Out of Uniform: Your Guide to a Successful Military-to-Civilian Career Transition

As a Naval Officer approaching the 18-24 month period before I expect to retire and transition to civilian life, I surveyed all the wealth of recommended resources, looking for a book to start my journey. As a fellow Naval Academy graduate, Tom's book caught my eye, including his own post-Navy experience guiding transitioning veterans.I initially checked this book out of my local library, and after reading it cover to cover, I realized I needed my own personal copy as a continual reference. It's helped me brainstorm all the things I need to accomplish and develop a plan of attack - first was building a LinkedIn profile, which has been critical to networking in the last six months. Even now, though I'm still a year out from retirement and haven't yet started a resume in earnest or had a necessity to prepare for any interviews, I expect to go back to Tom's book as I begin each step.Tom's book has been a great book to get me going and serve as a guide to keep me headed in the right direction as I navigate the transition to a civilian career!

Boy, after many years of military education and numerous leadership positions, one would think that I was prepared to make a successful transition back to being a civilian! Boy was I wrong! I wasn't sure where to begin? This book forced me to think, ask key questions and set me on the path of success. I now have a tool kit of how to begin and continue this journey successfully. Tom is even willing to help me over the phone! How many writers do that? Imagine if you will, a GO/FO/CSM mentoring in your career. That's what Tom does as he has helped thousands gain rewarding careers during the past 40 years. I can't thank you enough.

There are many things I like about Tom's book. I think the most important is the amount of time that is spent on really getting to know the most important person in the transition: the military service member him/herself.I have been helping separating military members and veterans obtain employment for the past 18 years. The biggest frustration that I see is that too many jump ahead to writing resumes before they actually sit down and do the homework on themselves, employers, and the field they want to enter into. As a result, many quickly bounce out of their first post-military job and many continue to bounce the rest of their way through life. Laying the groundwork, knowing the territory and knowing what employers are looking for doesn't necessarily eliminate job bouncing, but it usually does.Oh, and the price is great too!

Stumbled upon this book on Amazon while looking for a book to help with my transition.What drew my eye was that he was a fellow USNA graduate and understood the difficulty for officers to transition. There aren’t many books out there for this crowd.His book outlined ways for you conduct self reflection and understand the many different aspects of transition to the corporate world. There are tips for writing resumes and cover letters.Must read book for Junior Military Officers trying to navigate a new career path!

My thanks to all of you who helped make the First Edition of this book so successful, especially those of you who took the time to post all of the 5 Star reviews. The impetus behind the writing of the Second Edition, and the primary difference between the two editions, is Social Media, specifically its impact on career transition, networking, job hunting, and candidate sourcing.Looking forward to more reviews of the Second Edition. For now, here is a link to the First Edition and the associated reviews:  Out of Uniform: Your Guide to a Successful Military-to-Civilian Career Transition

Second time reading since it arrived. The difficult we do at once, the impossible takes a little longer. Go into this reading with a students mindset. Turn the thoughts into action. After the first reading I was able to change the results that I was getting.

Excellent book that is easy to read. This book has helped give me direction and clarity for a transition to the civilian sector. Great advice from someone who has not only made the transition but has helped thousands of others over the course of 30 years

This is an outstanding book for any veteran's transition process, whether the horizon is three months or three years. While there are many excellent resources for job searches, career changes or life transitions (and can/should be used in concert with this book), Out of Uniform addresses all of the pitfalls, biases, and mechanics of leaving the military and starting a new chapter of you and your family's life.

Excellent book, should be provided by Canadian Forces transition group. Change a few acronyms from US nomenclature and this book is immediately applicable. I think it will assist me in my transition immensely.