Transition tricks of the trade: Smooth separation

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Austin Harvill
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Transitioning out of the "big blue" is an eventual reality for all Airmen, whether they served for four or 24 years. From basic military training until separation, every one of us should be aware of the available resources and what to expect.

According to the Air Force Personnel Center, 39 percent of first-term Airmen eligible for reenlistment remained in the active-duty Air Force in fiscal year 2014. The other 61 percent transitioned either to the Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard, or separated altogether. Simply put, not all Airmen serve until retirement.

Luckily, Air Force leadership doesn't expect every member to retire. Resources are available to help transitioning Airmen smoothly integrate into the civilian work force. For U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Bradley Byrne, 31st Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, those programs and a little help from mentors put him on the path to success.

Byrne has served for three years and joined with the intent to learn discipline and responsibility, and to get an education; goals shared by many young Airmen. Byrne said his plan has worked out so far, but he sees where others might go astray.

"I feel like a lot of younger Airmen are either afraid to leave or think things automatically improve after the military," said Byrne. "We have a tendency to get caught up in the job and forget our goals, which leads to a fear of the unknown. On the other hand, some of my peers have these ideas of how they would be more successful after the military."

Byrne isn't under the impression the grass is greener on the other side, but he does know how to fertilize his future.

"Having a plan will take you away from an escapist attitude or that fear of what's next," said Byrne. "Unfortunately, the majority of my peers are in the dark about what [transition resources] exist for them. If they knew about the resources out there, I think their perceptions would change."

Master Sgt. Lark Dahl, 31st Force Support Squadron in-service Reserve recruiter, and Bob Berger, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant, stand as staunch defenders of transition education and preparedness. Both believe Airmen with dedication and planning have everything they need to reach their transition goals.

"I consistently talk to Airmen who say, 'I don't want to do this anymore, help me get out,'" said Dahl. "They only see the end of their active-duty term instead of looking towards their future, and that can lead to disaster."

For Airmen looking for a change of pace, Dahl recommends transferring to the Guard or Reserve as excellent options instead of a full separation.

"Airmen straight out of high school or college might not be aware of the expensive benefits we receive for free or the community we have," said Dahl. "A transition into the [Guard or Reserves] offers many of those benefits while still allowing Airmen to pursue other goals."

Dahl said she doesn't want to see Airmen on the street once they get out - they need to understand what awaits them.

"I ask Airmen if they've talked to a financial advisor or investigated the job market back home, and I get a blank stare," said Dahl. "Regardless of where or what they have in mind, everyone looking to separate needs to be realistic about their future and not let one person, perception or outlook determine their mindset. You have to stay open minded."

As a briefer in the Transition Assistance Program, Berger shares many of Dahl's sentiments, since he has seen many similar perceptions among young Airmen. He said writing down a plan and looking at it objectively will assuage any fears a young Airman might have.

"A lot of these bright and talented people think they are pigeon-holed into doing the same job they have while in the service or their skills aren't transferable," said Berger. "The truth is they don't understand their potential. In all reality, they have applicable skills in a wide variety of fields."

Through TAP or any other resources like seminars, one-on-one sessions or organizational tools, Berger believes any Airman can succeed after transitioning.

"Byrne is a great example of a young Airman with the right idea," said Berger. "He started a year out, went to multiple classes and changed his plan as necessary. He didn't let his every day duties get in the way of his transition."

Byrne said he could go to the classes because of his leadership.

"I think it was vital that my leadership allowed me to attend these different courses. The classes have influenced me so much," said Byrne. "This process takes time, and anyone who tries to get it all done during TAP or during terminal leave will struggle. Having supportive leadership prevents that mad-dash at the end."

With his time at Aviano Air Base, Italy, coming to an end, Byrne wanted to share one final message with other young transitioning Airmen.

"Get out there and get excited. Stay hungry for resources and don't let fear or doubt steer you away from your goals," he said. "I promise anyone, if they have a desire to transition, there are too many resources not to do so successfully, you just have to trust in the Air Force."

For more information on transitioning into the Reserve, call Dahl at 632-4919. For National Guard opportunities, speak with an in-service recruiter at your base of selection. Finally, for other transition resources and career counseling, call the AFRC at 632-5407.