Tammy Barlette

😎 Episode 21 of the Military to Civilian Career Transition Power Hour Podcast is now live. 😲 NOW WITH LINKS TO AUDIO AND VIDEO SEGMENTS! (UPDATED) Join us to hear four ⭐ veterans talk about career transitions. Macey Nelson is in the SOUP segment. As a transitioning Air Force service member, Macey has used her last 8 years to obtain her masters degree in data science and is completing her Skillbridge program with AllegiantVets. She is poised and ready to take on her next career, and has a few pointers for those who are facing the tricky transition. One is music and a 'transition playlist'. Her audio only segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gQd2MZq3. Macey's YouTube segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gZvZvwSn We call him "Hendo" in the recruiting world, our episode Expert segment features Justin Henderson, a Marine veteran, recruiting expert, and now CEO of Veteran Hiring Solutions. Having been in the industry for 20+ years, Hendo shares excellent transition advice. Find out more at Veteran Hiring Solutions. Justin's audio only segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gDJQVnQe and his YouTube segment is here: https://lnkd.in/g6htp_Bh Our 1-4 year veteran segment features Riccoh Player, Emmy Award Winner and Retired Colonel from the US Marine Corps who jumped head-first into his transition to create Parade Deck, a space for military influencers and podcasters who are making a difference. Riccoh uses his 20+ years of military leadership, public affairs, training, and desire to connect people in impactful ways. Riccoh's audio only segment is here: https://lnkd.in/g2jxJsuz. Riccoh's YouTube segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gTN_Tv3E Army Reservist and combat veteran Ryan Smithson. wraps up the show in the 5+ year veteran segment. Having written a best-selling book about his experience in Iraq, he has watched his story evolve from page to stage. Now an artist and leading district sales pro, Ryan is offering insights about art, writing, and creativity. This is his art: https://lnkd.in/gwecmBU6 Ryan's audio only segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gGFE-6EQ. Ryan's YouTube segment is here: https://lnkd.in/gkSYCmvQ Each transition story is unique, and we are dedicated to raising the voices of 100 veterans who are navigating careers post-military. #repost, #tag, #comment to help us gain more listeners. Thanks for supporting the podcast!! Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/XChangePodcast YouTube (Videos): https://lnkd.in/g9-cFGYP Audio Only Podcast: https://lnkd.in/gSfgGb6Z Book: CIVILIAN MISSION #1 New Release on Amazon 5 Days After Launch: https://lnkd.in/dz2FNw5z Available at other major retailers, including Barnes & Noble: https://lnkd.in/grWAqh6b Website: www.xchangepodcast.com #Mil2Civ #militarycareertransition #veteranhiring #skills #stories

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I was just having this conversation with a few people the other day. The Marine Corps is just implementing a written policy for what the other services have been doing quietly--Limiting SkillBridge. But when your organizations are at 76% strength or less (more) and you have a mission to perform (the one the American taxpayers are paying for) something has to give....SkillBridge will be the first. And before you go there I am a huge fan of SkillBridge...but I am also a realist--->What we are witnessing is the slow decline and ultimate phasing out of the DoD SkillBridge program as we know it. I have been saying this for a few years now and you can argue all day but the program as is, is not sustainable nor will it survive as is. I am also not a fan of using rank to determine who gets SkillBridge (I know it is done quietly as well.) The assumption being made is that senior enlisted and officers do not need to use it to make the transition. Nonsense. They need it as much as the junior enlisted need it. There is no rank in the transition. True, some (junior enlisted and officer) will have it easier but that goes for anything in life. The transition is the transition and it does not know rank. https://lnkd.in/enWXy676

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🚨 UPDATE 🚨 Expected Gate Delays For Eglin AFB: Effective IMMEDIATELY, 100% ID checks are now in effect for Eglin AFB. Expect delays at the gates. For further details on this change, contact your chain of command. All personnel are reminded to be aware of their surroundings. If you see something, say something. Word on the street is that Eglin will start 100% ID Checks! DOD ID = #TooEasy, all set! Friend or colleague that doesn’t have DOD Access is coming on base with you? You gotta stop at the Visitors Center and get them a pass 🎟️ Why?! Glad you asked 👇🏾 Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) is currently under Force Protection Condition (FPCON) Bravo. FPCON Bravo is used when there is an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity. The condition requires increased security measures compared to FPCON Alpha, which is used when there is a general global 🌎 threat of possible terrorist activity. The heightened security under FPCON Bravo could include increased patrols, tightened security, or the requirement for identification checks at entries. When an area is under FPCON Bravo, you can expect additional security measures that may affect daily routines. Here are a few things you might need to be aware of if you are visiting or working at Eglin AFB during this time: (I’m not sure about the other installations 🤔) 1. Access Delays: There may be delays at gate access points due to more rigorous checks, so plan for extra time when entering the base. 2. Random Inspections: Vehicles and personal belongings might be subject to random inspections. 3. Restricted Areas: Some areas of the base might have restricted access that normally would be accessible. 4. Increased Vigilance: Personnel are often advised to be more vigilant and report any suspicious activities or behavior. Thats it, that’s all I got!! #TheMoreYouKnow 🌈 😉 #igy6 🙌🏾 💕

