Author: ryker

Military & Veteran Discounts

Help us find more local Military Discounts: Send a link to Military Discount List to your friends and help us find more local Military Discounts.  The more local Military Discounts we find, the better a resource this site will become. Interested in Veteran Travel Discounts?  Visit our partner site with travel discounts in each state sorted by state.

If you know of a local business offering Veteran Discounts, please submit it to us so we can add it to the Military Discount List.  If you have a Facebook account and have not clicked the like button at the top of this page, please consider doing so and we will be able to keep everyone updated on Military Discount and deals that we learn about.  We have been adding new Military Discounts every day!

Military Discount Hub (MDH) was started with one goal in mind and that was to be the most trusted and visited a web page or hub for anyone affiliated with the Military. Our company and site were started by individuals who have a strong desire to give back to our Military men and women. MDH is operated by people that have a strong love for the United States of America and honor and respect our Armed Forces.

  • Browse: Browse our fast-growing list of appreciative businesses that are offering Military Discounts.
  • Choose: Select a business offering a Military Discount and learn about what Military Discount they offer.
  • Save: Save money on purchases, shipping, or even both.  Discounts and offers will be clearly stated.

Verizon Military Discounts

Many cell phone companies are willing to offer Military and Veterans savings and discounts on their cell phone bill each month.

Typical Verizon Military Discounts range from 10%-15% off your normal bill. It is suggested that you shop around for the Verizon plan that best fits your needs and then once you have a price negotiated, you should indicate that you would like to use your military benefit and get a Verizon Military discount on that plan.

Here are some quick easy steps to getting your Verizon Military discounts:

  1. Step 1.  As indicated above, know what plan you want first.  Research deals and offers in your area and determine what Verizon phone plan works best for you.
  2. Step 2.  Make sure to have your current military ID card if still on duty or your DD214.  Some service members have reported that they also were able to get the discount by showing proof of a.MIL email address.
  3. Step 3.  If at first, you don’t succeed, go get a manager.  Some employees may not realize that they can offer you a Verizon Military discount but we know from experience, you are going to get one, you just need to talk to the correct person.

Enjoy A Sprint Military Discount

Serving in the military is a noble choice. Serving and protecting our country also comes with some great perks from all over the country, because business owners agree. A member of the military can find discounts in almost every category of shopping, so there’s no reason not to take advantage of it.

Cell phone expenses seem to be getting more and more expensive. However, as a member of the military, there is a Sprint military discount. This way, someone in the military can not only stay in touch with friends and family but save money doing so.

There are many reasons why a person uses a phone. Whether it’s local or long distance, people like to stay in touch. And in today’s world, there are even more services including texting and internet access. All of these together can make a phone bill get more and more expensive. There’s a benefit to the military with Sprint, however. They can enjoy a great discount and be able to make phone calls for less than they normally would be able to.

Sprint believes that the people who serve in the military are extremely important people. As a result, anyone who can show a military ID can enjoy perks of 15% off their monthly phone bill. This adds up to significant savings that can be used over and over again, month after month, for as long as someone is in the military.

When a member of the military is ready to activate their discount, they can go right to a Sprint store or call the 1-800 number to start a new account. Once they announce that they are military, they will get a great discount that will make their cell phone expenses a little more affordable. Plus, many times they can receive discounts on accessories, too.

A person who is in the military should utilize whatever discounts come their way. After all, they risk their lives on a day to day basis to protect the United States. A Sprint Military discount is just one of the many discounts someone can receive. So whether they are in the Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force, or even National Guard, they’ll be able to make phone calls all over the globe and save money while doing it.

10 – 75% Savings on Select Women’s Clothing
Shop and receive discounts up to 75% on women’s Sale shirts, tees, denim shorts, capris, and more.

New Customers – Get $10 off $50+ Orders & Free Shipping
Get a $10 discount on orders of $50 or more when you click through this link. Free shipping is included.

New Customers – Get $5 off $30+ Orders & Free Shipping
New customers save $5 on your order when you spend $30 or more, plus get free shipping. No code needed.

15% Discount on Flowers & Gifts
Save 15% on your order when you use the code at checkout. (The discount is applied before the payment is required. No pin number needed; enter the code directly below “Payment Information” on the checkout page). All flower orders include free vases. Some items are excluded from this offer, see site for details.DEALPRO15

$15 Discount on Orders of $75 or More with Gap Newsletter Sign-up
Sign up for Gap’s email notifications and you’ll receive a code good for a $15 discount on your next order of $75 or more. Enter your email address in the box at the bottom right of their website, and a special discount code will be emailed to you in a day or two.

Military Discount Center, Deals and Discounts | Military.com
www.military.com/discounts
The Military Discount Center has many military discounts, deals and freebies for active duty, veterans and families. Take a peek.

Top Military Discounts & Veteran Discounts | ID.me Shop
shop.id.me/military
Active military and veterans can find exclusive discounts, deals and cash back offers on Shop.ID.me. Browse the latest offers and save today.

