Regarding War

No Longer Superman: Rebuilding a Life Where You're Not the "Hero"

2010-02-01T21:43:47Z

When soldiers return home from the battlefield, they often find themselves eagerly waiting for the next opportunity to lead, overcome adversity, and achieve success. But how? Is the next venture expected to surpass previous achievements? Or will it seem lackluster compared to the unique opportunities that being in the military presents -- opportunities to selflessly sacrifice life and limb, exhibit personal courage and serve with a host of other heroes from multiple backgrounds?

For me, the days after I returned from service were filled with confusion. I didn't feel like I belonged in the civilian world. Honestly, it's extremely difficult to not be classified as "the hero" anymore. I've heard the same story from other veterans many times: no one wants to stop being Superman in the eyes of the world. A soldier reintegrating into the civilian world might feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, when she realized that the world she knew and understood no longer existed. Chances are that veterans might find themselves cycling through stages of mourning over their new-found civilian status. Grief, denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance are not uncommon. It's easy to miss the comfort that comes with the predictability of being a soldier.

For veterans, navigating these waters alone can be difficult. When I returned, I knew I wanted to find others that understood the troubles I had faced, so I joined professional and social organizations that were filled with like-minded, yet diverse, young men and women. I knew I could learn from my peers, based on the different paths they had chosen in life, and that they could learn from me too. Exposure to their experiences created a more open view of the world for me; it allowed me to speak without being judged, learn without being criticized, and comprehend different personalities and life choices.

Life beyond the military is going to be different, and stress is inevitable, but with the veteran's experience in high-tempo environments, that shouldn't be anything too new. Most veterans have also discovered that healthy stress can be a source of action: it forces you to choose "fight" over "flight." On the other hand, unhealthy stress sucks you dry, and drags your loved ones with you. Effective stress management needs to include your whole team. One good way to combat stress is by participating in recreational activities.
As for establishing new trustful relationships, what can be learned from the bonds developed in "life or death" situations we form during our service that can be applied to our relationships in the civilian world? These bonds may not arise from identical circumstances, but still, the trials and tribulations we share with those around us generally make us stronger. Relationships and networks can come together to provide a support system that evolves as we change, war changes, and we make forward progress.

Branding a New Kind of Veteran in Tough Economic Times

2010-01-04T16:50:58Z

Each year, an increasing number of men and women decide to leave the Armed Forces. But all too often, these brave men and women don't know what kinds are jobs they are qualified for in the civilian word, what transferable skills they have or how long it will take to find a new job. Leaving the Armed Forces requires the veteran to dedicate some time thinking about what is important and where his or her motivation lies. The challenges of re-entering the civilian work world are plentiful, but can be overcome with significant thought and diligence.

We have all read newspapers, watched the five o'clock news and surfed the Internet enough to understand that the jobs front is not as welcoming as it could be these days. Companies are struggling to survive, and employees are being laid off like never before. People are losing their jobs, their homes and the sense of security they were used to. Veterans should be fully aware of the current environment before letting go of their military paychecks. I don't say this to discourage anyone; these are just the facts. Being aware of the job market is an important part of planning and adjusting a job search strategy.

Many believe the biggest challenge is money; veterans fear missing mortgage payments and not being able to support their families. Some soldiers remain tied to the Armed Forces because they are so worried about money that this fear destroys their hopes of finding a career outside of the military. This can result in additional distress, and create a cycle of unhappiness and strife. Of course, it's difficult to see beyond financial pressures. For those leaving the Armed Forces, careful financial planning during the transition is extremely important, and should be discussed with family and loved ones.

Despite financial worries, veterans should find a profession where they can truly put their passion to work, and really go for it, regardless of what the nightly news reports; that is what will ultimately lead to success. I have a quote by Robert H. Schuller posted in my office: "What would you do if you knew you could not fail?" If veterans took Schuller's quote to heart and knew their new careers would be the right choice for them, would financial concerns still keep them from making the change?

The whole prospect of writing resumés, wearing business suits, going on interviews and negotiating salaries can be enough to paralyze a veteran with fear. And while it's natural to worry about not being able to find the right job, the most important thing to remember is not to slip into denial and put off doing important tasks that need to be done. After deciding to transition out of the military into the civilian workforce, veterans should expect to experience some stress — but they should also create a plan and follow it. Military benefits that can assist should be identified and utilized. Veterans also need to learn the business of finding a job, and make sure to connect with other veteran job seekers, as well as employers that may be seeking to hire veterans. The more time they spend learning everything they can, down to the nitty-gritty details of the new career they pursue, the better the chances for a successful transition.

