Tommy Jones

Veterans are more than Project Managers. There, I said it. Again. I hate beating this statement down, but it is constantly coming up again as I talk to transitioning service members. Look, there is nothing wrong with being a PM. It is a great profession, and offers many people a unique lifestyle where they can work from anywhere and work in an industry that they may not have a ton of experience. But this notion of pushing veterans into PM roles just because they are veterans is asinine. Yes, veterans can make great PMs. But veterans can do so much more. Veterans are: Leaders. Innovators. Professionals. Scholars. Entrepreneurs. There is nothing wrong with searching for a career as a Project Manager. But do not think that just because you were in the military, the PM path is all that is available to you. Active military and newer veterans - Shoot me a message if you want to talk more about my experiences and/or how you can transition out of the military into a role that better aligns with your goals. Happy to talk to anyone. #VeteranTransition #Military #DoD #Veterans #PM #PMP #ProjectManagers

37

1 Comment

Recruitment, Retention, Readiness (and sentiment). These are the three “R’s” that we are constantly evaluating our programs by and work tirelessly to correlate our individual program performance metrics to. By ensuring we are tied to these topline indicators of performance, we demonstrate how military community and family programs are critical to the warfighter. But…there is a 4th area we need to be focused on that is far more subjective, and that is the elusive measure of sentiment. Capturing sentiment is difficult. And even more challenging yet is capturing that sentiment in real-time (or near real-time). Sentiment is critical as it is the preview of how we will do in retention and on a longer generational scale how we will do in recruitment. It is the measure on where our programs are meeting needs. To do this we have to be data hungry and draw on every data point available…the goal is to form a clear sight picture that informs every decision. It is how we stay relevant to those we serve. A major part of this effort (and the reason for this post) is our need to gain insight from every publicly available survey and the results provided. Scientific and non-scientific studies, surveys, and even social media trends all help us gain the insights and improves the speed and effectiveness of the decision making process. Where everyone can help and take ownership in the solution is completing surveys or providing feedback when you get the opportunity. Honest insight generates transparency and helps the entire community calibrate its focus on areas that matter. I am well aware survey fatigue is a very real phenomenon that occurs. Similarly, it is easy to use surveys as therapy to voice all your frustration at once. These are both things we try to guard ourselves against and why we limit the number of surveys we throw at everyone…but my ask is that if you get a survey, please take the time to fill it out and give us the feedback. I promise we read (and agonize) over every datapoint we get. This includes insights provided by other institutions and our MSO friends…everyone is laser focused on supporting the families of our warfighters and we want to encouarage this work. Some really cool efforts are coming that will further our capabilities in this area. In the meantime - thanks to everyone who work to constantly inform the conversation! *Obligatory AI generated science fiction themed metrics dashboard included*

75

14 Comments

Federal Workforce Faces Unprecedented Challenges Amid Shutdown The ongoing government shutdown is reshaping the federal landscape in ways never seen before: ↳ Employee Survival Tips: Experts urge federal employees to prioritize resilience, financial planning, and mental well-being during this uncertain period. ↳ Funding Workarounds: DoD is using $8B in unobligated R&D funds to pay troops; a move raising legal questions under the Anti-Deficiency Act. ↳ IRS Layoffs: Treasury has cut 1,446 employees, deepening staffing concerns ahead of tax season. ↳ Coast Guard Relief: DHS found an “innovative solution” to ensure Coast Guard members receive paychecks despite the shutdown. ↳ Army Acquisition Reform: Army Secretary promises sweeping changes to speed up procurement and cut bureaucracy, backed by strong White House support. ↳ Mass Layoffs & Legal Battles: Over 4,000 federal employees have received RIF notices; Democrats and unions vow court challenges, calling the cuts unlawful. ↳ Cybersecurity Risks: CISA faces major workforce reductions, including cuts to critical divisions, sparking bipartisan concern amid rising cyber threats. These developments highlight the urgent need for strategic workforce planning, legal clarity, and cybersecurity resilience as agencies navigate this crisis. #GovernmentShutdown #FederalWorkforce #Cybersecurity #Defense

