In the military we are taught a term called BLUF, it means BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT.  Here is my BLUF: The DoD SkillBridge Program has provided me the opportunity to intern with the ARRC.  My efforts in this blog are focused on expanding my network, reintegrating into society post military service and to provide value to the ARRC and my community. 

The DoD SkillBridge Program permits veterans to use up to the last 180 days of Service to work and learn with an industry partner. The intent of this program is to enhance marketability and post-separation career prospects.  I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program as it is still somewhat of an under utilized program throughout the DoD.  I hope that my experiences will help other veterans along their journey. 

The ARRC works with communities and businesses to serve Veterans, Active Duty members and spouses through outreach and education programs. It is a benevolent organization. 

I chose this organization to intern with because their mission, vision and guiding principals resonated with me.  Al, the founder of  ARRC and my mentor, created the 14 Levels of Reintegration Learner Program which is a critical part of the internship. During the next 82 days, I will document my reintegration from active service member and soon to be retiree to civilian through the Learner Program. 

During the orientation for the program we covered strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis,  the physical, emotional, and intellect attributes of our being, the analogy of the tile and the carpet, open market process to existing market space and the science of the hunch.  Also covered were the importance of 

• Remembering why you served

• Adjust as you forge ahead

• Pace your approach

• Be aware of those that won't (believe)

• Finding fellow Veterans 

• Creating your network

• Sharing your knowledge

• Stay focused

• Stay connected

I'd be lying to you if I said it all made perfect sense at the moment.  However, I believe that this is all part of the reintegration process and my own personal evolution.  

Have you ever heard the expression, “Like drinking out of a fire hose”?  An internet search of this phrase defines it as  “ To take on or be inundated by more of something than one is capable of handling”.   The orientation for the learner program definitely invoked that feeling.  However, I have faith that the skills I have learned throughout my 20yr career in the Air Force has provided me with the foundation of handling pretty much anything I set out to achieve! Further, the new skills I am learning through my internship are adding to my strength each day!

Thank you for taking the time to read my Blog I invite you to follow along with me on my journey and ask that you share my blog with others as you see fit. 

“We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire… give us the tools and we will finish the job.     - Sir Winston Churchill

Chad