Finding a new job is a big adventure, but veterans need to understand that they don't have to do it alone. Ask family and friends for their support. Leaving the military may mean yet another move for everyone: spouses may have to quit their jobs and find new ones again. Kids may have to leave schools and friends. As a military family, they may be quite adept at this, but it doesn't make it any more fun. All of this provides even more reason to communicate openly and honestly throughout the entire transition period, making the changes easier to handle for everyone.

Military life is relatively self-contained and predictable; it consists of uniform, rank, insignia, haircut and a physical fitness score. There's a certain comfort in knowing that trainings are scheduled, deadlines are set, and paychecks are deposited twice a month. Our buddies have our backs, and we have theirs. The civilian world is not quite the same — there is much more room for creating a new brand of you. Want to gain an extra 10 pounds without being assigned extra push-ups? Go ahead! Want to let your hair grow long and pierce your nose? No problem! Veterans should welcome these changes, but shouldn't be surprised when they find themselves missing the comfort of the military. Frustration is a natural part of the transition process. Just remember to confront your obstacles head-on and don't ignore potential problems that could become something devastating.

Veterans have a unique skill set and an array of talents. They are bold, courageous and venturesome, and have served times that will be etched into history books. When it is time to move on from the military, they need to write their own civilian success stories. With support and confidence, they will be able to use their skills and excel in the civilian workforce.

Improved Veteran Educational Benefits

2009-12-17T15:28:58Z

When I graduated with a four-year degree at the age of 26 — a degree I started working towards when I was 18 and fresh out of basic training, people asked me if it was nice to be debt-free. "Why would you think I am debt-free?" I would ask. Most of my friends and colleagues assumed that the military had paid for 100 percent of my college tuition, books and housing. When I told them just how inadequate my actual educational benefits really were, they would look like a child who's just found out there is no such thing as the Easter Bunny. Furthermore, many of my fellow veterans were so discouraged by the inadequate benefits that they dropped out of school or never attended — being in school would have meant schoolwork in addition to a full-time job, and less time for their family — and that was unrealistic for them. Other service members across the country were struggling to stay in school; many were forced to take out loans to start classes or waited months for reimbursement. Even though payments were made, the educational benefits for a veteran still only covered a fraction of the cost of a four-year public university.

As an Army National Guard infantryman, I spent 24 months deployed with active duty for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Both deployments required me to drop out in the middle of college terms. But it was my duty to deploy, and I was proud to serve my country regardless of the interruption to my education. When it was time to focus on school 100 percent, I was equally emphatic about my commitment.

The cost of my quarterly tuition, books and housing for a state university was approximately $2400. The National Guard benefits, according to the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), paid $1095 each quarter, with a total limit of $10,000. This amount barely covered my rent, and ran out very quickly. Even though the National Guard is technically considered a reserve military force, I had spent nearly two years on active duty, and had no change in educational benefits to reflect it. My active duty counterparts (those who technically serve full time in the military), many of whom had spent the same amount of time overseas as me, had a total benefit of $40,000.

Later, when I received a collection notice from the Department of Veterans Affairs, I became even more aware of the inadequacies the MGIB. I had been paid for less than 50 percent of my education a month at a time, even though my university required the full quarter of tuition upfront. The VA had also accidentally paid for two too many quarters, which sent me over my $10,000 limit, and the collection notice told me they wanted the overpaid balance back — within the next 90 days. With the remainder of my education expenses loan-funded, it was impossible to pay this money back so quickly; I was devastated. Over the course of my first year of full-time employment, I finally repaid this debt. Still, every time I sent off another check to the VA, I also worried for future veterans, whose educational benefits were constantly decreasing in value.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the original GI Bill in 1944. He described it as an "emphatic notice to the men and women in our armed forces that the American people do not intend to let them down." I had not only been let down, I had been given a debt by the VA — apparently no one felt that I, a National Guard member who had been deployed twice, had earned benefits comparable to those of full-time active duty soldiers. Until the summer of 2008, veterans like me faced a very different future from what FDR had made possible for previous generations. Since 1984, the inadequate MGIB, which was linked only to inflation, and not to the skyrocketing cost of college, had been losing value every year. It was this shortfall that led to 90 percent of veterans attending two-year colleges (instead of 4-year colleges), compared to the 38 percent of students in general who attend two-year colleges.