Military Discounts Offered by Stores, Services and Online …
militarybenefits.info/military-discounts
McCoy’s is proud to offer two military discounts: A year-round military discount and a veteran holiday discount. Both have a 10% discount on purchases, with $500 max discount per transaction (daily discount limit of $500).

The 164 Best Military Discounts in 2020 – dealnews
www.dealnews.com/features/discounts/military-discounts
Store Discount Eligibility 1-800-Flowers: 20% off Verify identity with ID.me Military members, veterans, and family 24 Hour Fitness: $0 initiation and $5 off monthly dues for select basic memberships

Lodging Discounts for Military | Military.com
www.military.com/discounts/lodging
From PCS moves to vacations to cross-country trips to visit friends and relatives, military families rarely stay put for long. Find merchants offering lodging discounts to active military …

Military Travel Discounts | Military.com
www.military.com/discounts/travel
Military life often includes the opportunity to travel either for work or Permanent Change of Station (PCS). Find merchants offering travel discounts to our military, veterans and their families.

250+ Military Discounts for Veterans & Active Military in 2020
www.offers.com/blog/post/military-discounts-guide
250+ Military Discounts for 2020 Members of the military and veterans show their fearlessness every day. In return, it’s only fitting that retailers show them their appreciation with exclusive military discounts and offers not available to the general public.

Military Discount Merchants | Military.com
www.military.com/discounts/merchants
Our military members, veterans and families have given so much. Many merchants want to show their appreciation. Find merchants offering discounts to military, veterans and their families.

Lowe’s Military Discount Program – Sign In
www.lowes.com/u/login?context=military
Lowe’s is proud to offer 10% off eligible purchases every day to active military personnel and veterans.

Military & Government Discounts on 700+ Brands | GovX
www.govx.com
The largest Military & Government exclusive ecommerce site offering discounts up to 50% off current season goods from 700+ top lifestyle and tactical brands.

The Best Military Discounts From 230+ Stores
www.bradsdeals.com/blog/military-discounts
Disneyland: Military discounts are available only for tickets purchased at installation MWRs. Prices vary per date and length of visit Prices vary per date and length of visit Great Wolf Lodge : Up to 33 percent off, but discount varies.

Veterans and Military Store – Apple
www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/veterans_military
Veterans and Military personnel receive a 10% discount on Apple products. You may also purchase for immediate family who live in the same household.

New Car Discounts | Military Discount
www.gmmilitarydiscount.com/#!
The GM Military Discount is the best military discount from any car company. It can also be combined with most current lease offers for an even greater deal. Learn more. You keep us safe. Let us return the favor. Get 20% off most Connected Services and OnStar …

50 stores that offer military discounts all year long …
www.businessinsider.com/military-discounts?op=1
To get the discount, just fill out this form with your official military email address and the company will send you a 20% off discount code. Eddie Bauer: 10-15% off most merchandise when you …

GM Military Discount – New Car Discounts
www.gmmilitarydiscount.com
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Auto Discounts | Military.com
www.military.com/discounts/auto
The prices for buying and maintaining today’s cars and trucks are higher than ever. Find merchants offering automotive discounts to active military, veterans and their families.

Lowe’s Military Discount Program – Sign Up
www.lowes.com/u/register?context=military
verify your military credentials. Create Account Sign up for a Lowe’s account to begin your military discount enrollment.

GMC Military Discount Program | Details
www.gmc.com/discount-programs/military-discount
GMC and its dealers are proud to extend our military discount † to Active Duty members, Reservists, National Guard members, Veterans within 3 years of discharge date and Retirees – including spouses or designated household members – of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

Military Discounts – Retail, Shopping, Travel, Amusement
themilitarywallet.com/military-discounts
Military discounts are not always the best offer. You may be able to find better deals by shopping around (airlines, hotels, and travel are good examples of times when shopping around may lead to bigger savings). Many hotel chains will match max per diem rates for your area. Always ask. Military discounts are a blessing, not a right.

Top Military & Veteran Discounts for 2020
www.veteransunited.com/money/military-veteran-discounts
All the more reason these automotive military discounts are so valuable for those looking to buy a new vehicle, as well as those looking to service or upgrade their current vehicle. Store. Discount. Eligibility. Advance Auto Parts 10% off regularly priced items, in-store only.

Exchange | Military Discount – Tax Free Shopping
www.shopmyexchange.com
Shop the largest military government retailer online and in store for exclusive discounts. Tax-free. Free shipping and pick up at store available.

U.S. Military Members: Enjoy Specially Priced Theme Park …
disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/military-multi-day-tickets-2020
U.S. Military Discount on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels For more details, please contact your participating U.S. military base ticket office. For assistance with your Walt Disney World vacation, including resort/package bookings and tickets, please call (407) 939-5277.

