New DOD website assists personnel leaving the military

The Defense Department on March 29 launched a new website to help service members navigate into civilian educational opportunities and employment as they leave the military.

The online Career Decision Toolkit provides transition tools that enable service members to self-assess their transition needs. It also has information on career exploration, financial planning, job search options, effective resumes, cover letters and job-interviewing techniques.

“The toolkit is customized to a service member’s own transition needs and assists them in cataloging their military skills and experience in a way that helps them effectively communicate their skills to prospective employers,” said John Campbell, deputy assistant secretary of defense for wounded warrior care and transition policy.

The toolkit is particularly useful for service members not able to attend formal Transition Assistance Program classes offered at military installations, officials said.

The launch marks the second phase of a major redesign of DOD’s primary career transition website, and represents a significant step toward broadening the program beyond its traditional brick-and-mortar model, DOD said.