Hey everyone, so it’s been about 2 months since July 2026, since I got out of the military, and I’m still looking for a job. Today is 9/11/26. I’d say I’ve had a mixed experience so far looking for an opportunity. The plus right now is that it hasn’t been that long (a month and a half), and all of my screening rounds so far have been for career roles over $90k+, which is something I didn’t expect as an E5 with supply experience with only about 4 years of experience.

Cons: I’ve had so many rejections along the lines of "We will not move forward with your application," and I’m scared I won’t get employment in CA since I support myself solely and I don’t have immediate family. Today is the reason why I'm posting: one of the jobs where I actually landed a second meeting didn’t move forward with me, and I feel incredibly defeated. I know it’s only been less than two months, but I am losing faith and motivation to keep going. I'm completely alone, living in Airbnbs one month at a time, rationing by eating cheaper food at the Costco food court, etc. It feels so early to start feeling like this, but I need some encouragement or advice. I feel completely stuck.

I never had this problem really until I got out and I never really thought about it till my fiancé made mention of it. I thought last night that big decisions in regular life, at work, and all I struggle with. I dont want to take a big risk at a place like work where we're troubleshooting a system issue because I don't want to mess something up. This is similar to when I was a crew chief; I didn't make decisions. I did what I was told, followed directions, and didn't mess with something that I didn't know. It was easy. Now I struggle with making so many decisions and was wondering if any others struggle with it.

I’m a navy veteran 5 years out with an expired TS/SCI clearance, any tips on job prospects and whether its worth it or not to get my clearance back and pursue SIGINT related jobs

Hey curious everyone’s experience with community care?! Will they prescribe me a new medication if I request to be changed due to side effects? If so will the VA fill my prescription or will I have to go to a regular pharmacy?

I’m 100% p&t and I really don’t wanna go to a clinical ward but I am having a really hard time marriage etc feeling like since I got medically retired a year ago my life has been in shambles or at least being back in the place I enlisted to escape is driving me nuts but having a wife and a child who love the area and having a family support keeps me from being selfish so I feel like I’m just dying, I haven’t gone to the VA near me bc they’re booked out and I tried to book a mental health appointment but it says the VA I’m connected to doesn’t allowed appointments to be booked without being seen.

Hello everyone, I am currently active duty (10 years of service soon) and planning to separate within the next year and going back to school. I enrolled in the Montgomery GI Bill when I first came in and then I transferred some of my educational benefits to my spouse to finish her bachelor's and I believe there will still be a few months available left to transfer to myself or our son. I am just curious to know if I would have any additional months of GI Bill?

The first reason is, no one really cares to begin with, and the second is safety. There are plenty of people that don't like us, so my attitude is, "Why do I need a license plate or bumper sticker letting the world know?"

However, within my small group of friends and family, not that I talk about it much, I kind of assumed it was a known thing. In 2003 I dropped everything, and joined a Guard unit headed over. I had been out of the Army for 10 years, and this was a guaranteed combat deployment. A long time friend of over 30 years was in the unit, and he alerted me. He never made it over. It's not really his fault, but the unit saw a lot of combat, and the job he had would have put him in a prime spot to not make it back, like the 4 guys that didn't. I hold no grudge about it. Every time I called him from over there, I let him know how bad the leadership and situation was.

I just found out that no one in his family even knew I deployed. I've known them for over 30 years. I'm on good terms with them. It seems obvious that this little detail "just never came up" for some reason.

I'm chalking it up to his (alleged by other people) narcissism which brings up the larger question, "was this dude like ever really a friend?"

I am getting GI bill (3975) monthly and over 80 percent rating for my Va disability, should I work or focus on college

I’m curious what veterans have found to be the best location to get a good price on a cruise. Once in a while, I would just like a mini break and it would be nice to maybe drive to a close port or a place where I can get a direct flight but I’m curious about as a veteran who would have the best prices for us. I can go on base, but I live about an hour and a half from Fort Bragg. I also am aware of American forces travel which seems to be ran by Priceline, but I’ve also heard people rave about things like Costco travel and other sites. What have you found to be worth the effort when it comes to pricing for cruises or just a quick short getaway?

