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Date of Graduation
Spring 2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Education (MSEd)
Department
Department of Learning, Technology and Leadership Education
Abstract
Personnel separating from the military following the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, in addition to those forced out as a result of recent Department of Defense downsizing measures, have heightened demand for an effective means to transition personnel into the civilian workforce and educational system. This study investigated the opinions of service members towards the overall transition process. Data collection consisting of primarily quantitative methods followed by qualitative analysis of a final open-ended question was used. Fifty-two service members who had separated in the previous five years and four service members who were in the process of separating completed a survey about their usage of the military’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), military mentorships, civilian career counseling, social networking sites, and veteran job and school fairs. Findings of this study suggested that service members encounter several problematic issues during the transition process, including emotional difficulties encountered as a result of departure from military culture. Responses indicated dissatisfaction with the traditional resources available, particularly with TAP, civilian career counseling, and veteran job and school fairs. In addition, responses indicated the potential for increased program success through the use of mentorship and assistance provided by experienced military personnel, especially those who have successfully transitioned themselves and are familiar with preparing resumes and translating military skills into civilian terminology.
Recommended Citation
Bamford, Marissa Kaeli, "Evaluating resources available to transitioning military service members" (2013). Masters Theses, 2010-2019. 142.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/master201019/142
