Travis Scott Collier | Author of Command Your Transition

by | Jun 2, 2016 | Blog Post, Podcast

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Travis Scott Collier is originally from Georgia. After graduating the US Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut, Travis has been assigned across the country in many iconic places: New Jersey, Virginia, Texas, California, and now, New Orleans. He has spent his career immersed in the Coast Guard’€™s military training system. Travis holds a Master€™s in Instructional & Performance Technology from Boise State University, has trained over 650 foreign nationals in 19 nations, led three of the US Coast Guard’s apprentice training programs (including the culinary training program), and helped develop small boat engineering and coxswain training programs for the Republic of Georgia Coast Guard.

Travis recently returned from deployment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he developed a comprehensive training system to help the Kingdom train a new 5,000 soldier, critical infrastructure protection force. He is currently serving as a commercial vessel inspector and port state control officer, assigned in the Port of New Orleans. He has been awarded three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, with Operational Distinguishing Device. He is applying for early retirement, to transition in 2017.

The Command Your Transition Story

I made a Year 9 Decision at Year 11- Travis Scott Collier

In the current, soon to be replaced, retirement system, military members got a defined pension at 20 years of service. Therefore, 20 years was the gateway to the golden carrot, nothing sooner. And while military members don’€™t like to say we’€™re in it for the money, money is a huge motivation for the dearth of people who don’t leave during their second decade of service.

It’s a precipice: between getting a defined pension, or walking away with nothing.

There are four years-of-service “€œgates”€ where members most often get out: Years 5, 10, 20, & 25. And we’re always reminded of our date of entry with every paycheck stub.Years of service drive manpower size and strength. Promotion, advancement, assignment they’€™re all based on seniority of time. And while it can take a company a decade or two to mature, military careers must mature by 10-12 years to be viable. If you haven’€™t made a “terminal”€ rank by 12 years, or put yourself on the path to ensure a terminal promotion by 15 years, you’€™re out.

Connect with Travis:

Dan is one of the most talented individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with. His dedication and passion in enhancing the District’s multiple social media platforms is nothing short of brilliant. Most notable was his ability to develop a training and execution plan that ultimately increased leads and quality by leveraging social media to reach a more diverse population of applicants and linking them up with our sales force.
Jorge Escatell

Recruiting Advertising Officer, USMC

Reinventing Yourself One Day at a Time

It’s been a short time since I transitioned out of the military and began a new career in Corporate America. Since then, I’ve had a minute to reflect back on what I now clearly know was overcoming one of the biggest hurdles of my adult life— reinventing myself.

How Marines Use Social Media for 21st Century Recruiting

Like many, you might have a stigma associated with military recruiters. Ceaseless phone calls, high pressure sales, and four letter words may come to mind when these guys call asking for you or someone you know in attempt to “recruit” them.

I had the opportunity to serve as a Marine Corps recruiter for the last nine years, I supervised recruiters for the majority of that time. Our mission is to contact as many of-age people as possible to determine qualification and interest- then sell them on the opportunities in the Marines… we’d contact people primarily through phone calls and canvassing the local area. As you can imagine, this can make for a long day.

The Rise of Social Media & Mobile Business

The corporate banter about the ROI and risks of using social media as a pure form of advertising is getting old. I’d like to address the cynics and vent some of my frustration with those who wish to continue their romance with traditional advertising. After all, it is almost 2015 and Apple has recently released it’s 6th iPhone.

I’m not talking about those who embrace both advertising AND social media. I’m talking to those of you who are skeptical of social media and feel its unimportant or not worth investing in. However, you likely found this article and are reading it because you saw it via social media, perhaps a friend shared it with you. I rest my case…

Is your Facebook Profile Working for You? The Line Between Privacy & Perception

Facebook is loaded with features that can help you connect with people both personally and professionally. It is arguably the most versatile of all social media websites out there. With all of these advances in technology, you have the ability to cast your personal brand to a much larger audience quickly and with minimal effort. Whether you’re an accountant, firefighter, garbage man, or CEO. You want to ensure your Facebook profile aligns with who and how you want to be perceived.