The Book

Transitioning service members should read Mission Next because it will increase their chances at achieving a smooth transition and finding a job that fits. It's a resource that covers every aspect of the transition from the military to the civilian workforce. Mission Next provides checklists and tips to make the journey easier. It also uses plain English to explain complicated concepts, such as civilian pay and benefits, so service members can make informed decisions about their civilian employment options.

When we talked to veterans about their transition, they commented "It's like I was the first person to ever leave." Joining the service is easy. Leaving is a whole lot harder. During the first year, service members spend months learning their first military occupational skill – and spend years refining and expanding those skills. Becoming an expert doesn't happen overnight; it takes time and hard work. This next transition requires a similar level of dedication and commitment. Close to 65% of active-duty veterans leave their first civilian jobs within 24 months. Mission Next will help transitioning service members avoid being part of that statistic.

Mission Next will help transitioning service members rediscover who they are, write a resume that civilians can understand, find a job that fits, and learn how to operate in this new civilian work environment. It can also provide civilian organizations with an understanding of what veterans face as they enter the civilian workforce.

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Misson Next book cover

How the Book Evolved

The Mission Next consultants spent two years intensely researching why veterans leave their first jobs. We read the books, articles, and research so our clients don't have to. We even did a formal research study to gather first-hand accounts about why veterans leave. At the end of 2021, John defended his doctoral dissertation on the topic of why military officers leave their civilian jobs. The process was the culmination of almost six years of doctoral studies, document reviews, research, and formally presenting and defending the work. That led to our desire to publish a book to help transitioning veterans by providing a toolkit that can be referenced during each phase of the transition.

Mission Next is designed to improve the transition experience for every service member. It's a resource that covers every aspect of the transition from the military to the civilian workforce, including checklists and tips. It also uses plain English to explain complicated concepts, such as civilian pay and benefits, to help veterans make informed decisions about their employment options. Mission Next guides transitioning service members in rediscovering their core values, writing a resume that civilians can understand, finding a job that fits, and learning how to operate in their new civilian work environment.

What Our Clients Say



  • I was excited to participate in the research that led to the Mission Next book because it reminded me how this needed to be a priority for our organization.

    Chief Human Resources Officer
    Community healthcare organization
    Ohio

  • I learned that you can't walk around with your rank in your back pocket, so I had to quickly adapt in the new civilian environment. Any preparation work you can do before you make the transition is worth your time.

    Retired U.S. Army officer
    University veterans’ liaison
    Alabama

  • From the very beginning, I spent time working on my interpersonal communication skills. I de-militarized my speech and stopped using all the jargon. Since then, I’ve helped many veterans make that transition...

    Retired U.S. Army officer
    Human Resources Director, manufacturing company
    Michigan

  • I got an early copy of the Mission Next book to preview. I wish I would’ve had the book prior to my transition because I had to figure out so many of the points from the book on my own.

    Former U.S. Navy officer
    Financial advisor
    Michigan

Joining the service is easy.
Leaving is a whole lot harder.

If you want to contact us with questions, or to discuss our services, we'll be happy to engage in a dialogue about how we can help you or your organization.

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