JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- The transition from military to civilian life can be one of the most difficult journeys an Airman goes through. Add families, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other life factors to this process and it can create uncertainties, leaving one wondering where to begin. For over a year, the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program has hosted various virtual events and delivered virtual services to progress the recovery journey of warriors and their families. With each AFW2 support program uniquely tailoring their virtual deliveries to fit the needs of warriors and families, the Empowerment in Transition (EIT) team have partnered with Deloitte to deliver Virtual Employment Boot Camps (VEBC) to AFW2 wounded warriors and caregivers.
Hosted by Deloitte, the Virtual Employment Boot Camp (VEBC) is a two-day career readiness workshop that is offered to transitioning service members, wounded warriors, veterans, and their families. During this workshop, participants are provided access to valuable resources, employment preparation, and networking opportunities. Each VEBC focuses on six curriculum topics that include interview skills, resume writing, and networking, and creating the “elevator pitch.” The VEBC allows wounded warriors and caregivers insight on what is expected from the civilian sector to better prepare them during the transition and job seeking process.
“I want warriors and caregivers to walk away knowing that they have support and people who want them to succeed and are willing to take time to assist them in their transition,” said BradBritt, AFW2 Empowerment in Transition program manager. “The VEBC workshop provides a wealth of knowledge on programs and resources for warriors and caregivers to be successful in their military transition. Everyone involved wants the warriors and caregivers to build competence, confidence, and walk away knowing that there is a network of EIT coordinators, Deloitte team members, and organizations that have their back.”
The VEBC equips warriors and caregivers with a wealth of information as they prepare to take the next step in closing out the chapter of their military careers. Day one of the workshop consists of recognizing individual skills and strengths and building those in the form of an elevator pitch or branding statement. Participants are taught how to effectively apply their personalized statements in networking situations, as well as how to navigate LinkedIn, tailor resumes to specific job descriptions, and learn interview skills and techniques. On day two of the workshop, warriors and caregivers apply the knowledge and skills learned and participate in mock interviews and a leadership panel.
“My biggest takeaway from the VEBC was that even though I don’t have the degree or years of experience, the skills I have drilled in me from the military, such as communication, leadership, and commitment, are also incredibly important to a prospective employer,” said Senior Airman Carolyn Kittleson. “Before the workshop, I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able to get a job. Now, I can apply with confidence. It truly changed the trajectory of my life! I would absolutely encourage every single warrior to attend. I was incredibly nervous, but all the staff and interviewers were helpful, and several reached out after the program to offer assistance with anything I could need.”
Deloitte’s VEBC will be offered during the upcoming AFW2 Virtual CARE Week happening April 12-16 and delivered in conjunction with the EIT workshop. For warriors and caregivers who are unable to participate in the next VEBC and are interested in attending, email AFPC.DPFWS.EIT@us.af.mil, for more information on the VEBC and future dates.
Stay connected with us and tune in to our AFW2 social media pages to witness all the virtual events hosted by warriors, caregivers, and staff members. To learn more about the AFW2 Program, or to refer an Airman, visit www.woundedwarrior.af.mil for additional information and resources.