ACT Now Education Podcast

We plan our military transitions out loud, from SkillBridge timelines to the messy reality that no one has a perfect playbook. We trade real stories about money, medical documentation, and identity so you can build a plan that survives delays and uncertainty. • sharing our transition dates and what we are aiming for next • breaking down SkillBridge eligibility by rank and command approval • using a transition checklist to reduce surprises • building a cash buffer for pay delays and overpayment clawbacks • planning for life insurance plus wills and beneficiary updates • using GI Bill options and education benefits for family goals • going to medical, documenting everything, and copying records • timing VA disability and the BDD window • naming the loss of community and purpose after separation • relying on relationships over job applications • applying the 3-2-1 focus framework for networking and progress • supporting military spouses with fellowships and career planning Please feel free if you got any questions or topics that you want us to talk about, definitely email us at tm at acnoweducation.org You can go to our website at www.acnoweducation.org to sign up for our newsletter and also join us on our private Facebook group 

We explore the MWR Digital Library, a vastly underutilized free resource for military members, veterans, and families that provides access to thousands of dollars worth of premium content and services.• MWR Digital Library offers free access to genealogy resources including Ancestry.com and Fold for researching family military records• Extensive collection of eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers, and magazines including Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, and The Economist• Tutors.com provides free live tutoring for children and adults across subjects from elementary to college level• O'Reilly Media platform offers comprehensive certification preparation for tech certifications including practice labs and exams• Available to active duty, reserves, National Guard, retired military, medal of honor recipients, and eligible family members• Mango Languages platform provides access to over 70 different languages at no cost• Multiple certification opportunities coming soon including AI compliance certification program and CSM certification• Career Compass tool helps with job searching and creating AI-powered resumes• AWS is actively hiring veterans and military spouses for data center positions with security clearance opportunities• Mill Mentor platform connects military community members with experienced mentors across various professional fieldsFor more resources like the ones discussed today, join our newsletter at ActNowEducation.org where we regularly share free certification opportunities and career advancement tools.

Veterans and military community members have access to over 40,000 free resources and opportunities, but most don't realize what's available. Act Now Education, a volunteer-run military support organization, connects service members, veterans, and military families with these resources to support career transitions and professional development.• Career Compass platform provides AI resume building, job tracking, and LinkedIn optimization at no cost to military community members• Service to Success cohort helps military members get unstuck in their career journeys with a 7-week program culminating in a hiring fair• Using AI tools like ChatGPT and Notebook LM can help translate military experience to civilian job requirements• Organizations like PerScholas, Empower, and VetsinTech offer free certification programs including CompTIA, AWS, and PMP• Educational resources include free CLEP exam funding for military dependents through Modern Middle States• Mill Mentor platform connects military community with approximately 1,200 mentors across various industries• Experience often trumps certifications in tech careers – consider starting with entry-level positions to build hands-on skills• Career transition resources include free interview prep through Canterful for practicing before real interviews• Entrepreneurial programs like Dog Tag, Bunker Labs, and various SBA initiatives support veteran business ownersTo access Career Compass: Visit ActNow Education website, click Career Compass, enter the weekly code, and complete application.

Jai Salters returns to host despite suffering serious injuries in an ATV accident, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to supporting the military community with free resources and opportunities.• Act Now Education has provided 535 certifications and certificates through their recent summit• VertForce offers a private job board with vetted remote positions specifically for military spouses and veterans• Vets in Tech provides free certification opportunities including PMP, Python, AI/ML, and AWS courses• Empower organization focuses on helping people break into tech with training, certifications, and job placement services• Career Compass platform offers resume building tools, job tracking, access to 19 million job listings, and career resources• Free Coursera access through Vets Transition Support provides over 12,000 courses with potential college credits• $40,000 entrepreneurship contest available for veteran-owned businesses with non-diluting funds• Summit attendees shared success stories including job interviews and career transitions after long breaks• VA disability benefits may be available to veterans who are unaware of eligibilityIf you're interested in any of these opportunities, join our weekly calls on Saturdays, check out actnoweducation.org, and connect with our team on LinkedIn for personalized guidance.

ANE Founder and CEO Jai Salters and the Act Now Education team share a comprehensive overview of free resources available to the military community, highlighting their Career Compass platform, certification giveaways, and upcoming events. Their volunteer-run organization focuses on helping service members, veterans, and military spouses access valuable career resources without any cost or obligation.• 500+ certifications being given away to military community members who attended the recent summit• Career Compass platform offers AI-powered resume tools, LinkedIn optimization, and access to 12 million+ job listings• Upcoming virtual hiring fair on August 29th featuring companies actively seeking to hire military-affiliated candidates• Service to Success cohort provides six weeks of career guidance covering resume writing, personal branding, and job search strategies • Military Influencer Conference (MIC) in Atlanta from September 21-24 with tickets covered by Act Now Education• Free certification opportunities available for Scrum Master, Product Owner, and other professional credentials• Resources include free LinkedIn Premium for military community members and access to free Coursera certifications• All services provided by volunteers with no cost to participants and no expectation of anything in return• Special scholarship opportunity coming for veterans interested in teaching careersVisit actnowednucation.org to apply for Career Compass and connect with Jai Salters on LinkedIn to learn about upcoming opportunities and certification programs.