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Recently, I have been reflecting on my time in the Air Force and the opportunities flying with the Thunderbirds has given me. It was an opportunity I almost passed on because my inner critic told me I'd never make it. But then I remember thinking about the alternatives… what if I never "went for it?" The regret of that "what if" would have haunted me far more than any failure. Playing small doesn't protect you from pain. It protects you from growth. And what's worse? It will cost you the one thing we can never get back - time. Think about it: • Every day you don't chase your dreams is a day lost. • Every opportunity you pass up out of fear is a potential memory never made. • Every time you say "I can't" instead of "I'll try," you're writing the story of your regrets. Over my career I've learned that: 1. Your future self is begging you to be brave today. 2. "What if I fail?" hurts far less than "What if I had tried?" 3. The pain of discipline weighs ounces. The pain of regret weighs tons. I was nervous when I left the Air Force to become an entrepreneur and speaker. But looking back at my life and wondering, "What if?" scared me more. So here's my challenge to you: Imagine yourself 20 years from now. What decision would that version of you be proud you made today? It might not be easy, but I promise you, it's worth it. ✌️ ------------------------ Hi, I'm Michelle. I'm a former fighter pilot turned speaker, author, and coach. If you found this helpful, consider reposting ♻️ and follow me for more content like this.

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If you want an example of abuse of the word "honor", look no further than this photo. Civilians who want to join the USAF attend Basic Training at Lackland AFB and those who go on to be Security Forces Airmen have their Tech School at the same base. This "hall of honor" is there. What do we notice? We notice that the colors display violates AFI 34-1201, which states ❌staffs in the same display are to be the same length. It also states that ❌flag spreaders are prohibited. ❌The national colors are lower than the org. ❌Wrong staffs. ❌Stands are to be silver. But, slap on the word "honor" and it covers a multitude of violations, right? ⚠️You'll be moving the POW to the far viewer's right after Memorial Day, right SF HQ? That's where it belongs the rest of the year except for the 5 holidays. I bet you thought this display was like flying it outdoors on a federally owned flagpole. It's not. Totally different protocol for an indoor colors display and an outside flag display. If anyone is going to start whining about how it's not the Airman's fault in the photo. No kidding. He's done a fine job in starting his USAF career. He just happens to be in the photo. Concentrate on the subject of the post. From recruiter @ssgtcormier • • • • • 🔆Education is 🔑! . 🔹Read your manuals! Download them free at the Resources page here: www.thedrillmaster.org . Prov 1:7b, Fools despise wisdom and instruction . 🔹https://lnkd.in/e6u7K8v2 . 🔹I educate, train, & certify cadets, military, judges, & 1st responders . 🔹Ask about a professional critique of your performance . 🔹If you choose to, you can learn more about D&C with my books on Ceremonial, Regulation, & Exhibition Drill: https://lnkd.in/ebVva2E . #honorguard #ceremonialguard #JROTC #AJROTC #MCJROTC #NJROTC #AFJROTC #SFJROTC #YoungMarines #CAP #CivilAirPatrol #SeaCadets

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Ahh the dreaded question➡, "Tell me about a time....." That question strikes fear in every transitioning veterans soul. For us Aviators it is like your checkride type of fear... 👉But it does not need to be. It is all about the prep work that goes into it, just like preparing for your checkride. 😎 Here's the thing --> you have all the information (➡your experiences⬅) you need to knock that question out of the park. You just need to package it the right way. How do we do that? 💯Too easy--Challenge, Action, Result (CAR) Statement, or for us TAP veterans, Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) Statement. Let me help you package those answers (example provided based on a real world experience): CAR Statements 1. Challenge: A succinct statement of the challenge or opportunity you were presented with. 2. Action: What did YOU do to resolve, overcome, or meet the challenge (how did you address it?) 3. Results: What were the outcomes of the action you took. The action should be specific (to the challenge), simple (easily able to understand), quantitative (percentage changes, dollars, numbers, eliminate, balance etc). Example for all you transitioning veterans: Question: Tell me about a time you improved a process in your organization. 👉(Holy Cow--I am shaking in my shoes now 🥶😂, not really but when I first started transitioning from the service if i got that question I was all over the map, UNTIL I understood the value of a CAR statement--keep reading). ➡Here is the response: ✔1. Challenge--Organization's UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters were experiencing increased downtime due to reset (from being in Iraq), inconsistent maintenance schedules and a lack of available parts, delaying mission support for operations and future deployment. ✔2. Action: Developed and implemented a predictive maintenance schedule using historical data, aircraft specific data, reset data, coordinated with supply chain managers to prioritize high demand parts, and streamlined communication between maintenance crews, reset leads and operations staff. ✔3. Result: Reduced maintenance downtime by 30%, increased mission readiness by 25%, and ensured the organization met all operational requirements (training, Vice President support, etc) in preparation for deployment. Now I can spout that answer off in about 2 minutes but not when I started--takes practice. I can also apply that scenario to a multitude of "tell me about a time" type of questions: ➡Tell me about a time when you identified and solved a problem. ➡Tell me about a time when you implemented a solution that improved performance. I hope this helps reduce your stress level #veterans. Happy to help anyone develop these statements.

