MCAS BEAUFORT -- Life after the military hosts a variety of paths for those leaving behind their service to country. For some it’s retirement that calls them to civilian life, others make it a choice and yet others are forced out of the Marine Corps due to service limitations.
To assist with transitioning from military lifestyle to the civilian workforce, Marine Corps Community Services held the 11th Annual Career and Education Fair at the All Weather Training Facility aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, April 16.
“The fair is meant for active-duty service members who are getting out in six to 12 months, dependents and veterans,” said Kevin Dugan, Career Resource Assistant with the Transition Readiness Seminar. “Some are seamless, going from active duty to an employer, others go to school first and others don’t do either one.”
The fair offered an abundance of companies and schools the opportunity to provide information to patrons. More than 40 companies were present offering information on different occupations they had to offer.
“Most people don’t know that the FBI has many departments, they’re not all agents that are on the streets carrying guns,” said Dugan, a native of Little Compton, R.I. “Some of what the employers here are looking for are skills, leadership, work ethics, all the intangibles that go with military service.”
More than 25 schools were also present providing a variety of programs for service members and others in attendance, from aviation programs to professional doctoral degrees.
All of the employers and schools here would be a good fit for service members, said Dugan. The schools are military friendly with good Veterans’ Affairs departments that help service members enroll.
For Sgt. John Ripp, the fair provided information that wasn’t previously available to him during his first enlistment.
“I want to make sure I have options,” said Ripp, a drill instructor with Recruit Training Regiment. “I want to make a better educated decision than during my first enlistment.”
Ripp, who reenlisted as a landing support specialist while stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., wanted to see what was available at the fair and get information from both schools and employers present.
“I want to see what my background in the Marine Corps can get me now,” said Ripp, a 28 year-old native of Sackets Harbor, N.Y. “I want more options and to leave knowing there is more out there.”