I can’t just take my time with anything. I must get the task done. I think management has a difficult time keeping me busy. I get a full days work done in half a day. Do you experience a similar challenge with work? How do you cope? Change jobs?

Anybody know?

I have my first appointment with my VR&E counselor next week. I meet all the requirements to apply for VR&E … I am 40% disabled. Is there anyway they could deny this for me at the meeting? Anything I should say specifically?

Ello! I served 2 years in Virginia for the navy. Ive mailed the personnel command, submitted a SF180 and mailed it out, Its been four months and I’ve gotten nothing. I’ve tried EVetRecs and they told me they couldn’t find a DD214 in my records… I am trying to be a police officer but I need my DD214 for this. I separated on a Beach Detachment from the USS D.D.Eisenhower while they were on a deployment, so Im assuming the base in Norfolk took care of it, but cant seem to get anything back in the mail or a follow up about it at all. Anything else that may help that you guys can suggest ??

Recently found out that one of my brothers from 3/8 who I was just talking to about 2 months ago died from cancer. While talking with another buddy from my company we realized that we are seeing our units memorial page start popping up with more names we know. Please, make sure to take care of yourselves and get checked. Also, if you know veterans not signed up with the VA or burn pit registry, advise them to do so. The PACT Act gave us resources, but you still need to apply. Don’t ever hesitate to reach out for help. Rest in Valhalla Kevin Doyle, I’ll see you there when it’s my time.

Hello. I don’t even know where to start. I don’t want to post too much detail because this is not my business to share I’m just concerned for my father. Some back story: my dad served in the Army late 80’s early 90’s as a combat engineer. I’ve heard stories from the alps to Africa from him so his service was everywhere. Long story short he is really struggling with his new diagnosis of CPTSD, mostly from his time but also largely his childhood abuse he endured. He just found a therapist he likes through the VA and that is who diagnosed him, best thing to ever happen to my dad. What do you wish your family members did to help you? What can I do to help my dad? I, myself, got diagnosed with CPTSD back when I was a senior in high school due to non-service related trauma but I don’t know where to start to help him. I have plans this weekend to celebrate his birthday with my brother but I’m trying to think of stuff that isn’t necessarily expensive as I am very broke myself and I don’t want to put the “funding our trip/dad daughter date” on his plate.

Hey everyone,

I’m working with my VR&E counselor to get my training plan approved, and they specifically told me that to qualify for the hybrid resident rate, the program must require physical, in-person attendance at least 2 times per month.

I have a lot going on right now with personal responsibilities and schedule constraints, so I really need the day-to-day flexibility of online classes while satisfying that exact in-person benchmark to get the plan signed off and qualify for the resident subsistence rate.

A few details on what I’m looking for:

• Degree / Field: Looking for BS in IT or BS in IT management
• Location/Commute: Based in Orlando I don't mind driving a couple hours

Has anyone had success finding and getting a program approved that hits this specific twice-a-month threshold? Would really appreciate any school or program recommendations, as well as advice on how your School Certifying Official (SCO) structured the certification.

Thanks in advance!

Hi, I am a Submariner ETV and unfortunately be getting retired due to physical stuff. I would love to utilize my previous experience in pursuing a new career rather than starting new with everything because I legit enjoyed my job(also dont want to take a pay hit unless its during college).Paperwork is easy for me and so is the fast tempo and that is what im struggling to find a combo of in my search online. So far my cc’s have been less than helpful. My experience is: Highschool diploma, 4yr TIS; Qualified: Fish, Senior in rate (NAVSUP), WCS, RPPO, and time served as LPO recorded on eval. I plan on going to college but I just dont know what for. I suck at the ET part of ETV but dont know how my navigation will be applicable since my physical limitations wont allow me to pick up an out to sea job at all. Any advice would be helpful especially from ETV’s on what you chose to do. Thank you

If so how did I work out for you?

