Orders to Nowhere: The after action report from a career Marine's transition back to the civilian world - Paperback

by Michael D. Grice (Author)

Revised and updated The third edition of "Orders to Nowhere" updates the chapter on resumes with new examples and introduces the Curriculum Vitae as a job seeking tool. New sections on personal branding and the do's and don'ts of social media. A must for every transitioning Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, or Coast Guardsman "This is THE book for any person in the military who is planning to transition out or retire. There are insightful personal vignettes and countless of valuable lessons from cover to cover. This book makes more sense of the very complicated transition process than anything I have seen." -Chuck Heiser, former Marine and professional career consultant "Mike Grice has made real difference in the lives of those who serve by using his talents to put a complex undertaking into simple terms with a sense of humor and humility. I have personally benefited from ORDERS TO NOWHERE and have passed insights from it to veterans and active duty Marines who are contemplating transition." -Colonel Greg Martin USMC Orders to Nowhere is the essential insider's guide to military transition. Demystifying the uncertainty and ambiguity that surrounds getting out of the military, Orders to Nowhere is the comprehensive After Action Report of a career Marine's transition from the tightly knit military world back to civilianhood. Tens of thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen transition back into the civilian world each and every year. The change from life in uniform to life beyond the military is a significant emotional event for everyone who experiences it. Hanging up your uniform for the last time isn't easy, and Orders to Nowhere was written to help explain the overwhelming process and make it easier for military members planning to get out, while they are in the midst of transition, or after they become veterans. Mike Grice is an award winning writer, retired career Marine, and intrepid explorer of the military transition process. Orders to Nowhere is the journal of his experiences, but it is also the story of every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, and Coast Guardsman who takes off the cloth of the nation and goes back to civilian life. Written during the author's adventure through the trials and tribulations of transition, Orders to Nowhere eases the pain by giving an inside look at the widely varied aspects of military to civilian transformation. Things like: -making the decision to hang up the uniform - telling your boss that you are getting out - the administration and logistics of moving on - the emotional roller coaster of transition - effects on family - transition decorum and ceremonies - the details of military retirement benefits - transition assistance classes - dealing with the Veterans Administration - VA disability claims - the Post 9/11 GI Bill - finding a job - how to dress like a professional - writing a resume and cover letter - networking - interviewing for a job - salary and benefits negotiation - adjusting to civilian life - and much, much more The book contains over 160 lessons learned and recommendations that can help anyone going through the military to civilian transition avoid making costly mistakes. The path back to "normal" life is anything but normal, and Orders to Nowhere is the traveler's guide that every member of the military and veteran needs to ease the pain of the journey. A must for every man and woman in uniform to help make transition as smooth as possible

Author Biography

Mike Grice enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve as a private at age 17 and retired from active duty as a Lieutenant Colonel over 27 years later. After four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, humanitarian operations in East Timor, and five challenging command assignments he was quite surprised to find that the transition from life in uniform back to the civilian world would be one of the most challenging, frustrating, confusing, and enlightening aspects of his career. In addition to serving his country, Mike is an award winning writer and widely recognized expert in leadership. While in uniform he was decorated for heroism, meritorious service, and leadership and was also the recipient of the Officer Basic School's Outstanding Leadership Award amd the Marine Corps' most prestigious leadership award: the Leftwich Trophy. After his retirement he earned his Masters of Business Administration from the University of California's Marshall Business School. He dedicates a considerable amount of time to veterans issues and helping others make the jump from the service back to the other side. He lives in Encinitas, California with his wife Cheri and their two boys, Max and Alexander.