Military transition brings both excitement and anxiety, requiring preparation in networking, skill development, and financial planning to navigate successfully.• Career Compass platform offers resume optimization, job tracking, and LinkedIn enhancements that directly lead to employment opportunities• Overcoming decision paralysis requires mentors who can guide you through civilian career paths and options• Military spouses can find remote work through Vertforce's vetted job board featuring location-flexible positions• Understanding financial opportunities through upcoming Financial Summit (June 28) covering VA loans, estate planning, and wealth building• DMV area transitioning service members can apply for SkillBridge data center training program by June 21• LinkedIn profiles need clear career focus with professional photos and specific job targets clearly stated• Building and maintaining an active network before you need it ensures opportunities when you transition• Career preparation should start at least a year before separation to avoid panic or rushed decisionsRemember to use all available resources and don't let pride prevent you from seeking guidance during your transition journey.

Security clearance is a valuable asset in today's job market with multiple pathways beyond military service. Jay Salters breaks down clearance levels, requirements, and how to strategically position yourself for clearance-eligible roles without sacrificing your career trajectory.• Less than 2% of Americans have security clearance, making it a valuable credential for career advancement• Three main clearance levels: Confidential (minimal risk), Secret (serious harm), and Top Secret (grave damage)• SF-86 form requires extensive documentation of your entire life, including foreign contacts and financial history• Honesty is critical—investigators verify all information through background checks and personal interviews• Certifications like Security+ are prerequisites for many tech-related clearance positions per DOD 8140/8570 standards• Common disqualifiers include dishonesty, unmanageable debt, recent illegal drug use, and undisclosed foreign relationships• Search for jobs using terms like "ability to obtain clearance," "will sponsor clearance," or "clearance eligible"• Alternative pathways include CyberCorp, Scholarship for Service, and various agency-specific apprenticeship programs• Special programs for youth include NSA High School Work-Study Program, FBI Teen Academy, and GenCyber summer camps• Strategic compromises like overseas assignments or temporarily accepting lower pay can help secure clearance opportunitiesVisit actnowenducation.com to access Career Compass, which provides free resources for job seekers, including certification opportunities, resume builders, and a database of over 8 million jobs.

Jay Salters and the Act Now Education team provide free resources to help veterans and military spouses upskill, reskill, and find meaningful employment opportunities through their community of 77,000 members.• Act Now Education offers a Career Compass platform with access to over 4 million jobs and resume optimization tools• VertForce connects military community members with remote job opportunities at companies like CVS Health and Travelers Insurance• PMP certification offers veterans a way to translate military planning skills into civilian project management careers• Customs brokerage presents an opportunity for veterans with salaries ranging from $37,000 to $170,000+ depending on specialization• Free certification programs available include CompTIA, Microsoft, Google Project Management, Salesforce, and Okta• Service to Success hiring fairs connect military community members directly with employers seeking veteran talent• Military mentorship programs like Mill Mentor and American Corporate Partners provide guidance for career transitions• Act Now Education volunteers review applications manually to ensure resources reach legitimate military community membersJoin the weekly Saturday sessions to access Career Compass and learn about new resources. Connect via LinkedIn to network with others in the military community and discover additional opportunities.

Veterans and military spouses can find meaningful employment through specialized job platforms and resources designed for the military community. We explore remote work opportunities, certification programs, and free training options that can transform your career path.• VertForce offers remote positions specifically for military spouses and veterans, including opportunities with CVS Health, Intuit, and Travelers Insurance• The National Labor Exchange platform houses 3 million verified jobs from trusted sources, with easy filtering by MOS code and veteran-friendly employers• Intuit's 90-day tax bootcamp provides entry-level training with potential career progression to earn $75,000-$110,000 annually as an enrolled agent• American Job Centers offer free employment services including resume assistance and connections with Local Veteran Employment Representatives• Free Coursera accounts provide access to 12,000 courses and 27 professional certificates in IT, project management, cybersecurity, and healthcare• The Hilton Honors program offers 100,000 points to qualified veterans traveling for job interviews, though requirements vary by stateRegister for free career resources at jobsvertforceus and create an account on the National Labor Exchange at usnlx.com to start exploring opportunities today.

Kimber and Kim share powerful job search resources designed specifically for veterans and military spouses, with a focus on remote opportunities and verified job listings. They present platforms containing millions of legitimate job postings, training resources, and networking opportunities tailored to the unique needs of the military community.• VertForce connects military spouses and veterans with remote job opportunities through their boutique sourcing firm• CBS Health is actively recruiting for clinical backgrounds with remote positions and hosting an upcoming event• Tax boot camp opportunity through Intuit offers a path to becoming an enrolled agent earning $75-110k annually• National Labor Exchange provides access to 3 million verified job listings from federal agencies, 1,100+ employers, and local career centers• Platform allows filtering by MOS, veteran-friendly employers, and specific companies without requiring account creation• Free Coursera account offers 12,000 courses and 27 certificate programs including Google, IBM, and Meta certifications• Hilton Honors program provides hotel stays for veterans with confirmed job interviewsSign up at jobsvertforceus to explore remote opportunities, create an account on the National Labor Exchange, and visit career centers for personalized veteran employment services.