After a significant fight for better benefits, Congress passed the new "Post-9/11" GI Bill in the summer of 2008. This bill provides a stronger educational benefit that will dramatically improve the futures of those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Not only will the GI Bill better reward our troops, every dollar spent on educational benefits under this more robust program is expected to add seven dollars to the national economy through productivity, consumer spending and tax revenue. The former Montgomery GI Bill had only realized a maximum economic gain of $2.54 per dollar spent.

Veterans can look forward to increased payment rates with the new and improved GI Bill: tuition will be paid in a lump sum directly to the school, and veterans will receive a monthly stipend for books. Veterans can also expect a stipend for living expenses, an extended deadline to use the funds and transferability of the benefits to family members. The tuition rate is calculated via the in-state school's tuition, and may limit the veteran's education options, but a relocation allowance is available for those who wish to explore their options. The payment rates are calculated on eight different payment levels, based on active duty service since September 11, 2001; the rates differ from state to state, and also depend the number of classes taken.

For now, administrative difficulties with handling the benefits of the new GI Bill have created a backlog of eligibility applications and an extended delay in benefit payments. This has created strain on veterans once again; many should have started receiving their educational payments over 10 weeks ago. The new benefits also maintain the disparity between reserve and active duty veterans, just as the previous GI Bill had. Despite these difficulties and problems, the Post 9/11 GI Bill is a great improvement: for most veterans, it is exponentially better than the current VA education programs.

Roosevelt understood the value of comprehensive reintegration tools when he signed the original GI Bill, ensuring that millions of veterans had a financial safety net as they transitioned back into civilian life. The new generation of combat veterans can take advantage of the new GI Bill, which promises to make college tuition affordable to every Iraq and Afghanistan veteran. As part of a solid investment in those who have earned the chance to readjust to civilian life by making college a full-time job, this country's next "Greatest Generation" can build a new future of American Leaders.

For more information on the Post 9/11 GI Bill, please visit www.gibill.va.gov.

The Unseen Costs of War: Where the Mission Continues

2009-12-08T16:58:04Z

Returning soldiers are coming home to a recession. A high level of unemployment, a lack of re-entry resources, and a backlog of more than one million pending war-related disability claims have left hundreds of thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans without the resources they need to function in society and support their families.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have contributed to the financial burden we all carry as a nation. At a cost of $30 billion this year alone, and the price rising to $1 million per soldier per year, the financial cost of war is a large portion of the deficit. Meaningful programs for veterans are tapped out. But veterans still need help, and many just don't know where to get it.

We can make and escalate war, but we have to take care of the service members who fight; we need more than just Veterans Day to be reminded of our responsibility to our veterans. While parades and welcome home parties are a wonderful gesture and much appreciated, Veterans Administration costs — for taking care of veterans after they are turn home — are estimated at over $50 billion. For too long, service members and their families have been shouldering the emotional costs of war alone, and it is time to be serious about a complete plan — one that cares for troops when they come home, and one that provides them real resources.

Historically, the veteran unemployment rate is 7 percent higher than the civilian unemployment rate. More than 40 percent of National Guard/Reserve soldiers lose income when they are deployed. Many of these part-time troops aren't even properly employed. Between employers who are unaware that the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act legally protects and requires that returning veterans be given the same or equivalent job, and the 75 percent of veterans who report an inability to effectively translate military skills to civilian skills, unemployment is a major problem among returning veterans. But that is only one piece of the puzzle. Returning troops who find they have lost their jobs because their employers said the costs of training replacements were too high are then forced to prove that their termination was due to military service. Additionally, no single government agency has "total visibility" of employment-based claims. The Department of Defense, Department of Labor and Department of Justice can all investigate the veteran's claim, which, have taken an average of 619 days to be fully addressed.

These returning soldiers, who are then forced to find another job to support their families, face serious challenges as they search for employment in the civilian workforce. Military men and women develop a unique set of skills during their careers, including adaptability, teamwork and mission-focus. These are skills that every employer should value, yet soldiers have a hard time re-establishing themselves in a workplace where employers admit to not having a complete understanding of the qualifications ex-service members offer. Already undervalued, veterans also lack critical career advancement skills — such as networking and salary negotiation — because they have received no exposure to these skills in the military. It is no wonder that so many veterans have opted to re-enlist rather than face long-term unemployment.

