Returning to civilian life, job search

After serving one’s country in the military, returning to civilian life can be challenging.

For example, the time involved in researching potential careers, deciding how to write a first-rate resume and learning how to sell one’s self during the interview process are skills that might not come naturally to many people.

But a new program offered by the Army Career and Alumni Program –  called ACAP Express – now provides Soldiers with an online portal for starting the transition process and whatever ongoing assistance that is needed.

Launched Feb. 28, ACAP Express “is available 24/7,” said Daniel Strong, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden ACAP office. “(Previously) you had to either come by the ACAP office or call for assistance.”

Not only can Soldiers access ACAP Express at any time, they can also use the online assistance from anywhere they may be stationed or during a deployment. “Before, to use tools like resume writer, they had to come into the office,” said Mr. Strong. “Now they can use it online through ACAP Express.

“That’s what we’re all about: pointing the way to the proper resources and people who can help them,” said Mr. Strong, explaining that ACAP staff members provide Transition Assistance Program classes, one-on-one counseling, veteran benefits classes, job search assistance and other such tools.

“All of our staff members are certified career counselors,” added Rebecca Morris, ACAP contractor installation manager for the Baumholder, Wiesbaden, Kaiserslautern and Hanau communities.

Soldiers can start using ACAP’s services a year in advance of leaving the military.

“Retirees can start two years out,” said Mr. Strong, explaining that the legal requirement is to begin at least 90 days before an Expiration Term of Service. “You really need to get your ducks in a row beforehand – especially something so important as this, which will affect your life in the future.”

Soldiers may be surprised at how many different skills and experiences they have accumulated while serving, said Mr. Strong. “They should really think about what choice of career they want. Because the military requires you to do so many different things, it’s important to consider many options.”

“All Soldiers deserve the best possible start in the civilian world when the time comes to leave the Army, and ACAP provides the knowledge and skills to smooth the way,” said Maj. Gen. Sean J. Byrne, commander of the Army’s Human Resources Command, in a message promoting the launch of ACAP Express.

“There is no better recruiting influence in the community than a retiree or veteran whose Army experience includes being treated with respect and being supported even after making a decision to transition to civilian life.”

Information and access to ACAP Express is available at www.acapexpress.army.mil.