Eric Tung’s Post

With my 14 years of experience as a National Guard recruiter in Indiana and Michigan, I've witnessed first-hand the multifaceted challenges of today's recruitment landscape. Notably, the educational setbacks caused by COVID closures have been severe. We are now seeing some of the lowest test scores in my recruiting tenure. Furthermore, there's a concerning trend of overmedication among teenagers for typical emotional issues. It's important to recognize that not every emotional response signifies a disorder. Equally significant is the evolving civilian job market, which has effectively adopted military strategies to attract young talent. This includes offering cash bonuses, college tuition, and paid job training. In response, the military must enhance its competitiveness. I believe a reform in military pay is necessary, especially when a fast-food job can sometimes offer higher wages than serving our country. For the reserve components, it's crucial to extend full healthcare benefits, comparable to those in active duty. Additionally, the National Guard enlistment bonuses need a revamp to better compete with the Active Components. The current structure of small, staggered bonuses doesn't provide meaningful incentives, like affording reliable transportation for drills. We are committed to maintaining our standards, but adaptation is key to our sustainability in this changing environment. #nationalguard #recruiting #publicservice #challenges

In FY23, Government to Private helped 250 people transition out of law enforcement, the military, intelligence community, teaching, and many more industries, including corporate to corporate laterals. On the opposite side of the spectrum, more than 200 hours were spent educating people on the transition process, how to structure a resume, what's up with Linkedin, the value of cover letters, etc, without any money exchanging hands whatsoever. Both avenues are important, and each decision is uniquely personal depending on numerous factors. There is no one-size-fits-all approach because every single person is different. What helped you transition from the public to the private sector? What worked well for you? What do you wish you would have known? #lawenforcement #careertransition

Eric, singing your praises regularly… What helped my transition most was connecting to you and getting my resume and LinkedIn up to speed and marketable. It was also so helpful to learn the process of networking and specifically networking outiside the market I was most comfortable in; law enforcement. BE THE FOREVER STUDENT. Network, network, network is the key. If people understand what your work looks like and what you are capable of, you have a better chance of being brought into a desired environment. Be willing to be mentored and ask questions and provide consult or assistance to others if/when needed. Build your training resume into what’s more applicable to the field you are looking at transitioning into to enhance your marketability. I wish I would have known what opportunities were or could be available before having to just figure it out. There are so many true leaders out there who genuinely want to see positive growth in my industry, BTAM, and are more than willing to mentor. You just have to know where to look.

Opportunity

Great perspective on the recruitment landscape.

Great commentary article on the potential benefits of JROTC! "If the Department of Defense wants to reverse the recruitment crisis, it must begin by engaging young people earlier in their high school journey."

Yesterday, I spoke with veterans at the Hampton Roads Veterans Employment Center (HRVEC) in Newport News about career opportunities with the Chesapeake Police Department. Here are three tips for veterans preparing to transition into a career in law enforcement: 1. Leverage Military Experience: Highlight the skills and experiences gained during military service that are relevant to law enforcement, such as leadership, teamwork, discipline, and the ability to perform under pressure. 2. Utilize Personal Life Experience: Reflect on and emphasize personal experiences outside of the military that have shaped your character and problem-solving abilities, such as community involvement, volunteer work, or any challenging situations you’ve navigated. 3. Network and Mentor: Connect with current law enforcement professionals and seek mentorship from those who have successfully made the transition from military to police work. Networking can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Connect with Duprée Foster for guidance! JoinCPDnow.com City of Chesapeake

Opportunity

As we get ready to apply to colleges this fall, post Affirmative Action, let's not forget that the Harvard v. SFFA. ruling's carveout for Military Academies is going to hurt POC students the most. The exemption which appeases "distinct interests" of the United States, is concerning for counter-recruiters, those opposed to military recruitment in schools. “Their motive in trying to diversify is not social justice. For this particular carve-out, it’s logical to assume that they’re more concerned about meeting recruitment quotas," said Rick Jahnkow, Co-Founder of the Youth and Non-military Opportunities Project. Responding to Sotomayor's Dissent, Lajward Zahra and I question if an exemption for race-conscious admissions can be made for military academies, did the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action actually have anything to do with constitutionality? Read the full story published in The Nation here: https://lnkd.in/guAYjaP3