SOTF - Special Operators Transition Foundation ’s Post

Anytime you can get some back view insight into how Recruiters use LinkedIn and their views, it's worth the time in my opinion. Check out this free class for #Veterans. #mssa #militarytransition #military #jobsearchtips #jobsearch

How do you reconcile failed goals? During my time in the military I achieved great things. I was in stride with my definition of success on a daily basis for most of my career. I entered the Army in 2003, was selected for Special Forces in 2006, and honestly didn’t experience real failure until 2009. I’d finished near top of my class in almost every military training course or school for six years. Gen George S. Patton Leadership award out of Basic Training, the Distinguished Honor Graduate at PLDC (Primary Leadership Development Course), missed Honor Grad in RSLC by less than 1 percentage point, Top Shot and Honor Grad at Special Operations Target Interdiction Course Lvl II. I wasn’t just used to getting a passing grade, I was used to setting the standard. But in 2009, it was the first time I’d felt the gut-wrenching misery that is failure. And the events that followed changed my life forever. Some for better, some for worse (and still affect me today). In August of 2009, I returned stateside from a deployment to Iraq a few weeks earlier than then rest of the team to attend the premier Special Forces Sniper Course at Ft Bragg. 8 weeks long and 4 weeks in, my Sniper buddy and I were at or near the top of the leaderboard, excelling in every graded event. And then we double no-go’d an unknown distance evaluation that sent us home early. In the next 60 days, I’d leave the dive team I’d spent almost two years on, get a DUI while on TDY within weeks of being asssigned to the mountain team, spend 28 days at an inpatient rehab facility, be removed from my company, placed into a staff position for a year, receive a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand, and lose my promotion selection to Sergeant First Class. How’s that for handling failure well? I took my licks, accepted responsibility for my extremely poor judgment and actions with the DUI, and came back stronger than ever. But it was definitely one of the most shameful moments of my life. All I ever wanted, my #1 goal, was to be a Special Forces Company Sergeant Major. Everything I did before and after that 2009 incident, was in pursuit of my dream to lead the finest group of special operations forces at the most important level for a warrior, the company. Anything beyond that was too plagued with politics and ego for it to matter to me. I ultimately had to leave the Army in late 2014, deciding that my daughter needed me more than the Army did. I’m in a period of my life now that I am having to accept that I’ll never get to experience the incredible pride I would have felt pinning on that Sergeant Major rank. And I find myself trying to reconcile those dashed dreams, accept the failure in its totality, and learn to be okay with it. I’m thankful for this journey and the people it has brought into my life. But damn, I wish I would have never stepped into that bar on a cold night in November of 2009. #personalstory #failureispartofsuccess #specialforces #mystory

I was promoted to E-7, E-8, and E-9 on my very first attempts. "𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘡𝘰𝘯𝘦" I believe it was called. In my military career, I applied for 6 jobs (assignments) and got 'em all. I never experienced rejection later in my career. Sounds like I'm bragging (𝘐'𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵), but here's the point. ALL of those promotions and selections came after my 5th year in the military. The first 5 years... I was in learning mode. ❌ I lost my very first Marine of the Month Board. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙚. ❌ I forgot to salute when I walked into my first Army promotion board. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮. ❌ I failed Land Navigation in my basic leadership course. 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. And the list goes on. Those first 5 years were NEEDED to learn, grow, and check my ego. They were FOUNDATIONAL and set me up for future successes. This is how people transition successfully. Learn, grow, check egos and 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. It won't necessarily take 5 years, though. I was a slower learner back then. 😁 Here's some foundational Project Management: https://lnkd.in/eZ3Nqybx #QuickNote #MotivationMonday #Careers #Military #ProjectManagement  

🤔 Sunday Thoughts….. 💈 My barber is a veteran — he served for six years in the Army and transitioned out as a Sergeant. 💬 During our conversation today, we spoke about my assignment here at Fort Bliss….. 🗣️ And he asked me a question that truly made my reflect — his voice was full of genuine curiosity….. 😳 “What exactly does a Sergeant Major actually do”⁉️ 🪖 My first instinct was to respond with a structured answer full of military acronyms and terminology….. 🛑 But I stopped and paused….. 😬 If my barber, who is a veteran, didn’t know what a Sergeant Major does — how could I expect anyone in Corporate America to know⁉️ 🤷🏾♂️ I follow some great people on LinkedIn who provide a lot of consistent and constructive advice for transitioning service members — but sometimes it truly takes a moment like this to drive home and synthesize all of the insight and information. 💭 My Reflections: 1. My duty uniform has served as a protective shield of identify for the past 19 years — now is the time to establish and build my civilian professional identity. 2. My network is my “transition” net worth — small investments now will hopefully compound over time and pay dividends in the future. 3. While many Soldiers become “jacks of all trades” while serving — I need to fine tune my transferable skills, certifications, and qualifications to identify and target opportunities in specific career fields. 4. For the past five years, I’ve primarily served in the role of the “mentor — but now it’s time to return to the “apprentice” role as I strive to learn more about the Corporate America. 5. While I still have three to five years of service remaining — it’s never too early to start setting transition goals to progressively accomplish. ________________________________ 📢 For any transitioning service members, or veterans who have already transitioned….. ⬇️ I would love to hear about any reflective moments that you may have experienced along your journey — especially ones that led to you placing a greater emphasis on your transition planning. 👂🏾 And I’m all ears for any additional advice that you may have. #PocketSizedLeadership