3

Stronger retention. Increased productivity. Less strain on HR. This isn’t just onboarding—it’s workforce integration done right. Paired with SAVE’s employer services—VERG development, VA benefits education, and veteran-focused engagement—your organization gains a powerful HR advantage that attracts, retains, and empowers veteran talent. Don’t just hire veterans. Be ready for them. Build a Veteran-Ready Workforce with SAVE. www.savemnvets.com

2

Advancing from Service to Strategy in Rhode Island’s Defense Industry: Transitioning from military service to a civilian career isn’t just about finding a job - it’s about continuing a mission. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs RI Employment Resource Center (ERC) recently partnered with SENEDIA to connect Military Veterans and students with career opportunities across Rhode Island’s growing defense sector. Through the Defense Partnership Industry Program and Real Jobs RI (https://lnkd.in/ejDgFtXs), participants explored how their leadership, technical expertise, and problem-solving skills translate directly into the innovation driving national security and maritime technology forward. From engineering and cybersecurity to program management and advanced manufacturing, the defense ecosystem offers pathways for Veterans ready to apply their mission-driven mindset to new challenges. SENEDIA’s work continues to strengthen this pipeline supporting workforce development, technology advancement, and collaboration between industry, academia, and government. 🔗 Learn more about SENEDIA’s mission to grow the defense tech workforce: https://senedia.org/about/ #DefenseIndustry #VeteranEmployment #WorkforceDevelopment #SENEDIA #RealJobsRI #DefenseInnovation #MilitaryTransition #NationalSecurity #Leadership Article here: https://lnkd.in/envZHMS8 By Justyn Charon, Public Affairs Specialist

5

"Transitioning" veterans...jumping on LI is magical mystery tour at times. But if you stick with it, you'll get out what you put in. Cliche I know. You see trends come and go. You see personalities come and go. You see brands come and go. But, there's value in 'tenure'. At work, and on here. The thing I value about it is a person with tenure almost always knows a thing or two because they've SEEN a thing or two. It's parallel (but in a different direction) to a transitioning veteran trying to tell you how to transition out of the military. (do not recommend) When you get to your new role outside of the military, seek to internally network with those with tenure. They've seen good integrations. And bad ones. They've seen good mergers. And bad ones. They've seen good culture (probably). And bad ones. One of the most valuable questions I ever ask goes something like this: "When y'all did (insert thing), how did it go? What went right? What was tore up from the floor up? What would you change?" (kinda like the old AAR process, huh?) TENURED employees and teammates can be worth their weight in gold, if you get to know them and get their input. Sure, you'll hear "I miss the old days" (🙄, but I get it). But you'll also hear what you NEED to hear. Invaluable. Thanks to Joy Assent for highlighting a tenured leader in her organization for the inspiration today! This employee started as an associate and is now a Director of Operations. If you know teammates that have traveled THAT path? Get to know them. They know a thing or too because they've seen a thing or two (and done it themselves as well).

48

30 Comments

Reading this really puts things into perspective. We don’t always see it day to day, but federal workers are behind so many of the systems people rely on without thinking twice. From taking care of veterans to keeping communities safe and supporting families, that work matters. As I transition out of the military, it’s something I respect even more—service doesn’t just happen in uniform.

