Travis S. Collier, Program Manager’s Post

EMBRACING THE NEXT EDGE 4 Careers are built & lost on half & full measures. Many of us in the military chase that full measure. That’s a key, critical allure of the uniform. Whether we viscerally accept it or not — we recognize a full measure is required. Sure — much of that full measure is trivialized by the non-emergent & the routine. No email requires our full measure. But today, there are few ways in the world, to truly go all out. This will be always why the military attracts those willing to go into the fray. And why we must always honor, those who never return. Kahlil Gibran notes “Half a life is a life you didn't live”. This quote reminds me, we need to know for ourselves, when our full measure is done. Where we’ve done all we can, or learn where we have more to give. We don’t want to finish a career on the decline, but at some sort of peak or plateau. Much of that measure, that we each bring ourselves, changes over time. Or much of the full measure that held us in this cloth, stays with us to find other altars to serve under. No one wants to live or chase the half measure. And many times, we have to make major movements, to match the new measure we expect of ourselves. It takes a constancy of decisions to avoid living an half-lived life. #military #transition #retirement #uscg #selfawareness

LEVEL OF ASPIRATION A concern I’ve been exploring in my transition out of the military is “Level of Aspiration”. Aspiration in uniform is immutable. The military defines a level of aspiration. It’s prescriptive. There are a limited number ranks to earn. There’s a limit to how many units you can serve or command. You can only gain so many specialties or skillsets in 4, 10, 20, or 25 years. You inherit aspiration from those around you. You inherit aspiration from the legacies and stories enveloped into the uniform. Aspiration is asymptotic to that structure & culture. It’s a bounded range or category, based on the structure of the organization. Then you leave for civilian service, with an unbounded aspiration & drive you have to define for yourself. Aspiration as we learned it, is unique for the last 50 years of the All Volunteer Force. There’s no 4, 10, 20, or 25 year push through a fixed ranked structure. It’s disorienting to realize bounds for aspiration we learned, are an exception, not a rule. Unbounded aspiration, outside the uniform, is more the rule. Level of aspiration means questioning how high or far I want my achievements to reach. There’s no multi-generational structure to step into, matching where I marched for 20+ years. Level of aspiration is challenging to define. Because the examples & how I incorporate them are different for me. And they differ for everyone else. The outcome & chosen attainment level are profoundly different. And it’s ok, to not aspire for what the norm aspires for. It’s okay not to aspire to reach the extremes. Or to aspire for success in a personalized, unique, specific, compact way. #military #transition #retirement #uscg #mission

In the early years of my military career, I learned the importance of Proper Planning and Preparation Preventing Piss Poor Performance (the 7Ps). This principle is now guiding my exit strategy towards retirement. It's crucial to start planning for life after the military early on. For those in my network who have transitioned from the military, what adjustments or changes would you have made during your transition?

As retirement approaches in the Navy, one lighthearted yet significant question emerges: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" This humorous inquiry holds profound importance for retiring Sailors. It presents a pivotal moment to decide on the next chapter post-service. The transition offers the choice to either continue in familiar domains or embark on a completely new path, leveraging acquired skills in novel ways. Navigating military retirement can be daunting, yet it heralds a remarkable chance to embark on a fresh career journey, promising years of continued fulfillment. The prospect of defining a new professional identity post-military service opens avenues for growth, learning, and exploration. So, what lies ahead in this next phase of life? Stay tuned for more updates as the journey unfolds! 😁

I often reflect on the unique privilege of serving in the military, and I've come to realize that it's like living two distinct lives. In the first life, as a servicemember, we are molded by discipline, resilience, and a deep sense of duty. We learn to navigate challenges, work as a team, and make sacrifices for the greater good. This life is filled with experiences that test our mettle and shape our character. Then comes the second life, post-retirement. This life is a chance to apply the lessons learned from our service days into a completely different context. It's an opportunity to reinvent ourselves, to explore new passions, and to make a difference in new ways. In essence, we are fortunate to have these two lives - each enriching the other. The lessons from our first life as servicemembers guide us in our second life, helping us to navigate its challenges with wisdom and resilience. So, here's to all my fellow veterans who are embracing their second life with the same courage and determination that they showed in their first. And to those like me, who will start transitioning soon, let's look forward to the new opportunities that await us. To those considering joining the military, know that it's a journey that will challenge you, change you, and offer you the chance to live these two enriching lives. It's a journey worth embarking on. #MilitaryLife #Veterans #LifeAfterService

Just finished The Almanack of Naval Ravikant – a treasure trove of wisdom from one of the most successful investors of our time. Naval's insights on wealth creation, happiness, and personal growth are invaluable. Key takeaways: ✔Focus on building enduring value: Instead of chasing quick wins, invest in assets that appreciate over time. ✔Embrace uncertainty: The future is unpredictable, so be prepared to adapt and seize opportunities. ✔Prioritize health and relationships: These are the foundations of a fulfilling life. ✔Learn continuously: Stay curious and keep expanding your knowledge. One quote that really stuck with me: "Retirement is when you stop sacrificing today for an imaginary tomorrow." This reminds us to live in the present and enjoy the journey. If you're looking to level up your game, this book is a must-read. Who needs a crystal ball when you have Naval's advice? 🔮 #NavalRavikant #PersonalFinance #LifeLessons #LevelUp

It was like talking to myself from 5 years ago. A female in the Navy, active duty, called me last week. She just put in her retirement - kind of abruptly, like I did. 22 years of service. She's repeatedly been given the hard jobs.. Been passed over for shore duty time and time again. While others, with families, get the easier jobs. It all felt so familiar to me. She's scared of what her life might look like without the Navy. She's asking herself the same questions I did: ➡️ What's next? ➡️ Will I be able to figure it out? ➡️ Who am I without the military? I struggled with the answers to those questions for years. But because of my experience transitioning into civilian life.. I was able to tell her this: 💟 You're going to figure it out. 💟 Your skills will transfer to your next job. 💟 You'll end up right where you're supposed to be. 💟 The Navy has equipped you for whatever is coming. But mostly? I was able to normalize the fear. It's scary leaving the only life you've ever known. That doesn't mean you're not ready for what's next.. It just means you have to use it to motivate you and ask for help when you need it. You're going to be just fine 💟 #military #retirement #transition #civilianlife Which of these questions did you struggle with retiring?

It's your life. You get to choose. Many people's most challenging moments come when they leave a highly structured context without entering another. E.g. finish school, leave the military, or retire. Who gets to set priorities in your life? If it's not you, then who? And more importantly, why? #life #ThoughtForTheDay #PersonalAgility

I had a conversation with my friend Jerry Holmes yesterday, and it really made me think about the struggles we face when transitioning. Even now, two years post-retirement from the Army, I still feel them. Leaving a life of service in Special Operations can feel like stepping into a void. After years of intense purpose, commitment, and shared missions, many of us struggle to define the next chapter. The skills and experiences gained from countless deployments and training—suddenly seem disconnected from civilian life, and the absence of a clear mission can leave many feeling lost. But here's the truth I have found: You don’t have to go it alone. The tools you’ve developed are incredibly valuable, and the opportunities ahead are vast. Reaching out for support—whether from fellow veterans, mentors, or organizations—can unlock new paths you may not have considered. There is a purpose waiting for you in this next phase, one that draws on your experience and strength. Don't underestimate the value you bring. Your best chapter is yet to be written.