Johnetta MatthewsVeterans In MotionMilitary Transition Tips

Posted on: 30 April 2006 | 4:26 pm

Why Submit an Article to Military Transition Tips Article Directory?

As many of you may know, we've started an article directoryat Military Transition Tips. The previous post shows ourpublished press release requesting articles to be readby people transitioning out of the military and formilitary veterans.There are so many benefits to submitting artictle toan article directory. Submitting an article to anarticle directory allows for the author to havefree viral advertising. The key is to submityour articles to as many article directories thatyou possibly can. (Key point to upcoming military andveteran business owners).Most article directories are not niche specific suchas ours. When you submit articles to our article directory,it's specifically for people leaving the military or who areexperiencing a military transition.If you have a business (even if you're a militaryperson or veteran) you'll benefit tremendously bysubmitting articles to our directory.Many of the benefits are listed in the below article.Keep in mind, articles submitted to our MilitaryTransition Tips Directory are subject to beposted on this blog. Please keep this in mind.We will advertise free for you if the article canrelate to a military person, veteran, or theirfamilies.The below article is one of the many articles in ourMilitary Transition Tips Article Directory. See the belowarticle, Benefits Of Article Marketing for article marketing:Benefits Of Article MarketingIn the real world, advertising is synonymous with moreexpenses for the business enterprise. TV spots, print ads,promotional campaigns… companies will have to spend justto get their business message to as many people as possible.Thankfully, online ventures are not beholden to such a rule.The World Wide Web provides so many channels whereinmarketing campaigns can be launched without having to typein your credit card details. Amazing, isn’t it?This is the reason why Internet marketing has blossomed towhat it is today. It is very accessible to many people, as steepfinancial investments are more of the exceptions rather thanthe general rule. Indeed, there are many avenues on theInternet that would allow a business with an online presenceto advertise its offerings.One of these amazing avenues, and quite possibly, the mostcost-efficient and powerful of them all, is article marketing.By its very label alone, you would immediately get the ideathat it has something to do with writing articles. This is correct.You see, by writing articles about the subject matter relevantto our business, and by distributing the same to the manychannels in the World Wide Web, we will be able to reach somany people and each of them would regard us as expertsin the field.Still confused as to how article marketing works? Here is astep-by-step guide that would teach you the ins and outs ofthis fantastic marketing strategy:Write a premium, highly informative 300 to 1,200 wordarticle about the subject of your business. If your business,for example, is concerned with dog care, you could write anarticle about proper dog grooming.Include a resource box at the end of your article. Yourresource box is a concise summary of who you are, whatyou’re about, and could also have a link to your website.Submit your article to the many article directories thatcan be found on the web.Every time a person gets to read your article as displayedin the article directories, the link to your website would beexposed and there is a higher likelihood of gaining moreunique visitors for your web pages. These article directoriesare seen by millions of people each and every day, as theyare easily indexed by the search engines.The philosophy behind article marketing is a tactic popularlyreferred to as back linking. Since getting indexed in the searchengines is quite a difficult chore, and often, the results wouldtake months before they could bear fruit, a lot of Internetmarketers have resorted to back links to get a piece of thesearch engine pie.Back links are links to your website which you manage todisplay in other sites that have a high Page Rank (PR) inthe search engines. It’s almost tantamount to piggybackingyour way to instant online prominence.There are so many benefits that can be derived from articlemarketing. Do consider the following:If you could write your own article, it’s a free marketing vehicle.If you can’t write your own article, or if you simply don’t havethe time to prepare a piece, you could always hire a ghostwriterto write one for you. The going rate for a standard 500 wordarticle is 3 to 10 dollars.Including your link in the resource box would make it visible tothe many people who would get to read your article. This couldpotentially equate to an equal amount of new traffic for your site.There is always a chance that your article would get picked upby an electronic newsletter, called an eZine, and this would exposeyour link to new audiences which could also result in new traffic foryour web pages.There is also a chance that your article would get picked up by aprinted publication, and the readership of the same would get toknow the products or services which your business offers.By writing a highly informative piece, you’ll be able to brandyourself as an expert in the field in the eyes of your readers.They’ll get to trust you with their needs, whenever they wouldarise. This is pre-selling at its finest!With all that is going for article marketing, there should be noquestions as to why it is heralded as one of the most potentmarketing strategies today. Try it out and elevate your advertisingcampaign to the next level, all without spending a single cent at that.About the author:================================By David Zohar http://www.articlebar.comDavid Zohar is the owner of http://www.ArticleBar.comwhich is is a free directory of articles from expert authorson a wide range of topics. We invite authors to submitoriginal articles to our growing database.================================Military Transition Tips ContentsSource: www.militarytransitiontips.comJohnetta MatthewsMilitary Transition CoachVeterans In MotionMilitary Transition Tips Article DirectoryOwner