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🚨 EA-37B Compass Call: The Silent Game-Changer in Modern Warfare 🚨 While fighters like the F-35 often steal the spotlight, the recent delivery of the EA-37B Compass Call at David-Monthan AFB deserves our attention. This electronic warfare (EW) platform disrupts enemy radar, communication, and defense systems, granting dominance in the Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS), a key element to achieving air superiority, and is a force multiplier that's reshaping both air and ground combat. Key points: ▪ Disrupts enemy C4I systems through electromagnetic attack ▪ Critical for SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) missions ▪ Enhances air superiority by degrading enemy capabilities But here's the thing: Electronic Warfare isn’t just about air combat. It’s just as critical on the ground. Whether it's jamming radar, disabling communication networks, or even confusing enemy sensors, controlling the EMS can shape the outcome of battles in every domain. Ground forces rely heavily on uninterrupted communication, positioning systems, and command-and-control structures—and EW can disrupt or degrade these, creating chaos within enemy ranks. As we move forward, platforms like the EA-37B and other advanced EW systems will continue to shape modern battlefields—whether in the sky or on the ground. It exemplifies how EW can turn the tide of battle without firing a shot. Hats off to BAE Systems and L3Harris Technologies for pushing the envelope in EW tech. As we move forward, platforms like the EA-37B will continue to be silent heroes in our defense strategy. #ElectronicWarfare #EW #EMS #AirSuperiority #GroundCombat #EMSControl #DefenseTech #EWInnovation #BAESystems #L3Harris #TechForDefense

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More than 2,000 Guns Recovered in Mexico & Central America Linked to Pima County Firearms Dealers Records from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms reveal that at least 2,259 firearms recovered in Mexico and Central America were traced back to gun stores in Pima County. The data, compiled and released by the non-profit group Stop US Arms to Mexico, highlights the impact of gun trafficking across borders. Nearly 40% of the recovered guns were traced to Texas, while 17% came from Arizona. As violence in Mexico grows, Mexican officials have submitted an increasing number of firearms to the ATF for tracing. The report sheds light on the "iron river of weapons" flowing from the U.S. to Mexico and Central America, fueling criminal organizations and migration. https://lnkd.in/gQabE65G

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What do you think about replacing "resilience" with "flourishing?" The Air Force focuses on resilience as a human performance domain and resilience is collaborated in an integrative approach by various divisions with their own equity. Lately, my thoughts have moved away from using "resilience" as it seems to be so overused and thus muted. I believe, flourishing may be the next realm we should explore to optimize human performance and well-being. I might even say that human flourishing is what we should want more than resilience for our personnel. I contend that people will be resilient, that is, adapt to stress and bounce back from adversity when they are flourishing. In this sense, resilience might be considered a narrow category of what it means to flourish or as a fruit of flourishing, which is why I believe flourishing is a more productive focus. If we want to optimize human performance then how we perform in both positive and negative experiences is important. Too much resilience might lead people to accept a poor situation and decide they can just push through when they should be making a change out of the negative situation. Flourishing would inform healthy choices when we don't need to be so resilient amidst adversity. What do you think? Two different ideas and both important or is flourishing worth a greater investment?

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀. Chief Master Sgt. David Flosi, the Air Force's top enlisted leader, wants to reduce the 54 current aircraft maintenance job types down to just 10. This proposal is part of a broader effort to streamline operations, making airmen more versatile in their duties. But there’s a debate—will this mean increased efficiency or simply overburdening the enlisted force? For transitioning service members and military spouses, understanding these shifts can help in navigating future career decisions. Top three things you should know: 𝟭. 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Flosi is pushing to reduce the number of Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs) in aircraft maintenance. The goal is to consolidate tasks and create multi-capable airmen who can handle a broader range of responsibilities. This could mean expanded training opportunities but also potential challenges in managing a more complex workload. 𝟮. 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸: There’s a concern about overloading maintainers with too many tasks. Flosi acknowledges this, saying the focus should be on what each airman can reasonably handle. The aim isn’t to do “more with less,” but to create a balance that enhances flexibility without overwhelming the workforce. 𝟯. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀: This move comes amid recruiting struggles in maintenance roles. The Air Force has faced difficulties filling these positions, and this initiative might help fill gaps by making each airman more adaptable. However, some worry it could lead to burnout or safety risks if not managed well. These changes will likely impact how the Air Force operates, and they may affect how service members train and transition into civilian careers. If you're in the military or a spouse preparing for career transitions, staying informed on these developments could be crucial for future planning. #MultiCapableAirmen #AirForceInnovation #MilitaryTransitions https://lnkd.in/eHQ-THRM 