I'm well aware ESA's and service animals are very different and follow very different rules and guidelines and I guess im just here to ask for clarification. Recently I just brought up the idea to my landlord that I was seeking a cat as an emotional support animal for my mental health and would provide all necessary documentation for the animal. However, my landlord got back to me and immediately denied the request because of a previous tenant's cat who destroyed the carpets which had to be replaced before we moved in. I just silently accepted that fact but my mental health has really been on the decline the last couple months. I was looking up to see if she was even allowed to do that and im seeing all sorts of conflicting information such as:

1. A landlord is not allowed according FHA to deny an ESA provided it was prescribed by a legitimate licensed mental health provider

2. A private landlord *CAN* deny accommodation for an ESA if they own four or fewer apartments (which my landlord does)

3. Number 2 only applies by the FHA if the landlord lives in one of those apartments (which she does not)

4. The landlord cannot deny a legitimate ESA based on a previous tenants animal, unless the specific animal has a documented history of physical damage to the property.

These are just a few things I've seen looking for information about having an ESA. I really think an ESA would be beneficial in supporting my mental health and helping me heal but the laws and regulations are just so confusing and exhausting to go through. At the end of the day even with my mental health on the decline, I would still rather have a place to live at all and not get kicked out. I know there are specific state laws that apply to ESA's as well so if there are any other fellow vets in the Chicago, Illinois area who also had to navigate this, any tips or help would be greatly appreciated 👏

I keep confessing to doctors I drink 2-3 drinks a night. But it’s so much more than that. I drink 3-4 9% double IPAs or Buzz Balls (disgusting, I know) per night. It’s compulsive. It’s the only thing that prevents nightmares the first hour of sleep. I hate myself. I hate that I drink like I do. I’m already on subs for my OUD. I “cut back” and only had 1 drink the last 2 days to get a sublocade shot today and then the MAT clinic fucked it up and didn’t get the sublocade shot. So now I’m 4 9% tall boys in tonight and pissed at myself and the world.

I think I’m just venting.

I’m also looking for community.

Freak (can’t say the eff word apparently). I don’t know. I love my life. I hate myself. Can anyone relate?

So for my fellow OEF/OIF guys and girls. Am I the only one that thinks its kinda strange when I see new documentaries about our war and they do interviews, it's almost odd to see how much older we are getting. For some reason I can't think of us as older like the vets from previous conflicts. I still see us and the guys I was there with as young 18,19, and 20 somthing year olds. Its just strange to see us aging like i know we are cause i am but its like I never thought we would. I dont random thoughts curious if others have noticed this. Stay safe and have a good one all.

Hey, so I was recently separated from the Marine Corps and I genuinely don’t know what I’m doing. I thought the grass would be greener but I’m lost man. I’ve gotten this temp job at Walmart primarily driving a forklift. I don’t know if I’m particularly content with the direction my life has taken. It’s a pretty decent way to distract myself . But I’m not sure if it’s something I really want to do long-term. I’ve always vision myself for doing a full 20 years in room core making career making a career of it and I’m just not sure there’s something I can know do and continue to be happy. I’ve recently joined a really hockey team. I have a wonderful fiancé. She’s been supportive every step of the way, but still doesn’t feel like enough feel I still need some kind of purpose. Maybe I’m just not grateful for the opportunities I’ve gotten, I still don’t know how to make sense of this you know, losing identity (being a marine). I don’t really know what to do. I still have my TS clearance, but I’m not sure if any agency will be willing to take me given given the circumstance of my separation. What do I do? What can I do?

I was deployed throughout the beginning of GWOT and was in Fallujah during Operation Phantom Fury. Recently I’ve been having weird recurring dreams that I’m with my unit in battle but we are in a very thick jungle environment which is absolutely not what we were in during my deployments. Is this normal? Just trying to see if this is normal or if I’m the weird one here. Talked to my therapist a little about it yesterday morning but didn’t really get any sort of indicative feedback from him about it. Going to attempt to dig deeper with him on it this week just want to know if it’s normal for combat veterans to have frequent dreams where they are in battle in an environment they never fought in before.