Military transition brings both excitement and anxiety, requiring preparation in networking, skill development, and financial planning to navigate successfully.

• Career Compass platform offers resume optimization, job tracking, and LinkedIn enhancements that directly lead to employment opportunities
• Overcoming decision paralysis requires mentors who can guide you through civilian career paths and options
• Military spouses can find remote work through Vertforce's vetted job board featuring location-flexible positions
• Understanding financial opportunities through upcoming Financial Summit (June 28) covering VA loans, estate planning, and wealth building
• DMV area transitioning service members can apply for SkillBridge data center training program by June 21
• LinkedIn profiles need clear career focus with professional photos and specific job targets clearly stated
• Building and maintaining an active network before you need it ensures opportunities when you transition
• Career preparation should start at least a year before separation to avoid panic or rushed decisions

Remember to use all available resources and don't let pride prevent you from seeking guidance during your transition journey.

Security clearance is a valuable asset in today's job market with multiple pathways beyond military service. Jay Salters breaks down clearance levels, requirements, and how to strategically position yourself for clearance-eligible roles without sacrificing your career trajectory.

• Less than 2% of Americans have security clearance, making it a valuable credential for career advancement
• Three main clearance levels: Confidential (minimal risk), Secret (serious harm), and Top Secret (grave damage)
• SF-86 form requires extensive documentation of your entire life, including foreign contacts and financial history
• Honesty is critical—investigators verify all information through background checks and personal interviews
• Certifications like Security+ are prerequisites for many tech-related clearance positions per DOD 8140/8570 standards
• Common disqualifiers include dishonesty, unmanageable debt, recent illegal drug use, and undisclosed foreign relationships
• Search for jobs using terms like "ability to obtain clearance," "will sponsor clearance," or "clearance eligible"
• Alternative pathways include CyberCorp, Scholarship for Service, and various agency-specific apprenticeship programs
• Special programs for youth include NSA High School Work-Study Program, FBI Teen Academy, and GenCyber summer camps
• Strategic compromises like overseas assignments or temporarily accepting lower pay can help secure clearance opportunities

Visit actnowenducation.com to access Career Compass, which provides free resources for job seekers, including certification opportunities, resume builders, and a database of over 8 million jobs.

Jay Salters and the Act Now Education team provide free resources to help veterans and military spouses upskill, reskill, and find meaningful employment opportunities through their community of 77,000 members.

• Act Now Education offers a Career Compass platform with access to over 4 million jobs and resume optimization tools
• VertForce connects military community members with remote job opportunities at companies like CVS Health and Travelers Insurance
• PMP certification offers veterans a way to translate military planning skills into civilian project management careers
• Customs brokerage presents an opportunity for veterans with salaries ranging from $37,000 to $170,000+ depending on specialization
• Free certification programs available include CompTIA, Microsoft, Google Project Management, Salesforce, and Okta
• Service to Success hiring fairs connect military community members directly with employers seeking veteran talent
• Military mentorship programs like Mill Mentor and American Corporate Partners provide guidance for career transitions
• Act Now Education volunteers review applications manually to ensure resources reach legitimate military community members

Join the weekly Saturday sessions to access Career Compass and learn about new resources. Connect via LinkedIn to network with others in the military community and discover additional opportunities.