Vanguard Magazine

strategic decision-making, and adaptability to ensure the collective safety and success of the entire crew. The effectiveness of a platoon commander, much like a ship's captain, is defined by the ability to navi- gate with confidence through unfamiliar territory, foster trust and teamwork, and build resilience. It must come as no surprise, even to those who haven't served, that leaving this environment to work in a typical of- fice role or workshop requires a significant adjustment. Navigating the transition services landscape Fortunately, nowadays in Canada, many services exist to guide military leavers through the transition. The Joint Person- nel Support Unit (JPSU), now the Ca- nadian Armed Forces Transition Group (CAF TG) emerged during the height of the War in Afghanistan, designed to pro- vide comprehensive support to ill and in- jured military personnel, as well as their families. Functioning as central coordi- nation points, Transition Centre's (TCs) streamlined various resources and services for military members undergoing medical treatment or rehabilitation. TCs have since expanded to provide a broader range of support services, includ- ing vocational rehabilitation, with an at- tempt to emphasize a holistic approach to transition and recovery to all releasing CAF veterans and their spouses. Addition- ally, TCs engage in collaborative efforts, working closely with internal and exter- nal defence organizations – all vital com- ponents in the comprehensive support framework. However, despite these valu- able efforts, significant gaps still exist when it comes to supporting veterans in finding meaningful, sustainable employment op- portunities beyond military service. A front row seat to the struggle In 2016, I served as a Platoon Command- er at TC Borden, Canada's third-largest transition centre, where I directly wit- nessed the stark reality that many veterans faced upon completing their service – a lack of employment opportunities rooted in the challenge of translating skills and qualifications to civilian settings. This re- ality struck a chord when I encountered a familiar scene: a veteran facing release, holding his wife's hand, his eyes reflecting R E C R U I T M E N T a profound desire to continue serving but knowing being medically released from the military was his only option. In my role, I was entrusted with me- ticulously overseeing the release of per- sonnel in my transition unit and fulfilled my administrative duties diligently. How- ever, the inability to guide them towards post-service employment left me with a palpable sense of unfulfillment. I realized effectively addressing post-service chal- lenges would require not only individual resilience but also a collective commit- ment to creating clear pathways for veter- ans to thrive in their civilian careers. One evening in the Officer's Mess, a few drinks and half a pack of cigarettes be- came a poignant conduit for deep reflec- tion. During this moment, I resolved to do everything I could to proactively alter the narrative for veterans post-service. Yet, the commencement of this journey was deferred by a few years. In the interim, I acquainted myself with the bureaucratic intricacies of Ottawa as a staff officer, pro- gressed in my career as a Company 2IC within my regiment, and embarked on a deployment to the arid dunes of Sinai, Egypt as an Operation Officer with the Li- aison Staff of the Multinational Forces and Observers. It was only after this sequence of impactful events that I returned to the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group and was introduced to WithYouWithMe (WYWM). WithYouWithMe: A catalyst for change With a determined spirit, I joined forces with WithYouWithMe, embarking on a mission to address the unemployment crisis among veterans in Canada – and around the world. Since day one, I have worked tirelessly to bridge the gap be- tween military service and civilian employ- ment. The launch of WithYouWithMe in Canada posed a series of formidable chal- lenges that demanded creative solutions and a resilient spirit. Venturing into the business world for the first time, I found myself navigating unfamiliar terrain and rapidly acquiring the skills essential for success, from strategic planning to re- source management. Introducing a new product and recruit- ment method in the Canadian market, especially when targeting veterans, de- manded innovative strategies to establish WithYouWithMe as a trusted and valuable resource in the veteran employment land- scape. Transforming lives, one veteran at a time Despite the challenges, we persevered, and to date, WithYouWithMe has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of Cana- dian veterans. By providing free training and access to employment opportunities, we have facilitated the transition of over 120 veterans into fulfilling tech careers within the Canadian Federal Government. WithYouWithMe's impact on the lives of individual veterans is exemplified through the inspiring success stories that underscore the transformative power of the program. Veterans who embraced data analytics, cybersecurity, and automa- tion pathways witnessed remarkable ca- reer shifts, finding not just employment but purposeful roles within these dynamic fields. The success of WithYouWithMe is fur- ther solidified through strategic collabora- tions with government partners, including DND, CAF, RCMP, GAC, ESDC, CRA, and FINTRAC. These partnerships have not only expanded the reach of our pro- grams but have also enhanced the effec- tiveness of training initiatives. By helping veterans build the skills sought after by government agencies and utilizing a collaborative approach, WithY- ouWithMe has become a driving force in reshaping the professional trajectories of those who have served in the CAF. www.vanguardcanada.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 17 Introducing a new product and recruitment method in the Canadian market, especially when targeting veterans, demanded innovative strategies to establish WithYouWithMe as a trusted and valuable resource in the veteran employment landscape.

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