Nike Military Discount: 20% Off | Nike.com
www.nike.com/help/a/military-discount
Yes, in appreciation of our service women and men, we offer a 20% discount—online and in stores—to all active, reservist, veteran, and retired US military personnel, and to the spouses and dependents of active personnel. For a limited time, we’ve increased our military discount from 10% to 20%. To get the Nike.com discount:

Gatlinburg Military Discounts | The Smoky Mountains Are …
www.gatlinburg.com/military-discounts
Military Discounts in the Gatlinburg, TN region. Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. 811 East Parkway, P.O. Box 527 Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Military Discounts 2020: 170+ Stores That Offer Discounts …
dealhack.com/blog/military-discounts-guide
The Dealhack Military & Veteran Discounts Guide is the result of our quarterly survey of brands that offer active-duty military and veteran discounts. Every three months, we independently verify each and every store on this list.ea. The list is then conveniently broken down into 26 categories, and can also be saved in PDF form and used as the ultimate reference guide for active military and …

Local Military & Veterans Discounts
militarybenefits.info/local-military-veterans-discounts
List of 2020 military and veterans discounts for brick and mortar businesses in local cities and counties. Discounts vary by business but can include active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists and dependents for all branches of the military; Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, Space Force, Guard, and Reserves forces.

Save more with Verizon Military Plan Discount on Wireless …
www.verizon.com/military
Prices include your military discount plus $10/mo savings per line when you sign up for paper-free billing and AutoPay. Start Unlimited. Get all the basics with unlimited talk, text, and data. And never worry about overage charges again. $ 60. Per line per month. …

Military Discounts (Complimentary Free) | Busch Gardens …
buschgardens.com/tampa/tickets/military-discount
Troop ID is a credential issued by ID.me that allows verified members of the military community (e.g. Active Duty, Veterans, Retirees, Military Spouses and Military Family Members) to access programs intended exclusively for members of the military community.

Military Pro Deals Through ExpertVoice – ExpertVoice
www.expertvoice.com/military
Military discounts are all over the map, so don’t expect any kind of consistency, even within a particular industry – or even within the same parent company. Often, individual companies are free to set their own level of military discount – even if a parent or corporation has a formal military discount policy.

Veteran & Military Discounts, Benefits – Veterans Advantage
www.veteransadvantage.com
Military discount authentication and verification for exclusive rewards and discounts for Active Duty Military, Veterans, Retired, National Guard, Reserve, & families.

Court-martial and PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a common issue among military personnel and can lead to some serious consequences if not addressed. At the same time, however, addressing PTSD might also lead to unexpected consequences.

After having served two deployments, one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq, Sgt. Ryan M. learned he was going out for a third deployment. During the first two deployments his father died, his mother was diagnosed with cancer, and he was facing a divorce. When he learned of the third deployment, he walked away from his post.

He testified at his court-martial hearing that he had been aware of the fact that he was dealing with post-traumatic stress, but did not seek treatment for “fear of being labeled a ‘nut’ and no longer be respected by my peers or subordinates.”

An example had to be made of him, according to Capt. Christopher G. He wanted to be sure the message was clear that going AWOL is not ok.

Yet PTSD does not allow a person’s brain to make rational decisions. It causes people to do things that might otherwise be out of character and can significantly impair a person’s daily life. Studies show that man-made events have a greater impact on the incidence of PTSD than natural, unavoidable events do. That makes the military as a whole more vulnerable to the symptoms, possibly causing them to behave in ways that do not fit their character.

Sgt. M’s case ended with his successful treatment and counseling, accompanied by an honorable discharge. While the outcome of the case is rare in the military justice world, it is a military attorney’s job to defend your right to an honorable discharge. They will fight for your rights, just as you have fought for the rights of others.

Military Justice Lawyers for Skilled Guidance Through Army Court Martial Proceedings

Soldiers who are charged with crimes under the UCMJ face prosecution under the court-martial process. Unfortunately, with the full might of the criminal justice system aligned against you, it can be difficult to protect your future, your freedom and your career from the damage caused by a conviction. When traversing the court-martial process, it is important to create the best defense team possible; the lawyer appointed by the Army will offer helpful defense guidance, but may be limited in the time and effort they can invest into your case, making it important to retain a private defense attorney who can offer more focused representation.

Court Martial Process

Understanding the steps involved in the court martial process may help you gain insight into what to expect from your proceedings.