After eight years in the Army, reflecting on my transition to the civilian sector over the past six months, it has been a journey of discovery. Two skills I learned in the military that I'd advocate for Veterans to lean on, that stood out to me: Resiliency and a Growth Mindset.   In the military, we're encouraged to continuously evolve and grow, adding "tools" to our tool bag through training, attending schools, and professional development. This principle remains true outside of the military as well. By way of attending college, utilizing resources for resume building, or interviewing skills. The emphasis on the ‘growth mindset’ we mastered in the military has its place in the civilian sector. The saying 'improving your foxhole' remains relevant.   Resiliency has been my cornerstone. Transitioning to civilian norms presents its unique set of challenges—differences in communication, leadership styles, and organizational structures, to name a few. Adapting hasn't been straightforward, but embracing these challenges with a resilient mindset has not only been necessary but enlightening.   To other veterans, know that the skills you've developed in service—adaptability, leadership, teamwork, and perseverance—are your strengths. Embrace the learning curve of the civilian sector with the same resilience and growth mindset that served you in the military.

Leaders, Honor Service and Build High Performing Teams 💪 Transitioning service members bring a unique set of skills and experiences that can invigorate any team and drive success to new heights. Their time in the military has cultivated qualities that make them stand out as exceptional assets for any organization. Let's explore why hiring them should be a priority for your team: 🏋️♂️ Leadership & Teamwork: Military training instills the core values of leadership and teamwork. Transitioning military members are adept at inspiring and guiding others while working seamlessly as part of a cohesive unit. Their ability to lead and follow with equal dedication sets them apart as extraordinary team players. 🎯 Focus & Discipline: Precision and discipline are the hallmarks of military life. These traits translate into remarkable attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to achieving goals. With a transitioning military member on board, you can rest assured that objectives will be met with a relentless drive for excellence. 🛠️ Technical Expertise: From logistics and operations to technical fields like engineering and IT, transitioning military members possess specialized skills that are readily transferable to civilian roles. Harnessing their expertise opens new doors of opportunity for your team. ⚙️ Problem-Solving Acumen: In high-pressure situations, military personnel excel in making well-informed decisions under stress. Their exceptional problem-solving acumen brings fresh perspectives to the table, ensuring your team tackles challenges with efficiency and ingenuity. 🤝 Commitment & Loyalty: Transitioning military members embody the true essence of dedication and loyalty. Having stood by their country, they are poised to be fiercely loyal to your organization, adding immeasurable value to your workplace culture. 🧠 Continuous Learners: The military encourages a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. Transitioning service members are quick learners, eager to embrace new opportunities for growth and development within your team. 🤗 Embrace Diversity & Inclusion: Transitioning military members come from diverse backgrounds, embracing inclusivity and fostering a welcoming environment. Embracing diversity in your team leads to a richer and more dynamic work culture. 👉 So, as you seek exceptional talent to bolster your team's capabilities, remember that hiring transitioning military members isn't just about filling positions - it's about making a conscious choice to strengthen your organization with the best and brightest, united by a shared commitment to excellence and service. #Veterans #TransitioningMilitary #HiringHeroes #Teamwork #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #Opportunity #Innovation #Excellence #Motivation

