Session 2-EXPLORE Recap

• Values and where they came from 

• Reflections on pivot points and influencers

• Analyzed Top Job in military to highlight strengths and desires

• Identified sources for storytelling and interesting self-promotion

• Personal accountability to take action 

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Insights from the group:

1. The statement, "The central problem in the military to civilian work transition is in deprogramming and shifting personal power and agency back to the individual." is true. 

2. The challenge for service members is to reclaim the agency they had upon entry, AND assume an age-appropriate level of agency for a successful integration.  

3. Veterans who enlisted at 17 and served 20 years have much lower levels of agency than their 37 year old peers. They may never have filled out a job application compared to their civilian peers who have held several jobs and exercised personal freedoms all along.

4. Level of personal agency while serving is limited by military culture, job type, access, experience in exercising, perceived freedoms and more. 

5. Level of personal agency after service varies based on level upon entry, level of agency experienced while serving, and awareness of the need to reclaim/assume it. 

6. Status and identity.  Some struggle because the military "strips" people of themselves, and as civilians, veterans do not know how to add themselves back.  Some do not separate themselves from their previous military status which can have negative outcomes when integrating into civilian organizations. 

 

Model Referenced:

• David Cooperrider-Appreciative Inquiry Framework (Discover & Dream Phases)

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