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In June the United States Air Force renewed 387 VRSG licenses and five Terrain Tools licenses for continued use in the A-10 Full Mission Trainer (FMT). VRSG has supported A-10 training with the USAF since 2001, making this one of our longest running partnerships. VRSG provides high-resolution out-the-window and sensor visuals for FMTs located at ten training sites across the United States. The FMT’s visual system, in the process of being upgraded by Immersive Display Solutions, Inc (IDSI), renders VRSG terrain in high-resolution for out-the-window views; while other visual channels drive VRSG sensor views for systems including the A-10 Maverick missile and Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP). The A-10 FMT consists of a high-fidelity replica of an A-10 aircraft cockpit, an Instructor Operator Station (IOS), a Hand-on-Throttle and Stick Trainer (HOTAS), and Brief/De-Brief System that together provide trainees initial and ongoing training for flight, mission, and tactics. Users of the A-10 FMT can also train in a common virtual world with users of the MQ-9 MJAT trainer, Joint Terminal Control Training and Rehearsal System (JTC TRS), and Air National Guard F-16 Mission Tactics Trainer, as all use VRSG terrain and models. These VRSG license renewals will enable pilots to continue training using MVRsimulation’s round-earth 3D terrain that covers most of the world: Continental USA plus AK and HI (CONUS ++), and the continents of Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceania, Europe, North America, and South America; including multiple geospecific ultra-high resolution insets. As with all software maintenance licenses, users can download and use new terrain datasets and 3D models and culture as they are added to the VRSG library at no additional cost. Using the Terrain Tools licenses, users will also be able to turn their own geospatial data into real-time 3D terrain to render in VRSG. Building on the industry standard Esri ArcGIS platform, MVRsimulation's Terrain Tools extension combines powerful 3D terrain building functionality with an accessible and intuitive interface. #A10 #warthog #USAF #usairforce #military #simulation #training #simulator #mission #maverick #pilottraining #ang #sniper #gatling #CAS #JTAC #JTCTRS #MJAT #RPAS

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One of the best insults I ever received? "You'd make a terrible infantry officer." Let me explain. Years ago, I took over as our unit's executive officer (XO). The outgoing XO was an infantry officer, and I was an aviation officer. Right away, you can probably imagine the potential for friction. Infantry Marines tend to be serious and by-the-book. Pilots? Well… not so much. During our turnover, he was showing me the ropes, rattling off instructions like, "This needs to be done this way," and "That needs to be done that way." And each time, I dared to ask, "Why?" After about fifteen minutes of this, he snapped. "YOU'D MAKE A TERRIBLE INFANTRY OFFICER!!" I didn't miss a beat. I swung at the underhand pitch he just lobbed my way and asked... "Why?" "THAT'S WHY!!" he fired back. Home run. Ball over the center-field wall. I had to laugh. But then he followed up with this: "You ask too many questions! When I tell you to take the hill, take the hill. No questions asked. Just do it!" Now, I respect where he was coming from. There are moments - rare moments - when the mission demands immediate, unquestioning action. No time for debate. No room for questions. But sitting together in that office that night? That wasn't one of those moments. And I'd wager most of what you face in work and life isn't either. Here's the thing: It's okay to ask "why." In fact, it's good to ask "why." Taking care of mavericks and looking out for the questioners isn't just nice - it's necessary. Mavericks help you see what's possible. Questioners help you see what you might be missing. They're often the ones in touch with their creative, right-brain thinking, and they're looking to share it. So don't squash it. Embrace it. And here's a bonus tip: One of the easiest ways to tap into that creative energy - yours and theirs -is through humor. Humor helps people loosen up, think differently, and approach challenges from a fresh perspective. So next time someone throws you an "out there" idea, ask "Why?" But don't stop there - crack a joke, lighten the mood, and see what brilliant insight comes next. Because sometimes, the difference between "terrible" and "terrific" lies in the questions we're bold enough to ask - and the laughs we're willing to share.

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I had a great time chatting with Eric J Rodriguez for his podcast. He asked some great questions and I can't wait for you to check out this podcast. #linkedinlearning #podcast #podcast #podcasting #linkedinpodcasts

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