  • Article 32 investigations: Under the UCMJ, general courts-martial must be preceded by an Article 32 investigation hearing. During the hearing, you are offered the chance to learn about the evidence against you and cross-examine any witnesses who may testify in your case. An attorney will stand by your side during the Article 32 hearing, and will work diligently to obtain every piece of information needed to begin planning your defense.
  • Court martial panel: Following the Article 32 hearing, a court-martial panel must be selected to oversee the process. Similar to a civilian jury, the court-martial panel makes a judgment following testimony from the prosecution and defense. You are offered the chance to participate in the selection of the court-martial panel.
  • Court martial pleas: A court-martial plea may save you from unnecessary harm caused by a conviction. Agreeing to a reduced charge or a lesser offense may help you avoid a career-ending conviction stemming from the original charge. Pleas must be entered on a voluntary basis; you may not be pressured by the prosecution to accept a deal that is not in your best interests.
  • Conviction or review: At the completion of all testimony, the court-martial panel will issue a judgment on your case. If they find you not guilty of the charges, you are free to continue with your service unharmed. If you are found guilty, your case will be reviewed by a convening authority that can either approve or disapprove the findings and sentence.  Following the appeal of any sentence, the case will be further reviewed by the respective service Court of Appeals.  You have the right to assistance of counsel from the investigation and filing of charges through all levels of review and appeal.

Know Your Rights and Your Defense Options

When facing court-martial, you have many rights that may be invaluable in helping you combat the charges against you, including:

  • The right to counsel
  • The right to confront witnesses
  • The right to select your forum
  • The right to testify

Crime Rates in Military Towns

One would expect that crime rates on military bases would be lower than the median crime rates in the rest of the country. It would almost seem like an idyllic place to live with homespun values and peaceful gatherings of families supporting each other while soldiers are deployed.

As it turns out though, reports show that some military towns have the highest crime rates in the United States. The most dangerous on the list is in the Schofield Barracks neighborhood in Hawaii. The area reports approximately 759 property crimes per 1,000 people, which is far above the national average of 34 per 1,000 residents. It’s a staggering 20 times the national average and 15 times the average of Hawaii itself.

While oftentimes the crime rates tend to be highest among property damage, robbery, theft and motor vehicle theft.

So why would our nation’s protectors not be protecting their own homes?

According to the NeighborhoodScout, an organization which does crime analyses by neighborhoods all over the country, the answer could lie in the demographics of the American military. It would appear that having large concentrations of single males living together in small areas could be a possible explanation for surges in crime rates.

It’s not impossible to imagine that these young men, who have been separated from their parents, wives, families, and communities may be more tempted to commit certain types of crimes.

Even so, there are only ten neighborhoods in which the military crime rate is so high. There are over 300 neighborhoods in American that houses at least 20 percent of the military and can be considered to be considerably safer than most of the country. These towns show a stark contrast to the others, with crime rates coming in at 7 percent below the national average.

Protecting Your Career & Future

United States service members are held to a high standard of conduct, whether actively engaged in a military exercise or training, or while interacting with civilians while on leave. Unfortunately, the strict code of conduct, known as the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or UCMJ, often leads authorities to file charges that can dramatically impact your freedom, your career, and your future.

Understanding the ‘Fuzzy Math’ VA Uses on Multiple Disability Claims

Question: When does 60 + 40 + 20 = 80? Answer: When VA uses its “fuzzy math” from the combined disability rating table to calculate the percentage of disability to award Veterans who have two or more qualifying, compensable disabilities.

Veterans with more than one claimed disability who are not aware of this procedure—and I have found that most are not, unless they’ve had previous dealings with the VA disability claim system—can be shocked, angered, and quite disappointed when they receive their final rating once their disability claim is approved. Let me give you an example of how ratings from the combined ratings table work.

Let’s suppose that a Veteran is awarded a 60% disability rating for one covered condition, a 40% rating for a second condition, and then a 20% rating for a third condition. What TOTAL disability rating is the veteran then likely to expect? 120%, correct? Well, not exactly, and here is the principal reason why:

  • The MAXIMUM “scheduler” rating (i.e., a rating based upon the VA Schedule of Rating Disabilities) that can be awarded under most circumstances is 100%.*

So, if in the example above, the Veteran doesn’t qualify for a rating of 120%, then what rating does he or she qualify for? Actually, when the VA applies its Combined Ratings Table the final rating equals 80%. Here is the rationale behind this rating:

  • If a Veteran is assigned a 60% disability rating, it is assumed that he or she remains 40% non-disabled.
  • If this same Veteran also carries an additional 40% disability rating, then the remaining 40% from the first disability (i.e., the 60% disability rating) is eliminated and the tentative rating increases to 100%. But there’s more!
  • The third disability rating of 20% is then, ostensibly, subtracted from the tentative 100% rating, resulting in a final overall disability rating of 80%.

Make sense? Of course it doesn’t, not when calculated in this manner. Perhaps a better way of understanding this confusing rating approach is to use the analogy of a 10 ounce glass of water.

  • We begin by pouring out 60% of the water in the glass (six ounces), leaving four ounces in the glass, or 40% of the volume of water we started with.
  • Then, we pour out 40% of the water remaining in the glass (four ounces), leaving 2.4 ounces.
  • Finally, we pour out 20% of the water remaining in the glass (2.4 ounces), leaving 2.08 ounces, or about 20% of the total volume we started with.