Posted on: 17 April 2006 | 10:40 am

Military Transition Article Web Site

We're still tightening up things with our new project. Our new project offers a way for people leaving the military, military families, and veterans to find articles on key topics they need. In other words, it's real hard to find quick information and tips on certain topics. You'll find yourself drowning in the internet to research certain topics to help you military transition. On our article directory, you're able to search a topic and find articles related to the topic you're searching. Articles are being added daily so be sure to visit the site frequently.What we did was come up with an article directory where experts share their expertise and before going to their respective web site, you'll able to get valuable, key information about your topic. Please read press release below. Companies and services are encouraged to submit articles of substance for our uniformed comrades and place a link for free in our directory.Long Beach, CA (PRWEB) April 2, 2006 -- An independent military transition coach has implemented a military transition tips article web site for people leaving the military and their families."Finding information to transition out of the military was very frustrating," explained Johnetta Matthews, an independent military transition coach. "For some reason, I felt very lost and didn't have a place where I could conduct thorough research on various military transitional topics. As time approaches for a person to look at their front gate through their rear view mirror for the last time, information is needed immediately. There had to be a solution to this dilemna." Thus, Military Transition Tips was born.Companies and business owners can submit articles to our article web site to show expertise in their respective field. A military transition tips article web site was needed for experts to convey vital information on civilian topics and for people to be able to search and find them.Military, military families, and veterans could use information on a compact article directory on the following topics:1. Employment Tips2. Self employment options3. Investing Tips4. Housing and Real Estate Tips5. Military and Veteran Discounts6. Military Loans7. Military Placement/Staffing Agencies8. Career Fair Strategies and Locations9. Transitioning to Working from Home10. Online Colleges' Tips11. Colleges and Universities Tips12. Trade Schools' Tips13. Military Transition Tips for military, veterans, and their families14. Pertinent clubs and associations15. Insurance Tips16. Civilian Health Care Tips17. Life/Military Transition Coaching18. Relocation Tips19. Financial Tips20. PTSD Information21. Disabled Veterans InformationAll information is searchable so veterans and people the military would be able to search on term of interest. Related keywords throughout articles are the keys to being located.A successful civilian lifestyle depends on having diverse information on various topics and tips. Our men and women in uniform deserve to have an information portal that provides information from experts that would be of value to their military transition.All chamber of commerce throughout the nation are highly encouraged to submit short articles on employment options, recreation, major industries, housing, and information regarding education in their respective city. It would be highly recommended to submit a url to the chamber of commerce city page. This information would gravely assist a military person on deciding where to live upon separation or retirement.New site is located at http://www.militarytransitiontips.com and experts are welcomed to submit articles that link back to thier respective web sites."Key thing to remember, a military person leaving the military experiences many different transitions simultaneously. It's not just about leaving the military, it's about learning how to adjust to civilian life", commented Johnetta Matthews, "Timely information is the key to their success".Johnetta Matthews served in the military for nearly 22 years and has dedicated her life to helping people transition from the military. For more information visit www.veteransinmotion.com and www.veteransinmotion.blogspot.com .Summary:The largest frustration with leaving the military is lack of timely information. Johnetta Matthews, military transition coach, served the military for nearly 22 years and has launched a military transition tips article web site where people leaving the military can research a wide variety of information and businesses can submit their articles free to our men and women in uniform with a reciprocal link.