1

1 Comment

⚓ 🇺🇸 Veterans, transitioning service members, and job seekers — this is an opportunity worth checking out. The U.S. Coast Guard Southeast District Transition Assistance Program is hosting a Career Fair focused on connecting talent with employers and career resources. 📍 USCG Air Station Miami 📅 June 5, 2026 🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM This event will feature: ✔️ 20+ companies confirmed ✔️ Networking opportunities ✔️ Career exploration and hiring connections ✔️ Resources for transitioning service members, spouses, and veterans As a Local Veterans’ Employment Representative (LVER) in Broward County, I always encourage veterans to take advantage of opportunities like this to build connections, explore industries, and engage directly with employers face-to-face. Please share this with any veteran, military spouse, or transitioning service member who may benefit. U.S. Coast Guard #VeteranEmployment #CareerFair #TransitioningServiceMembers #HiringVeterans #MilitaryCommunity #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerOpportunities #Veterans

4

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), in partnership with the Office of Management and Budget and GSA, is calling on industry to help reimagine a unified federal human resources system. Read full story: https://lnkd.in/eYC-a7y9 --- #GovConNews #FederalHR #GSA #OMB #OPM

1

Happy Monday - Great Article - Yes, focuses on Veterans but so apropos for all Job Seekers regarding Networking by Lida Citroën - Why Won’t the Contacts in Your Network Help You Find a Civilian Job? https://lnkd.in/gZrSVbda

3

This post from RBLP Leadership Certifications hits the nail on the head. RBLP certifications help bridge the gap by certifying that #veterans and nonveterans have leadership skills that are highly sought after in the corporate world. NorthElevate Consulting is an Authorized Training Partner for RBLP. Check the comments! #personaldevelopment #leadership US Navy US Army United States Marine Corps United States Air Force United States Space Force U.S. Coast Guard Army National Guard

Having known Chad Clay personally for over two decades and having gone through a program with him and Jeff Pottinger in the past, I can attest that I found real and measurable value in their approach to career transitioning, especially for individuals late in their careers. If the seminar below resonates with you, and you are considering it, I'd be happy to share my experience. #NOVA #DC #Veterans #CareerPivot #FederalConsulting #CGI #VA #EPA #DepartmentOfState #USAID

2

1 Comment

The #DoDSkillBridge program (IMO) remains a great program for transitioning service members. Understanding and knowing the details of the program are important. Rules and policies are changing or have recently changed (depending the branch of service). As the rules change, organizations will adapt. Training timelines may be compressed (based primarily on rank) however the value of the experience remains. My best advice for the current environment is to connect with organizations early in the process. Like 12 to 18 months from a perspective start date 📅 Then...ask questions. Does the organization have an Employee Resource Group? What is the conversation rate of SkillBridge fellowships to a full-time employment opportunity? If you can take a tour of the facility...do it! Reach out to multiple organizations. Not each organization can host every SkillBridge request they receive. Finally, planning and research of programs and resources to help you achieve your post military goals remains key 🔑 You got this!

21

3 Comments

That’s not how this works: If you’re separating from the military and planning to file for VA disability, Benefits Delivery at Discharge “BDD” program is a smart option, but there’s several things to understand. The BDD program allows you to submit a VA clsim between 180 and 90 days BEFORE separation (not #dodskillbtidge - PTDY - PTAD - Leave). This window allows the VA to: ✅ Review your Service Treatment Records ✅ Schedule yiyr C&P exams ✅ Begin evaluating your claim before you leave active duty The ‘goal’ of BDD is to deliver a decision within about 3️⃣0️⃣ days after separation. 🗣️ Important reality check ‼️ Submitting earlier in the 180 day window DOES NOT guarantee your claim will be finished SOONER. Processing times can still vary based on: • Complexity of your claim • Quality and completeness of evidence • Availability of C&P exams in your area • Workload at your VA regional office I see a lot of people who want to rush and get the claim in sooner than later, but submit mediocre claims. 😢 Take your time, do it right, so you don’t have to do it twice. In this link there’s a few tips that can help: https://lnkd.in/ex5zdP7y

92

31 Comments

A modern world demands innovation and embracing technology where it best enables Soldiers. True to our values of being transparent, agile, and customer-centered, HRC is proud to introduce a new tool aimed at giving the Army rapid and responsive answers to your human resources questions. All you need to do is AskHR! Learn more about AskHR here (CAC enabled): https://lnkd.in/e8Z3PJZj

36

1 Comment