Shifting from military to civilian life always presents challenges, but veterans today may be facing even more difficulties than in the past. According to research, veterans who served after 9/11 have found it significantly harder to readjust after service.

Traumatic experiences resulting in mental health conditions and symptoms are major factors. Veterans, both pre-and post-9/11, also say that they didn’t feel prepared for civilian life.

Laws, government agencies, and both public and private programs have sprung up to help veterans be more successful in the move from a military way of life to being a civilian again.

Military to Mariners Act

Sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz in late 2022, the Military to Mariners Act would make it easier for veterans to become mariners after service. A mariner, also known as a merchant mariner, works for the U.S. Merchant Marine, a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Ships of the Merchant Marine are privately-owned ships that transport cargo and passengers. They are staffed by civilians and, when needed, support the U.S. military, disaster relief, and other needs of U.S. waterways and international trade.

(Learn why a strong, U.S.-flagged merchant marine is critical to our national security. Courtesy of The Maritime Administration and YouTube. Posted on Nov 21, 2018.) 

Candidates for the U.S. Merchant Marine must apply through the U.S. Coast Guard. The law introduced by Cruz and a small bipartisan group of senators would make it easier for veterans to join the Merchant Marine.

It would require the USCG to reevaluate credential requirements for veterans, make the application process fully internet-based, reduce red tape in the process, make requirements more flexible, and more.

Government Programs for Veterans

Both federal and state government agencies support veteran-to-civilian transitions in numerous ways. The VA’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides resources, information, and a one-day course to teach veterans about accessing VA benefits. Other courses cover education benefits, mental health, community integration, and women’s health.

The VA’s Warrior Training Advancement Course teaches veterans and those soon to leave active service how to work as veteran service representatives.

(Learn about the Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC) program, the program’s requirements, and contact your local Career Service Program coordinator for more information. WARTAC is an education and training opportunity created in partnership with the Department of Defense for Wounded Warriors and transitioning Service members. Participants complete 10-12 weeks of training while serving in the military. WARTAC graduates have the opportunity to interview for VA jobs across the country. Courtesy of Veterans Benefits Administration and YouTube.)

VA Solid Start calls new veterans three times over the course of their first year back in civilian life to answer questions and offer support.

The U.S. Department of Labor offers the Employment Navigator and Partnership Pilot program at multiple military base locations. It includes career counseling and assistance in finding a civilian job.

Off-Base Transition Training offers workshops and skills training to help veterans meet career goals. The Department of Defense SkillBridge is a unique program that gives veterans time during active service to intern in positions that will help them transition to civilian careers.

Private Veteran Transition Support

Outside of the government, several private organizations and companies offer assistance and resources to new veterans.

The Commit Foundation focuses on careers and provides one-on-one help. It also offers mentoring workshops, digital resources, and networking opportunities.

(Awarded the Bradley W. Snyder Changing the Narrative Award in May 2016, meet Emily Miller. Courtesy of Alison Carroll and YouTube.)

Purepost is a database and job site created by a veteran who struggled in the transition to civilian life. It matches specific military skills to civilian careers and matches veterans to available jobs. Several organizations support veteran entrepreneurs by providing networks, resources, and funding.

Educational Support

Many veterans need additional training, college courses, and degrees to access the careers they want. Universities often receive grants to support veteran students. The Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education is just one example of a funding source.

(Everyday veterans return home from service. Regardless of their length of service, branch, rank, or combat experience, many will return to the classroom, seeking education. With only 7% of the American population classified as veterans and less than 1% currently serving in uniform, the culture, perspectives, and talents of this group of people are often misunderstood, misrepresented, or altogether missed. As a veteran working in higher education, Michael Wade helps us take a closer look at the needs of veterans entering higher education. Courtesy of TEDx Talks and YouTube. Posted on Apr 28, 2021.)

Grants from the fund help provide staff members dedicated to assisting veteran students, Centers of Excellence for veterans on university campuses, outreach and recruitment of veterans, and more.

Professional organizations also often support newly separated service members. For instance, the American Bar Association provides advice and information for aspiring civilian legal professionals. Many military lawyers hope to continue working in law but as civilians, often providing legal help and advice to other military members.

Transitioning from military to civilian life will always present unique challenges. These are just a few of the examples of how government, educational, and nonprofit organizations support new veterans to help them achieve success post-service.

Related…

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now entering it’s Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

U.S. Marine Corps

• Best Cyber Security Program for Government or Military

• U.S. Marine Corps 1700 Cyberspace Operations

(See how the new 17XX military occupational speciality is revolutionizing how we do cyber security. Courtesy of the Marines and YouTube.)

• The17XX IM OCCFLD (formerly the U.S. Marine Corps 1700 Cyberspace Operations which was redesignated as the 17XX Information Maneuver OCCFLD effective 9 March 2022), provides the Marine Corps with a deliberate, professionalized, and sustainable workforce enabling the Marine Corps to integrate information related capabilities, operationalizing information as the Marine Corps seventh warfighting function.

• “Prior to the established of the Information Maneuver OCCFLD, Marines gained valuable experience and skills at a Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group or at combatant commands, only to go back to their previous MOS, causing us to repeat the cycle again, never getting Marines with more than three years of experience across information related billets,” added Col. Jordan Walzer, Director, Information Maneuver Division, DC I and former CO, II MIG, II MEF.

• “The professionalization of information related MOSs improves retention and readiness by avoiding Marines with valuable skills forced into deciding either to return to their prior MOS or exit the Marine Corps to continue following their passion.”

Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.

These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.

Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.

The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Luncheon Banquet, an exclusive, full-course plated meal event, in the heart of New York City.

This year’s exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines, and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force, to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.

The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program emphasized the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2022, as well as the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders.

The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.

The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.

AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke, as always, about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.

New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.

FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with a special recognition of those lost on 9/11.

Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.

As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is in the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer and sworn and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.

Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis,’ thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors. 

The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was Proudly Sponsored by NEC National Security Systems (NSS), ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America, guardDog AI, Fortior Solutions, IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, and SIMS Software!

We were pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police,  as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).

The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.

In 2022 over 240 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields.

Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), and the ASIS NYC Expo.

ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.

Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:

Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk  Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLC, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, just to name a few!

Why American Security Today?

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.

Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications

AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels as well as from private firms allied to the government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

To learn more about ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Be On the LookOut for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review’.

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.

It will serve as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2022 Products and Services’ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – to name a few), the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION will have what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It will also include featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:

• Provides named sources
• Reported by more than one notable outlet
• Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos

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Learn More…

USMC Cyberspace Ops Redesignated to Information Maneuver OCCFLD

And…

Helping Heroes Get Hired – Building Up Military Resumes for Tech Careers