Posted on: 2 April 2006 | 3:21 pm

Military Transition Tips - Online Entrepreneurial Recommendation

Hi Veterans and Soon to be Veterans,Many of us seek ways to earn an income online. With the Iraqisituation, many of our uniformed comrades may be unable towork due to disabilities and many military members may wantto venture at an on or off line business.Just recently, I reviewed an online service and was totally amazedat the customer service and the quality of the product. Many of ushave to take a crash course on how internet marketers make theirincomes online.Well, after sinking many dollars in various projects, I've found a winner.The below web site is my number one recommendation for a person thatwants to start researching ways to earn an income online.Number One Recommendation:Click Here to Explore An Interesting and Powerful Way to Earn an Income Online. Best Wishes With Your Military Transition.Johnetta MatthewsMilitary Transition CoachVeterans In MotionStay tuned for our upcoming project.

Posted on: 31 March 2006 | 12:37 am

Military Transition Tips Announcement

A Military Transition can be very challenging.What's more challenging is finding informationon so many broad subjects.Veterans In Motion is currently working on alarge project to assist with your militarytransition. This project will be unveiledin the next coming days.After the project is complete, it will continueto be built upon to give you valuable militarytransition tips.Visit often, we will be announcing the projectonce it's online.Have a great week and stay tuned for details.Johnetta MatthewsMilitary Transition CoachVeterans In Motion

Posted on: 19 March 2006 | 8:07 pm

Military Transition Ideas - Our Archives

Check Our Monthly Archive LinksIf you're new to our military transition blog, be sure to check ourmonthly archive links. For some strange reason, our individualarchives aren't updating, yet our monthly archives are loadedwith ideas.This blog has been around for way over a year and many of theCareer Fair links are still good. Take time and click through ourMonthly Archives for Military Transition Ideas andCareer Fairs/Job Fairs.Continual Reminder for Copies of Records:Be sure to request copies of all military personnel records,medical records, and dental records prior to your T.A.P.S.Briefings. Your military evaluations hold the keys to writingyour civilian resume and you may be entitled to some sortof medical disability.The only way to determine if you're entitled to a militarydisability is to have your medical records screened byVeterans Affairs. Some bases, posts, or stations will ensurethat you bring a copy of your medical and dental recordsto your T.A.P.S. briefings for an initial review. Seriously considerhaving all records reviewed prior to leaving the military. Thiswill speed up your disablity claim.For more information, contact your Military Transition Officeon your base/post. Read through our monthly archives foradditional information as well.Johnetta MatthewsMilitary Transition CoachVeterans In Motion

Posted on: 14 February 2006 | 1:42 am

Great Military Transition Tool

Yesterday I was walking through a bookstore andran across a rare find. The book was on theSedona Method. For years I had heard of theSedona Method seminars and this was the firsttime I ran across a book on the subject.After reading the first 100 pages, I'm sure thiswill help a lot of us that have transitioned or stilltransitioning out of the military.We suppress many of our feelings when we servein the Armed Forces. The mission comes first.Over a period of time, we have many feelings thatare so suppressed, that we may appear as walkingtime bombs. This analogy also goes for theaverage person who has never served in the military.Take a look at the below book and it's description.See whether or not if this can be ammo in your toolboxfor military transitioning. I give this book a"10" on a scale of 1 to 10.Johnetta MatthewsVeterans In MotionTechnorati Tags: military transition militarymilitary separation military retirement military transition life veterans va Iraq war PTSD milblog

Posted on: 5 February 2006 | 11:07 pm

Military Emergency Relief Fund

We postponed posting our newsletter for the last couple ofweeks and began a research project.*It will take time for the links to activate below. In themeantime, please copy and paste urls in your browser.Out of all of the information in the news, it saddensmany of us to see Emergency Relief Funds available tohelp our National Guard and the word isn't getting outto the guardsmen on a major scale. The program allowsfor up to $2000 of emergency relief to military familiesin need where a family member has served or who is servingin Iraq. There are debatable restrictions that requireproof of 30% loss of income. Check your state to see ifthere has been any changes. Please seethe below article for details:Read ArticleThe most successful fund is the Illinois Military FamilyRelief Fund. Please read the below article and spread it around.See SiteWithin the above news article, there is mention of the Chaplains'Relief Fund. New Hampshire National Guard has done a wonderfuljob of spelling everything out. See below:Search on Military Family Relief Fund The Red Cross Military Link for all military members andveterans:Red Cross LinkJohnetta MatthewsVeterans In MotionTechnorati Tags: military transition militarymilitary separation military retirement military transition life veterans va Iraq war PTSD milblog

