Key Speakers:
- Captain Donald Nesbit (Retired): Host and team leader, introduces the event.
Commander George Floyd (Retired): Main presenter, shares his career journey, transition experience, and actionable guidance.
Commander George Allen Floyd’s Background:
- Served 33 years in the Navy, beginning as an enlisted nuclear machinist and commissioning through the “Hip Pocket” scholarship.
- Held numerous leadership roles across four aircraft carriers and various surface combatants.
- Supported counter-IED efforts in Iraq (2006) as part of a Navy augmentation team.
- Final tour: Helped establish the NROTC program at the University of Hawaii, retiring on the USS Missouri.
- Currently a senior scientist at Savannah River National Laboratory (Dept. of Energy), working on nuclear materials, environmental protection, and global security.
Key Themes and Guidance:
1. Transition Planning:
- Start early; ideally 18–24 months out.
- Use a structured timeline even if time-constrained (start from the beginning regardless of how close separation is).
2. Resources for Veterans:
Floyd presented a digital guide containing valuable hyperlinks. Highlights include:
- Onward to Opportunity: Offers free certifications (PMP, cybersecurity, HR, etc.).
- American Corporate Partners (ACP): One-on-one mentorship tailored to desired industry.
- LinkedIn Premium for Veterans: Free for 1 year, vital for visibility. Floyd got hired through a LinkedIn cold call.
- VA Education Benefits: Including VetTec (tech training with stipend), if funded.
- SkillBridge: Paid internship opportunities before retirement.
- BOOTS TO BUSINESS: Entrepreneurial training for aspiring veteran business owners.
- Rülin Course: Peer-based mentoring and elevator pitch development for senior transitioning service members.
Five Questions to Ask Yourself (Self-Reflection Guide):
- What do I want to accomplish next?
- What skills/certifications do I need?
- What time will I commit to my growth?
- Who is my network?
- What is my deadline for goals (to turn dreams into goals)?
Five Promises to Make:
- Revisit your answers until satisfied.
- Be honest with yourself and others when you need help.
- Stay mentally, physically, and spiritually fit.
- Give yourself grace through setbacks.
- Use every available veteran resource.
Final Motivational Thought:
Commander Floyd shared Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” quote, emphasizing the value of daring greatly and not being deterred by critics who aren’t in the fight.
Audience Engagement:
Participants (active-duty members and soon-to-retire officers) shared their transition plans, concerns, and experiences. The team encouraged networking, leveraging clearances, and mentoring through personal and professional connections.
Takeaways:
- Preparation, mentorship, and mindset are critical to a successful military-to-civilian transition.
- There are ample no-cost resources tailored specifically for veterans.
- Transition is challenging, but with deliberate effort and support, it’s highly manageable.