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Stay up-to-date with news and information about your military education. You can get the information you need to make informed decisions about your online and military correspondence programs. Learn what's going on with military education and how you can make a smooth military transition. Your civilian career awaits you!

TAP Tips for Translating Your Military Skills

Thursday, February 25, 2010

servicememberAre you nervous about transitioning from active-duty service member to civilian? Advanced preparation can make all the difference. For example, did you know that you can prepare for your civilian career while on active duty from bases worldwide?

Select a military-friendly online school that allows you to put your military schedule first, and you can begin your civilian career with credentials that enhance your military background.

When you are ready to begin your civilian job search, knowing how to translate military jargon concerning your rank and duties is key - especially if you are going to convince a prospective employer that you are the right candidate for the job. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) offers valuable guidance on how to accomplish this task. Here are some examples directly from the TAP Manual:

Translating Your Military Strengths

1. Leadership Training
The military trains people to accept responsibility and give direction. You may have had responsibility for other people and their activities. You are trained to lead by setting an example and by giving directions.

2. Ability to Conform to Rules and Structure
In any organization there must be rules and structure to avoid chaos. You have learned and followed rules in the service. Companies value employees who will follow the rules and fit into the structure of the workplace.

3. Ability to Learn with Advanced Training
You received intensive, and often specialized, advanced training in the service.

4. Familiarity with Records
You are familiar with the need for records and complete paperwork. You understand the need to be accountable for everything you do.

5. Ability to Work as a Team Member and a Team Leader
In the military you worked in a team environment. You understand that everything you do affects someone else. You may have served as a team leader where you analyzed
situations and options, made decisions, gave directions, followed through and
accepted responsibility.

6. Ability to Work in a Diverse Group
The military employs all Americans regardless of race, gender, economic status, religion. In the service, you have worked with people of all backgrounds, attitudes, and characteristics.

7. Ability to Work Under Pressure and Meet Deadlines
In the military you must perform. You do your job right the first time. There is pressure and stress; if you fail, people could suffer. This attitude toward work is valued in the business community.

8. Systematic Planning
Most military operations require thorough planning. You must consider objectives, the strengths and limitations of others, resources, time schedules, logistics, and various other factors. You also assess progress during the operations. The ability to plan is highly valued in many civilian job settings.

For the complete set of tips for translating your military strengths, consult the TAPS Manual on www.military.com.

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Posted by Danielle Darany @ 11:31 AM • 0 comments

17 Tips for Preparing for Your Next PCS Move

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

moving picture
Anticipating your next PCS move? Don't stress. Although your family and personal belongings may not be as portable as your online military vocational training course, these 17 packing tips may help make your next PCS move feel a little more seamless.

1. Plan ahead by organizing and budgeting. Develop a master "to do" list so you won't forget something critical on moving day, and create an estimate of moving costs.

2. Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.

3. But don/t throw out everything. If your inclination is to just toss it, you're probably right. However, it's possible to go overboard in the heat of the moment. Ask yourself how frequently you use an item and how you'd feel if you no longer had it. That will eliminate regrets after the move.

4. Pack similar items together. Put toys with toys, kitchen utensils with kitchen utensils. It will make your life easier when it's time to unpack.

5. Decide what, if anything, you plan to move on your own. Precious items such as family photos, valuable breakables, or must-haves during the move should probably stay with you. Don't forget to keep a "necessities" bag with tissues, snacks, and other items you'll need that day.

6. Remember, most movers won't take plants. If you don't want to leave them behind, you should plan on moving them yourself.

7. Use the right box for the item. Loose items are prone to breakage.

8. Put heavy items in small boxes so they're easier to lift. Keep the weight of each box under 50 pounds, if possible.

9. Don't over-pack boxes. It increases the likelihood that items inside the box will break.

10. Wrap every fragile item separately and pad bottom and sides of boxes. If necessary, purchase bubble-wrap or other packing materials from moving stores.

11. Label every box on all sides. You never know how they'll be stacked and you don't want to have to move other boxes aside to find out what's there.

12. Use color-coded labels to indicate which room each item should go in. Color-code a floor plan for your new house to help movers.

13. Keep your moving documents together in a file. Include important phone numbers, driver's name, and moving van number. Also keep your address book handy.

14. Print out a map and directions for movers. Make several copies, and highlight the route. Include your cell phone number on the map. You don't want movers to get lost! Also make copies for friends or family who are lending a hand on moving day.

15. Back up your computer files before moving your computer. Keep the backup in a safe place, preferably at an off-site location.

16. Inspect each box and all furniture for damage as soon as it arrives.

17. Make arrangements for small children and pets. Moving can be stressful and emotional. Kids can help organize their things and pack boxes ahead of time, but, if possible, it might be best to spare them from the moving-day madness.

Source: www.realtor.org

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Posted by Danielle Darany @ 3:36 PM • 0 comments

Armed Services YMCA Expands Child Care Services to All 50 States

Friday, February 5, 2010

child careLate last year, the Armed Services YMCA Respite Child Care program expanded nationwide. And for parents with deployed spouses, this program expansion is a huge benefit.

The Armed Services YMCA, as part of a Defense Department contract, provides health and wellness opportunities, including the Respite Child Care program, for reserve-component servicemembers and their families across the country through their local YMCAs.

The Respite Child Care program, part of that contract, provides up to 16 hours of child care for families of deployed Guard and reserve personnel.

According to Mike Landers, deputy national director of the Armed Services YMCA, this means deploying Guardsmen and reservists and their families are eligible for a full YMCA membership for three months before deployment, the 12 months of deployment, and three months after.

"The respite care was designed to be an opportunity for the mom, whose husband is deployed, or the dad whose wife is deployed, to be able to drop their kids off to just have a little peace and quiet, to go to the commissary, to go shopping, to do whatever they need to do," Landers said.

For more information about the YMCA Respite Child Care program visit www.ymca.net.

Source: www.cinchouse.com

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Posted by Danielle Darany @ 2:19 PM • 0 comments