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NEWS | July 18, 2024

Soldiers getting out? Listen to that Transition Coordinator!

By MaryTherese Griffin Army Recovery Care Program

At the annual Transition Coordinator (TCs) Sustainment Training for the Army Recovery Care Program(ARCP), Sgt. Major Imari Jackson, the Sr Enlisted advisor for ARCP, spent the morning talking about issues and triumphs with the program, taking questions from the TCs, and engaging in a lively discussion. Afterward, he shared how these TCs are the backbone of this division of ARCP.

“These folks are integral in the transition of the Soldier. However, they also ensure soldiers know what they want to do next. It’s hard because Soldiers are coming in with a lot of issues and all kinds of stuff going on...they need someone to help them figure out what’s next- and these guys are the best at it. They are the premiere transition specialists for the Army.”

Wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers, especially those facing medical retirement, have a wealth of knowledge available to them at the Soldier Recovery Unit to help them beyond the Army. Jackson explains the uniqueness of what Soldiers in Recovery have at their fingertips. “Nobody in the world manages their employees 24 hours a day, but the military does. We are in charge of Soldiers when they are on duty and off. The TCs are helping Soldiers figure out everything, including with their spouses and families. That Soldier is wondering how I will live, whether in or out of the military, with the issues I have.” said Jackson.

He goes on to explain the trepidation some Soldiers may have given the circumstances they are facing. “These are grown adults who have done this thing in the military a while and expected to do this for 20 years, and now something has changed, so they want to know what that looks like? How do I do it? I may not have the skills to do it, but these TCs will give them the skills. They help them find a job and navigate the Career Skills Program.”

The Career Skills Program helps Soldiers gain civilian job skills and explore employment opportunities. It’s one of the many tools TCs use to equip Soldiers and Jackson hopes Soldiers will hear this message and accept help planning their future. “Soldiers need to trust this is not a gimmick and we are not checking a block. These people are all emotionally and professionally concerned about how these Soldiers do now and post-separation.”