While you might not agree with the efficacy (or sense) of the approach used to calculate multiple disability ratings, at least this example makes the approach somewhat easier to understand and somewhat easier to swallow.

If you go to this link, Combined Ratings Table, you’ll notice that the Combined Rating Table is set up as a matrix, with an x-axis (the horizontal axis) and a y-axis (the vertical axis). The x-axis is in increments of 10, ranging from 10 to 90. The y-axis is single digits, ranging from 19 to 94. (Don’t ask me why there is such a strange measurement configuration.) VA calculates combined ratings two at a time, e.g., 60% and 40% first in our example in this article, resulting in a combined rating of 76, which, when rounded to the nearest 10, becomes 80. Then, the 80 is aligned with 20 in the matrix, resulting in 84, which, when rounded to the nearest 10 becomes—you guessed it!—a combined disability rating of 80%.

One other important consideration: Not every award over and above an initial award will result in increased disability compensation. Take our example in this article, where our Veteran with three compensable disabilities was awarded a combined rating of 80%. If he or she were to receive an award for an additional disability rated as, say, 20%, his or her combined rating would remain 80%, again, because of the VA’s “fuzzy” math!

Make no mistake about it, the VA Disability System is a very complex, often quite confusing system. And, as you undoubtedly discovered early on in your military service, forewarned is always forearmed! If you are contemplating making a disability claim, I strongly encourage you to do your homework first! With the current claim backlog facing the VA, it can take up to a year (or longer!) to get a claim resolved, depending upon the Veteran’s unique claim, current backlog at the VA regional office where you will file your claim, etc., so getting it right the first time is quite important. A good place to start your preparation is at this link: 38 C.F.R. § 4.25 (the guidelines the VA uses to determine a Veteran’s eligibility for being compensated, as well as how it calculates the ultimate amount of monthly compensation, if awarded).

To access a FREE online calculator for multiple disabilities, go to this link:

http://www.vvaarizona.org/combined_disability.php#value

Good luck, and on behalf of a very grateful nation, let me personally thank you for your service to our country.

* VA may assign extra-schedular ratings or special monthly compensation, which are benefits generally beyond those permitted by the Schedule, but this relatively uncommon and certainly beyond the scope of this article.

Emergency Financial Assistance for Veterans and their Families

Veterans and their Families face unique challenges that may result in financial hardships. There may be loss of income due to deployments, health issues, and combat-related wounds. Additionally, the unemployment rate can be high amongst transitioning Veterans, especially in this difficult economy. This list of resources is meant to assist Families in finding emergency financial assistance and grant opportunities during hard times:

The Fallen Patriot Fund 
Provides $3,000 grants for basic living expenses. Can be renewed up to three times. Must have 75% disability status with VA or higher.

Operation Family Fund 
Provides grants for rent and utilities, even legal fees. Preference given to those with disability 50% and above, and to new applicants. Can apply for two grants every six months.

Operation First Response 
Provides financial grants for Families by paying for bills directly with the vendor. Their online application from requires copies of DD-214 and a copy of the VA Disability Determination Letter. All information is kept private.

Operation Homefront
They provide grants in many areas. Find your local chapter to apply for assistance.

USA Cares
Provides assistance with basic Family needs. Online application process. Experiencing high volume of calls, delayed 5 business days.

Folds of Honor 
Scholarship fund for children of disabled Veterans. They have three programs that cover education expenses of younger children all the way to college-age students. Will pay $5000 towards college expenses of children of disabled Veterans per year.

Additional Resources

How Veterans Can Prepare for Job Interviews

Job interviews are daunting when you have been out of the civilian workforce for any length of time. In most cases, Veterans are acutely aware that their “military-speak” may not translate well for hiring managers. This can add pressure and stress when facing a telephone or in-person interview. It isn’t that military experience doesn’t transfer well to civilian jobs; in fact, many hiring managers look for the very skills that are fundamental to military training. The challenge is to communicate effectively what skills you have in a language everyone can understand.

Here are 5 tips to prepare for your job interview.

Research the company, position, and industry

Become familiar with their corporate values by looking at their mission and vision statements. This information can usually be found on their website. Highlight words and phrases that seem important, what values do they hold, what are their goals and priorities. You may find out that customer service is their number one priority, or maybe it is being the best in the industry. By becoming familiar with their corporate culture, you can emphasize the parts of your experience that most closely match.

Look up practice interview questions

Get a list of potential interview questions online and begin practicing your answers. Many people skip this stage because they think it is a waste of time to prepare for questions that may or may not be asked. However, the goal is not to “anticipate” the exact interview questions. It is to start thinking like a hiring manager and begin organizing your thoughts. It also helps you recall your experiences faster during the interview, even for unrelated questions. Don’t just practice in your mind. Write out your answers to help build stronger memory pathways within the actual interview.

