Veterans

What It Means to Be an ‘Educated’ Transitioning Veteran

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What It Means to Be an ‘Educated’ Transitioning Veteran
"Retirement." Seaman Riley Gasdia/DoD
Gregory Drobny
Battlefields Staff
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So how about some tips on the transition between those two—from warfighter into civilian, and all the intricacies therein? Having done that very thing and watched many others go through the process, I want to offer the following as a simple yet easy-to-follow guide for understanding this difficult period in a veteran’s life.

Officer or Enlisted

The first aspect of navigating this process involves a simple question: were you enlisted or an officer? This is more important than most realize, and it actually plays a significant role within the veteran community that some fail to recognize. Come to grips with the fact that the transitional progression is different for these two groups. Do not try to hide from this reality or act like it is unfair—it is what it is, so accept that and move forward with it.
Greg Drobny is a former Airborne Infantryman, PSYOP Team Chief, political consultant, professional mil blogger, and now works for Code Platoon as Student Outreach and Recruitment Manager. He holds a BA in history, a Masters of Science in organizational psychology, and is currently pursuing an MA in history. In a time of hyperspecialization, Drobny is an accomplished and educated generalist who understands that knowledge from a multitude of disciplines is necessary for true wisdom. A continuous wanderer and seeker of knowledge, he has worn three different colors of beret for the U.S. Army and worked in everything from metal fabrication, music, and bartending to politics and publishing while on a constant search for life's meaning. He is married with four children who keep him more than slightly busy and is passionate about helping veterans find their paths in life and develop the skills needed to pursue their goals.
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