Well, I've officially started the ACAP (Army Career & Alumni Program) process. You can start it as soon as a year out from the end of your service term. Mine is next August, but as you know I've spent that past two months practicing my new mommy skills. The first day I went was just registration and orientation to the services available throughout the process. The first workshop I signed up for was a three-day seminar about going back into the workforce. It focused on interviews, job skills, pay scales, interviews, and resumes. I don't feel like I've been out of the "real" world that long, but I guess it has been about 8 years now. Sheesh! The guy giving the course started off making me feel optimistic and excited about everything, but as the next two days passed I now feel scared and super worried about what's out there. I just feel like I'm worth anything or prepared for the outside world. He also stressed how bad the job market was. Have you ever seen the movie The Pursuit of Happyness with Will Smith? If you haven't you really should, and you have you should really watch it again. It really expresses how this course made me feel. Below is the movie trailer.
4 comments:
My son is starting that class too! (well I think it's that class something about being re-acclimated to the civilian world). His isn't by choice though. He was hurt on his last jump (TBI)and with the wars 'wearing down' there isn't the need for all the officers any more. But's it's ok, they are going to give him disability :o/
Laura, chin up! When one door closes another opens. I can certainly understand your concern with the job market being so limited. Best wishes for a great door opening next August.
DH is almost officially retired (end of this month) and I can relate to the anxiety. Keep the faith and trust in God's plan for you. Hope your cherub is well.
Mishy
The most important briefing at ACAP may be what the VA explains about filing for disability. Even if you never went on sick call a day in your military career, listen carefully to what the VA rep has to say. And when it's time for your ETS physical be sure the doc documents EVERYTHING regardless of how trivial it may seem. And apply for disability benefits! You may not receive anything now, but in 4 years an old service-connected injury might start to really bother you. That's the time to take another look at your original claim, and a 0% rating may be re-evaluated as 20% or more. If you have any questions please email me at 25december55@comcast.net.
Pauline
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