Practice speaking out loud and in front of people

Once you have a list of questions and answers written out, try answering them out loud and in front of people without looking at what you’ve written. By practicing out loud, you are training yourself to make small improvements and adjustments before the actual interview. Make sure to speak calmly and with confidence. It is ok to take a few seconds to think about a question before answering. It is also ok to ask for clarity if you don’t understand a question.

Have examples in mind

Hiring managers will want to hear examples of your experience, such as times you demonstrated leadership skills, industry experience, or team work. Sometimes, it is hard to think of examples on the spot if you haven’t prepared them in advance. It is also difficult sometimes to openly praise yourself in public. That’s why it is important to write out specific examples that back up your skills and then look them over before the interview. This can also help translate your military experience into civilian terms. A hiring manager may not understand what a power generation technician is, but they will understand leadership and team work skills if they hear brief and specific examples of the work you performed.

Calming your nerves

Even with all this preparation, the biggest barrier to a successful interview can be our own anxiety. There are several techniques that can help calm your nerves so that it is easier to think quickly and talk calmly when being interviewed. Mindful meditation, slow deep breathing, and stretching can help to calm nerves. You can also visualize the interview going well. Often we imagine the worst, which heightens our sense of anxiety. You can counter this tendency by imagining the best scenarios.

Top 10 Military Job Search to Follow on Twitter

Give Your Job Search Wings: Top 10 to Follow on Twitter

So maybe you were limited to following the orders of a superior officer while in the military, but that’s not true now that you’re back at home. Your next career move is totally up to you.

5 Ways to Increase Your Job Search Online

Today the greatest employment gains can be made through using social networks to your advantage. Some experts suggest you spend up to 90% of your time networking when looking for a new job.

We have compiled the five best tools you can utilize now to tap into the latest online trends so you can elevate your job search to the next level.

1. Virtual Resumes.  While paper resumes still have an important place in the job search, virtual resumes provide a ‘command center’ for your online job search.  A link is an easy way for people to pass along your information, especially through their social networks.  Spend time polishing your virtual resume, before sending it out.

2. Facebook.Facebook is for more than connecting to old friends: use it to get job leads and make sure your virtual resume is circulating. First thing’s first, though—clean up your profile! The information you present needs to be professional, and this includes polite wall posts and decent images you wouldn’t mind your potential employer viewing. Don’t forget to send a link to your friends asking them to look over your virtual resume and send it to any employers who might be interested. Networking is one of the most powerful tools during the job search because employers respond to recommendations from people they already know and trust.

3. LinkedIn. LinkedIn is primed for business connections, so fill out a profile and link it back to your virtual resume on VeteranCentral.com.  LinkedIn lets you get endorsements from your network, join groups related to your experiences, and network with colleagues.  But don’t stop there.  It’s important all your connections know that you are looking for a great job, so show off that resume you spent so long putting together, and join discussion boards relevant to your job interests.

4. Job Ads.  It is easy to get overwhelmed by the number of job search engines online.  The truth is, not all job boards are created equal.  Some job boards don’t update their postings, so you waste time applying to jobs that have been filled already.  To avoid this, look for the application deadline.  If there isn’t one, call the company to ask if the position is still open.  While you have them on the phone, ask if there are other positions open in the same area.  The best job ads come from employer websites, career blogs, industry-specific job boards, and recommendations from within your social network.  Be sure to connect with any companies you want to work for on social media platforms like Facebook. 50% of businesses now use Facebook to find new hires, and recruiters often troll Twitter feeds looking for just the right fit.

5. Online Recon.  Doing a little footwork online can help you find job leads, identify key phrases to use in your resume, and discover companies that may be hiring.  Make a list of the top employers in your industry and study their websites, executive bios, and the wording in their current job openings.  Write down key phrases you find and use them in your cover letters, resumes, and interviews.  It helps to speak the industry’s language and by researching, it shows your potential employer you are serious about the company.  You may also want to explore any extra certifications or credentials that might help you succeed in this area.

Today’s job search is nothing like it was in the past, thanks to technology. But, when you learn how to harness its power, the Internet can also be one of your best strategic tools when job searching.

Given the expansive depth and breadth of available online job search tools, however, it can’t hurt to concentrate your efforts and heed some good advice. In fact, if you’re including Twitter in your multi-front attack, choosing carefully who you follow can actually help keep you in the lead when it comes to your career choices. Only, knowing which song to listen for can be difficult in a jungle full of noisy birds.

The trick with Twitter may be to limit your job hunt follows to just these veteran-friendly recommended tweeters:

Hero 2 Hired

@H2HJobs – This is Mission: Employment central. If their smartphone app is lacking, this company makes up for it with their Twitter presence. With unemployed veterans squarely in mind, they’ll hold your attention on everything from resume tips to upcoming job fairs to suggestions for enhancing your digital presence so that you stand out from the crowd.