Making the transition from daily life-or-death decisions to asking customers if they would like paper or plastic is a tough pill to swallow. Veterans have proven themselves worthy on the battlefield, and should be given the chance to become community leaders at home. Going to college is one positive step that returning soldiers can take. Earning a college degree is not only a great career move, but student life can also provide an easier transition for veterans who are readjusting to civilian life. As a student, you can take a day off when something causes your mind to flash back to gunfire and explosions. This is a luxury veterans with full-time jobs usually don't have; in fact, working veterans might actually find their jobs are at risk because their bosses can't understand why they need a personal day. In this regard, education benefits, the military's top recruitment incentive, are one of the greatest social invested programs ever invented.

Making the transition home from war is never easy. We must make a stronger effort to revitalize our ethical obligations and social debts to the hundreds of thousands of new veterans leaving active duty, or returning from deployments to look for work.

Next week, I will explore the new GI Bill program. There are certain difficulties with program, but there are also added benefits to the economy that the program provides in terms of productivity, consumer spending and tax revenue.

What Comes Next for Returning Veterans?

2009-11-30T17:22:22Z

By the age of ten, I knew that I wanted to serve my country. After school, I was always in the library, reading books about Vietnam — I found myself intrigued by the life of Army soldiers. I was proud of everything they went through and the sacrifices they made, and I knew that I wanted to become a soldier too.

The Army National Guard was my solution to serving the country and simultaneously getting a quality education. I had only been 17 for a few days when I signed my enlistment contract. Two years later, on the fateful morning of September 11th, I knew that none of our lives would ever be the same again. Active duty personnel were mobilized, and the National Guard had to cover their posts. Within a few months, I had an active duty assignment with the 7th Infantry Division for Operation Enduring Freedom in the Sinai desert with the Multinational Force and Observers.

After returning from my first deployment, I finished my first two years of college, moved to Washington, and began coursework towards a BA in business at Eastern Washington University. I joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and found all the camaraderie that I had missed from active military duty. But after only two months in my new home, I was deployed to Baghdad for Operation Iraqi Freedom II with the 1st Cavalry Division. Patrols riddled with gunfire, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, injury, death, heartache and sleepless nights became a part of my daily routine. The end of my rotation in Iraq marked the end of my active career, with a Combat Infantryman's Badge and an Army Commendation Medal on my chest to proudly wear in honor of those that served beside me. I went back to college, but some of my fellow soldiers were confused. Most of them didn't have a clear direction, written goals or an advocate to assist them in easing back to civilian life. My veteran friends were left with feelings of disdain, contempt and regret. Many of them volunteered for additional active duty. Had the disconnect between a life in the military and a healthy civilian life become so great that proper reentry was too difficult?

For me, the discipline that I gained from my Army career translated well into leadership roles, and I was elected the chapter president of my fraternity. During a national legislation meeting, it was this position that allowed me to make personal statements in support of a bylaw concerning the treatment of deployed undergraduate members. By majority vote, deployed student-soldiers were granted honorary alumni status to the fraternity and freed from obligations that would be impossible to uphold. Positive progress in veterans' affairs by fraternity undergraduates — priceless.

My college internships then translated to a career with a Fortune 50 corporation, where my military background provided me the inherent advantage of being flexible, organized, disciplined and more responsible than many others around me. My supervisors and peers knew that my good work ethic could be attributed to my experience in the military. This often led to uncomfortable conversations, but I was never one to shy away from speaking the truth about my experiences in Iraq. I feel that part of my duty is to provide clarity about a war that the general public knows little more about than what is in the news.

Today, the civilian job market is tanking. Troop deployments are being scaled back and veterans are looking for answers. What comes next? Who has the answers? The guidance given to transitioning soldiers is insufficient, and doesn't properly prepare them for reentry into civilian life. My personal realizations and remembrances led me to examine inefficiencies in the common civilian job search process. Veterans need more support, and transitioning soldiers need to know that someone else has been there before. In 2009, I started the blog Boots To Suits to provide a personally invested framework and ongoing resource for fellow veterans as they enter the civilian job world.

I hope you will join me in exploring how we can give veterans the best chance at making a seamless transition. Hard work, dedication, and proven strategy will help them shine like the heroes they are in a career they love, while private sector employers can gain an asset that will become one of their best investments.