Posted on: 5 February 2006 | 8:43 pm

Military Transition or Lifestyle Adjustment - Part 1

Recently I ran across a civilian gentleman that asked,"How canmilitary transitioning can be complicated for a personleaving the military?" Basically, he wanted for me todefine the term military transition to where he couldrelate and understand the process. "It's just changing jobs,right?", he asked.Before I began explaining the process, I made sure thathe realized that the transitioning process we were addressingcould apply to police officers, firemen, EMTs, and any otherjob that has it's own lingo and culture.In addition to the above occupations, a person who serves asa teacher, a professor, a lawyer, an attorney, a publicofficial and every occupation you can think of goes throughsome sort of transition once they no longer perform theirprimary occupation.We inevitably become like the people we work with and adoptthe thought process for that particular field. This thoughtprocess then becomes a part of our lifestyle, identity,vocabulary, and reasoning. The power of the thought processand transformation of our identity in relation to our occupationis underestimated. To put this theory to test, imagine taking a30 day vacation and see how you feel by the 21st day. Howwould your first day back to work feel? It takes 21 daysto acquire a habit.Once we separate ourselves from that occupation, our identityis tested. Once we leave or change occupations, we undergo aself-discovery phase with our identities and experience anidentity transformation process. There are several events thatcan kick off a self-discovery process within us (i.e. new job,new location, new career field, marriage, divorce, etc).A transition is just that, a transition. Ask any retiree(civilian or military). Amazingly so, a person leaving themilitary not only goes through a transition with an occupation,they go through a lifestyle transition as well. Then if theperson relocates, there's a host of transitions occurringsimultaneously. All of these changes can cause sensory overloadif the person isn't prepared for the transition. (Hopefully thisanalogy helps someone who hasn't served in the military understandthat military transitioning is a combination of transitions).Over the past year, I'm really glad to see more supportingwebsites and businesses online for military transitioning.There was a need and the need for military transitioningservices will increase with our brothers and sisters returningfrom war. Some say there isn't a war going on. If there isblood being shed, that spells war to me and many others.Food For Thought:The lifesyle transition a military person experiences is thetransition of living within the civilian society. Our militarycommunities are very close knit. Imagine a base or post being alittle city with a population of approximately 2000 or less. A worldwithin a world, a microcosm in a macrocosm.Transitions to Ponder:1. Going from elementary school to junior high.2. Going from junior high school to high school.3. Going from high school to college.4. Graduating from college and entering the work force.5. Leaving home.6. Going from single to married.7. Going from childless to having children.8. Watching children grow up.9. Watching children leave home.10. Going from a full nest to an empty nest.11. Retirement, etc...12. Leaving the earth plane as a living being.Transitions are inevitable. That's living life.Stay tuned for more on transitioning and it's affects. Ifthere is a topic you'd like incorporated within this subject,please write to vetsinmotion@aol.com.Until Next Time,Johnetta MatthewsVeterans In MotionThis article may be circulated as long as it includes:This article was written by Johnetta Matthews, MilitaryTransition Coach,Veterans In Motion, www.veteransinmotion.comand www.veteransinmotion.blogspot.com .Technorati Tags: military transition militarymilitary separation military retirement military transition life veterans va Iraq war PTSD milblog

Posted on: 9 January 2006 | 11:31 pm

Free Wisdom Flash For Visitors

Good Evening Everyone,This evening I'd like to share a free viewing of a Wisdom Flash for those of you who may be experiencing stress in everyday life or with your military transition. Sometimes it's really hard to take a time out and really see things clearly around us. Below is a Free Wisdom Flash you may enjoy. Bookmark the sight and share it with others. Have a great 2006! We'll be posting job fairs and transitional material in the next few days.Enjoy:Gay & Katie Hendricks: Stress Relief Mood Shifter Wisdom FlashClick HereJohnetta MatthewsMilitary Transition CoachVeterans In MotionTechnorati Tags: military transition militarymilitary separation military retirement military transition life veterans va Iraq war PTSD milblog

Posted on: 2 January 2006 | 11:28 pm