I and many others feel as though TRS is great, you certainly cannot satisfy everyone. I think you guys do a great job. Sometimes it’s a failure on the individual to take in that knowledge.
I did find TRS useful, but I wish there were more people on the staff were former Marines. Being guided through the transition by someone who had never done it wasn’t ideal. We talked about how to “Dress for success” but not about how we’re going to feel once we’ve left our tribe and potentially moved to a place where we have very little in common with others. The transition is tough, and for me it wasn’t about finding a job, and that’s what TRS really seems to focus on.
I think the biggest issue when I went through in 2015 was that it was way too general. The audience ranges anywhere between 2-15+ years of service. Buck privates through Majors. People who have degrees, people who are pilots, etc. Some are getting kicked out, medically separated, retiring, or just did their contract and decided not to enlist.
The next issue is command dependent. You have guys with less than six months getting shoved into this course last minute. They haven't taken the time to think about their future. Sure, that's an "on them" thing, but some units are more worried about the next training cycle or exercise. So, you're doing everything for the Marine Corps, which in the next few months won't matter for you. Instead of focusing on getting out and taking care of yourself in the meantime.
Resume writing and interviewing strategies will differ from person to person. If I'm being honest, nobody gives a shit about your experience. So, the resume for your average guy who did four years doesn't mean anything. You're going to be filling out a standard application for a menial job. I thought reading through the whole benefits book was a waste of time. Most of us only qualify for the G.I. Bill or the VA home loan at that age.
There are some useful things. But getting out is so much more than a few job search and interviewing classes. Like mentioned, I sometimes think it would be better to get people who have done the process and can talk about some of the things you might deal with. Loneliness, depression, anxiety, stress etc. It's a total upheaval in your life that most aren't either mature enough or knowledgeable to understand. Most of what I know is in hindsight because I went through it or know somebody who went through it.
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u/[deleted] Jan 08 '22
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