Career Transition Diagram

I have tried to represent the actions before and after leaving the armed forces in the slide above (click to enlarge).

I (Before Leaving)

1. There are positive and negative aspects in all organizations and it depends on the attitude of an individual, how he/she makes the best of it.
   
2. There must be overriding reasons for an individual to leave the army. Unlike an ordinary job change, this change has far more at stake and is like changing worlds. Be very clear about why you want to leave.
   

II (After Leaving)

1. Try and create a balanced merge of your professional training, interests/aptitude and what you can do best professionally. An imbalance in either may take away from you your job satisfaction and/or growth.
   
2. Carry out a SWOT analysis of yourself and the career you want to take up. Analyze the industry you plan to join, sectors which are doing well, profiles where you can grow fastest.
3. Based on your analysis, decide which profile you would like to take up. Keep your options open as far as the sector/industry is concerned.
4. Take affirmative action where required by way of doing a course, adding to your qualifications, etc.
   
5. Try to ensure you are performing a core function for the business you are in or are a profit center for that business. This maximizes the scope for your growth.