You have just finished up your tour of duty in the military and are heading home to start a new life. It is a bittersweet moment as you are now free from the bonds of military service, but also a new world of possibilities opens up before you. Whether you are looking to settle down and start a family or are just itching to explore the options available to you, there are plenty of opportunities for you to make your life what you want it to be. One of the biggest transitions that most veterans will have to make post-military life is reentering the civilian world and trying to find their place in an increasingly digitalized world. When the going gets tough, it’s great to have a support network to turn to for help and guidance. One such network is the Local Veteran’s Administration (VA), which aims to provide services to military veterans in their local communities. As well as offering vital services to those who served their country, the VA also aims to help transitioning veterans find their feet in a new world. To accomplish this, the local VA offices around the country are online marketplaces where transitioning veterans can go to find the information and support that they need to thrive. In this blog post, we will discuss just a few of the ways that the local VA can help you reenter the civilian world successfully.
Linked Vocations
One of the best parts about the VA is that it offers services to veterans who are transitioning to civilian life. With over 500 occupations and more than 70 graduate degrees that are available, the VA is truly a one-stop-shop for every career that you could possibly imagine. To make the most of your new found freedom, you may want to consider pursuing a career in one of the fields that the VA is currently recruiting for. Through its Vocation Center Locator, the VA makes it easy for you to search for the nearest location that provides an opportunity that suits your skills and interests. When you find one that you think is a good fit, you can start applying through the online application system and begin your new life as a civilian.
Employment Services
Another great thing about the VA is that it provides services to help veterans get back on their feet economically. One of the biggest economic struggles that many veterans will face is finding employment, even when they are qualified for a job. The VA is aware of this problem and endeavors to help address it. To that end, it has established a network of partners, including government-employed job coaches who volunteer their time to help you find employment, even explaining job hunting and interview techniques to candidates in need of assistance. For those who qualify, the VA offers an income guarantee for up to one year of approved employment, and if you continue to work while on this status, you may be eligible for continued coverage under the GI Bill. When you are looking for work, apply for this guaranteed income as a safety net until you can secure permanent employment.
Counseling And Psychological Services
Every person facing a challenging transition to civilian life will need some sort of counseling or psychological assistance at some point during the process. Fortunately, the VA is also a source of trained professionals who can assist you with these issues. One of the biggest problems that many veterans face is transitioning to a new way of life, which can be both physically and emotionally demanding. To prepare you for this eventuality, the VA makes available a wide range of counseling and psychotherapy services that can help you work through the stressors and emotional turmoil of readjusting to civilian life. In a time of need, you can contact the nearest VA Mental Health Clinic for assistance. Alternatively, you can seek help from a private psychologist or counselor through your employer. When you are looking for a helping hand, the VA is a good place to start.
Educational Services
A vital aspect of transitioning to civilian life is understanding how to navigate the education system effectively. Fortunately, the VA is also dedicated to helping veterans achieve educational excellence and make the most out of their freedom. To that end, it has established an Academic Success Program, which provides guidance and support to students in a range of academic settings, including traditional universities and community colleges. As well as offering one-on-one tutoring and online mentoring, the program also provides students with a network of engaged peers who are going through the same exciting and sometimes daunting process of academic transition. Through these services, the VA helps you make the most of your new found freedom by guiding you through the process of achieving your goals.
Although the VA certainly has its challenges, from a veteran’s viewpoint, it is a clear example of how a governmental agency can truly serve the needs of its citizens. Whether you are a recent veteran who is looking for a helping hand or are just transitioning to civilian life yourself, the VA is a great place to be. With so much support available, you are sure to have the transition back home to military life, or to the community that you chose to make your new home, as smooth and successful as possible.