The Next Chapter
Updated On: 12/28/2011 3:42:48 PM
The Next Chapter
New classes help prepare ERB, PTS sailors for transition
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bill Larned
aval Base San Diego Fleet and Family Support Center is offering a series of courses designed to ease the burden of transition for sailors separating due to the Enlisted Retention Board and Perform to Serve programs.
"Our sailors have amazing leadership skills, and they've already started to make their own plans, and we're just here to help augment them and get them connected with all those resources that can help them with their goals," said Mary Kirby, Naval Base San Diego Fleet and Family Support Center director.
A two-day ERB "What Next?" course was held Dec. 19-20 and discussed all of the available programs and benefits for sailors in addition to providing information on seeking employment, securing financial success and navigating the college-application process. One of the unique parts of the course is that it invites spouses to attend and participate in class discussions.
"The end of the first day included a resource fair with schools, employers and agencies that want to help transitioning veterans and their families. We have designed this class to be an interactive experience with lots of time built in for questions and answers," Kirby said.
In addition to the ERB seminar, a Shipmates to Workmates job fair is being offered, with the next one scheduled for Feb. 12. At the fair, individual support will be provided for questions related to employment, stress and relocation. Advice is provided on resume writing and job interviews, and there are opportunities for exposure to numerous government agencies and private companies.
"Transition Assistance Program classes for ERB/PTS separating sailors are no different than regular TAP classes, except that each student knows everyone else in the class is being separated for the same reason," Kirby said.
Naval Base San Diego Commanding Officer Capt. Winton Smith said that notifying sailors about their pending separation from the Navy because of ERB/PTS requirements is never easy, but each service member should take time to consider how their military experiences and skills pay dividends in the civilian workplace.
"Nobody ever wants to inject unexpected change in someone's life," Smith said. "It's a very difficult thing for any commanding officer to sit down with a hard charger and to tell them to prepare for the next chapter of their life, but I am confident that given the training and experience that they have gained through their service, they will go on to be successful in their future careers."
Larned is the assistant editor of Navy Compass magazine. read more...