Military Service: A Springboard for Career Success As someone who's proudly served in the military, I can attest to the incredible skills and attributes gained during this journey. These experiences aren't just for the field—they are powerful tools for civilian career growth. Here are three key takeaways: 1. Leadership Skills: 🌟 Military service instills leadership qualities like discipline, accountability, and decision-making during chaos. Leading teams and managing complex operations are everyday tasks. These skills are readily transferrable to civilian roles, making veterans exceptional leaders in management, and team leadership positions. 2. Strong Work Ethic and Discipline: 💼 The military demands precision, attention to detail, and adherence to schedules. It fosters a robust work ethic and discipline that transcends boundaries. Whether you're in finance, law enforcement, manufacturing, or logistics, these traits are essential for success. 3. Effective Communication and Teamwork: 🤝 In the military, effective communication within diverse teams is paramount. Learning to adapt to various communication styles and collaborating toward shared objectives are core skills. These talents shine in civilian careers like finance, customer service, IT, and management. As a veteran, I'm proud of the skills and values instilled during my service. These experiences are an asset in any career path. If you are transitioning and interested in a rewarding career let me know! 🚀 #VeteransInBusiness #LeadershipSkills #MilitaryTransition #CareerSuccess #Teamwork #WorkEthic #MondayMusings #FirstCommand #WeHireLeaders

LinkedIn is a powerful tool. But like any tool, if you do not understand how it works and how to make the most of it, it is not going to do as much as it could for you. Learning and understanding how to use the platform is a key part of getting the most out of it. With that said, I encourage you to attend workshops and webinars that talk about how recruiters use it to find and evaluate candidates. One of these events is happening this Wednesday evening (7 pm est). The amazing Delaina Morse will be giving you insights on LinkedIn Recruiter. Some of the things that she will cover are what it looks like, how recruiters use it, what they look for, and more. It is a Free event and will open your mind and eyes to how to use it to its fullest. #LinkedIn #militarytransition #military #veterans #militaryspouse #transitioningservicemembers

16 April - Congrats SOTF - Special Operators Transition Foundation Fellows for completing Phase I! Please show your support with a thumbs-up or connect to help expand their network … and yours! Jake S. 📣 "Stay Hungry, Stay Thirsty" ⭐ MILITARY EXPERIENCE: Air Force Special Operations, Combat Controller, Operations Chief, 20 years of service ⭐ CIVILIAN CAREER FIELD: Private equity or tech, in FL, TX, AZ, or ID ⭐ TOP SKILLS: Ambitious Achiever, Complex Problem Solver, Nurturing Leader ⭐ INTERESTING FACT: I find peace exploring the mountains with my 4 kids, kayak fishing, or reading outside in the sun. Austin King 📣 "Focus on the journey, not the destination." ⭐ MILITARY EXPERIENCE: 11-year Navy SEAL. Currently an Instructor at BUD/S. Rank: SO1 ⭐ CIVILIAN CAREER FIELD: Looking for job opportunities in North County, San Diego. Searching for opportunities in Project Management. Open to other opportunities as well. ⭐ TOP SKILLS: Educated Risk Taker, Dependable Decision Maker, Team Designer ⭐ INTERESTING FACT: I am a new father to an amazing 4-month-old baby daughter. Michael Keller 📣 "Fueled by purpose and propelled by collaboration." ⭐ MILITARY EXPERIENCE: Two Decades Army Special Forces Green Beret SGM ⭐ CIVILIAN CAREER FIELD: Next role will emphasize collaboration, trust, and purpose-driven work. I thrive in environments where you can facilitate connections, understand diverse perspectives, and orchestrate collective efforts toward meaningful goals. I can apply these across multiple project sectors. ⭐ TOP SKILLS: Strategic Mindset, Humancentric Focused, Versatile Decision Making ⭐ INTERESTING FACT:  I’m currently pursuing professional auto racing opportunities within IMSA to be a competitive Bronze rated driver. Michelle Petrantoni 📣 "Shoot Your Shot" ⭐ MILITARY EXPERIENCE: 20 years, Army Civil Affairs ⭐ CIVILIAN CAREER FIELD: Leadership Roles ⭐ TOP SKILLS: Visionary, Strategist, Influential ⭐ INTERESTING FACT: Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. Shane Dooley 📣 "Strategically Engaged: Leading with Vision and Living with Impact." ⭐ MILITARY EXPERIENCE: Special Operations Chief (SEAL), USN, 19 years active duty. Currently serving as Senior Enlisted Leader and Future Operations Lead Planner at Special Operations Command Africa. ⭐ CIVILIAN CAREER FIELD: Entrepreneurship through Acquisition, CSO, COO, Strategic Advisor or Policy Director, Crisis Management Director. ⭐ TOP SKILLS: Challenges (Navigate/Solve) Capabilities (Vast/Adaptability) Connections (Leadership)  ⭐ INTERESTING FACT: "Embarking on a journey as a world traveler, I embrace a bias for action, recognizing that connections serve as the cornerstone for personal growth, where the axis of connections intertwines with the elemental values of Mattering, Belonging, and Enduring, propelling me forward on a path of continuous exploration and evolution." Thank you LinkedIn community for your on-going support! #purplethreads #militarytransition #hireveterans