Monster Careers

@MonsterCareers – With a constant stream of resume-building, interview-mastering, job-nailing tips, the Monster is on it. Plus, with recommendations on how to use your online presence to your advantage, it’s a career search experience tailor-made for social media.

Veterans Green Jobs

@greenjobs4vets – For veterans with vision. When not just any job will do, these folks can help you find work that helps build more sustainable communities. Stay informed on education and career development opportunities in the most lucrative and forward-thinking industries.

Veteran Owned

@VeteranOwned – Veteran job seekers would do well to find veteran employers. Who better to hire you than someone who already understands your unique qualifications and how to make use of them? Veteran Owned helps you locate them while keeping you informed of the latest news and other stories in the military community.

ClearanceJobs

@ClearanceJobs – Veterans with security clearance need look no further. When it comes to landing jobs in the defense industry to government agencies, you’ll find the advice and hiring news you need for a smooth transition into the private sector.

The Mission Continues

@missioncontinue – Learn more about a transition opportunity that makes sense. You could be one of the post-9/11 veterans all over the country who are putting their leadership skills to work for their neighbors and community. Get updates on how a fellowship program at a local nonprofit could earn you full-time employment.

Hire Heroes USA

@HireHeroesUSA – Move to the frontlines in your work search. Find out which veteran-friendly companies are hiring and where. Follow popular discussion points and trending topics in military news, support, and related issues.

George Bush

@UnemployedBush – Love him, or hate him. It’s all the same here… Who doesn’t enjoy making fun of an old boss? And as your faux former Commander in Chief, this version of the ex-President is ordering you to take a break from your work search and have a laugh at his expense. Remember, he’s unemployed now too!

Veterans Affairs

@DeptVetAffairs – Stay informed of the official word from your favorite government agency. Find out what’s on their agenda and how it may affect you.

Military Connection

@TheGoToSite – Keep current on what’s happening in military communities and news, while also gaining access to tips for finding employment and getting a higher education.

For additional news and resources, also consider:

Military.com @militarydotcom
IAVA Press Room @IAVAPressRoom
VeteransToday @veteranstoday
Veterans for Peace @VFPNational
Military OneSource @Military1Source
U.S. Chamber of Commerce @HireOurHeroes

Man’s Best Friend Helps Veterans with PTSD

Specially trained service dogs are proving that man’s best friend can help Veterans battle combat stress. Research has shown that animal therapy in the form of service dogs can help manage and lessen symptoms of:

  • anxiety
  • reclusiveness
  • night terrors
  • hyper vigilance
  • neurochemical imbalances
  • flashbacks
  • memory loss
  • cognitive dysfunction

A service dog is not a pet, according to the Americans with Disability Act. Instead, they provide a form of animal therapy in which clinical symptoms are reduced through their use. Each dog is trained with unique skills that match the needs of the Veteran such as:

— reminding the owner to take medication.
— helping the owner socialize.
— alerting the owner if they start to have flashbacks.

At Soldier’s Best Friend, a nonprofit founded by veterinarian John Burnham, dogs are rescued from shelters and paired with Veterans suffering from PTSD. From the first day Veterans enter the program, they receive their service dog. Over the next six months, the pair will complete the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program, will undergo public access training, and will learn socialization tasks. This rigorous training helps ensure that the pair is ready to go out in public with no mishaps.

It can cost up to $2,500 dollars to train a service dog, but Soldier’s Best Friend offers its services free to Veterans. The program is available to Vets from any part of the country; however, the six-month training takes place in Phoenix, Arizona. They even allow some Veterans to train with their own dogs, as long as the dog shows no signs of aggression towards humans or other animals.

Burnham cautions Veterans to use animal therapy as an adjunctive treatment to PTSD in conjunction with traditional therapy, or to use it when other forms of therapies have failed. Through the course of the summer, he has seen incredible results in the Veterans completing the program. One decorated Vietnam Veteran, Jerry Sweet, says his dog Max wakes him up from war-related nightmares he’s been having for over 45 years. Max wasn’t specifically trained to wake Jerry up; he developed the skill naturally while bonding with Jerry through the program.

Citizens Take Action

These service dogs make a difference in the lives of their Veterans. But, according to Burnham, the demand for service dogs is greater than the supply. Find out how you can support Soldier’s Best Friends so that every Veteran who needs a service dog can get one:

Does It Matter What We Call PTSD?

Walt Whitman was haunted by the images of death and destruction long after the Civil War ended.  In his poem, “Old War-Dreams,” he wrote: “of their forms at night, I dream, I dream, I dream.”  Lingering traumatic images are one after effect of combat stress, along with a host of other symptoms.

While the physical and mental effects of combat have always been a reality for the Soldier, what we call these effects has changed over time.

Soldier’s Heart

In the Civil War,we called it Soldier’s Heart.  Civil War physicians and psychologists debated over whether Soldier’s Heart was an affliction of the heart muscle or merely a neurosis of the mind.  In Vietnam, it was called Shell Shock.  This condition was attributed to the effects of the loud, virulent noises of war. Today we call it Post Traumatic Stress.

