4Transitioning 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 their 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. Our research showed that veterans leave because they struggle to conform to the culture of their organization and simply abandon their new civilian job. 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.

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 encourages service members to create a vision for their post-military life by providing thought-provoking exercises, such as revisiting personal values and drafting a vision statement. There are also chapters dedicated to Learning the Civilian Language, Answering Your Resume Questions, and Using Culture to Your Advantage.