A Name Does Matter

It might be easy to dismiss this debate as a name game.  But it turns out that what we call combat stress can help or hinder its treatment.  In a study done at DePaul University, researchers found that medical personnel were likely to perceive an illness as more severe depending on the sound of its name, even when presented with identical cases.  Researchers also found that when a name was considered to be psychosomatic—or stemming from the mind—they were less rigorous in their treatment suggestions. If medical personnel can be influenced by a name, so can society.

Stereotypes and Stigmas

A hallmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that Soldiers worried how peers and leadership would perceive a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress. In fact, it bothered them so much it was a significant barrier to seeking treatment.  The study showed there was a connection between the two.  Those who needed help the most where least likely to seek it because of how other people would see them.  It seems a name can effect perception, and perception can affect treatment—in the end, we are all susceptible to the fear of being judged.

One reason the stigma of Post Traumatic Stress is so strong in military culture is because it involves shame—shame of weakness and shame of letting others down.  In an interview with Frontline, Dr. Friedman, the Executive Director of the Veteran Affairs National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, explains that there is no shame associated with having a physical illness.  However, significant stigma exists around illnesses such as depression or anxiety.  The roots of these stigmas stem from within the larger society, not from within the military.  Yet, Dr. Friedman points out, military culture can heighten the issue because many situations require Soldiers to entrust their lives into each other’s hands.  Soldiers want to be perceived as being trustworthy and dependable, not a liability to the unit’s safety.

Education is Key

The only way to overcome this barrier to treatment is through education.  Research on combat stress has come a long way, proving its effects are not just in the Soldier’s mind.  There are physical and emotional effects of Post Traumatic Stress, and science can no longer hold that what happens to the body is separate from what happens to the mind.  Dr. Friedman also reminds us that Post Traumatic Stress is not a problem isolated to the military.  From firefighters to police to emergency medical personnel, there’s a possibility of experiencing intense stress or trauma while on the job.

No matter what we call it, and no matter how it happens, overcoming treatment barriers to Post Traumatic Stress is everyone’s problem.  Fear of being judged, the stigma of seeking help, and the shame of these invisible wounds can all be overcome when the attitude within our culture begins to change to one of understanding and acceptance.

Affordable Ways For Veterans To Earn College Credit

Veterans returning to school want to make sure their GI Bill can go as far as possible. Senior Academic Adviser, Dalynda Evans, shares three EASY and AFFORDABLE ways to Veterans can earn university credit.

ADVANCED STANDING

Many four-year, degree-granting universities offer some form of Advanced Standing credit.  This process allows a student to take an exam to prove competency in a particular subject rather than enrolling in a class for a full term.  Advanced placement is similar to CLEP, except it applies to upper-division or junior/senior level coursework.

Often, military experience translates well into Advance Placement credits.  As an example, if a student Veteran gained management and supervision experience in the military, he or she can get college credit for this experience by advanced standing examination.  To get this credit, he/she would simply buy a book, study, and then take a multiple-choice test to prove aptitude in that subject (in this case, management).

At the University of Oklahoma (OU), advanced placement is called ‘advanced standing’ and is offered through the Center for Independent & Distance Learning.  Many different types of credits can be earned through CIDL.  Using the management example mentioned above, go to the link, click “Test Center,” then click “Management 3013.”  Note the book is inexpensive (less than $10 including shipping,) and the test is $75.  Just be sure before you enroll that the advanced placement courses will apply towards degree credits required for your graduation.

ONLINE COURSEWORK

Today, many accredited undergraduate institutions have online and distance-learning programs.  While advanced online coursework can sometimes be expensive, there are state programs that offer affordable options to earn upper-division credits.  For student Veterans who have family or work obligations, online courses have the added benefits of time flexibility and convenience of access.

An example of a program that combines affordability with accessibility is Louisiana State University’s Independent and Distance Learning Online Program. To use our same example from above, the Principles of Management online course is only $403.  This includes tuition and fees.  As with Advanced Standing credits, be sure the courses equate to something your institution will use to reduce the number of credit required for your degree program.

INTERNSHIPS OR VOLUNTEERING/SERVICE LEARNING CREDITS

Internships (paid or unpaid) greatly increase the likelihood of job placement.  Most Universities offer some method of earning Internship credit.  For student Veterans, earning credit for working often allows him or her to reduce the number of hours required to graduation while also earning a paycheck.

If you are student Veteran at the University of Oklahoma, for example, there are many ways to get credit depending on your specific degree program.  Career Services’ Assistant Director, Mary Delaney specializes in this (405.325.1974). Volunteering/Service Learning credits can also be earned at OU through the Department of Human Relations (405.325.1756). If you are not an OU student, please consult the appropriate advisor for your program at your institution.  Student career services are offered to every student at no additional charge to you.