This "Funday Sunday" session of the Military Retirement Podcast, hosted by John McConnell, features Vic discussing overseas relocation for military personnel transitioning out of service. They share personal experiences and offer insights into various factors influencing relocation decisions. The episode also announces their new book, "Bottom Line Up Front," aimed at assisting military members with their transition. Key topics include job considerations (GS, NAF, contractor, civilian), financial planning, pre-move exploration using TDY trips, and an in-depth look at government civilian job types overseas. Towards the end, the discussion touches on job application tips and the rapid advancements in AI, emphasizing the need for continuous learning.Important Moments:00:02:15 - Discussing overseas relocation and personal experiences.00:04:00 - Promoting the book "Bottom Line Up Front."00:05:07 - Key topics covered in the book.00:10:24 - Key factors for military relocation: job opportunities, cost of living, and personal finances.00:18:12 - Utilizing TDY trips for relocation scouting.00:20:19 - Job avenues for overseas relocation (GS, NAF, government contracting, civilian).00:21:09 - Renting versus buying in a new location.00:24:22 - Using USAJOBS for government positions.00:26:12 - Understanding overseas GS position caps.00:28:34 - Benefits of NAF vs. GS positions.00:30:08 - NAF positions and quality of life.00:33:14 - Exploring NAF positions on USAJOBS.00:35:50 - The lengthy government hiring process and SOFA agreements.00:37:00 - Base privileges for contractors and retirees.00:38:51 - Advantages of relocating from the states.00:43:08 - Relocation allowance and baggage add-ons.00:45:07 - Resume tips for GS positions.00:47:35 - Civilian success in USAJOBS applications.00:49:19 - Networking and internal hires in government jobs.00:51:24 - Justin Murphy's resume approach.00:53:19 - E-7 knowledge vs. GS-12/13 positions.00:54:50 - Continuous learning and skill development.00:55:59 - The rapid advancement of AI.01:01:20 - Recap of OCONUS retirement and job search.01:05:30 - Personal preference for NAF positions.Books and Resources Mentioned:Bottom Line Up Front: What You Need to Know Before You Leave the Military by John McConnell and Victor De La Flor: https://amzn.to/46hYge8Channel Social Links:Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573Relevant Hashtags:#MilitaryRetirement #OverseasRelocation #MilitaryTransition #GovernmentJobs #GSJobs #NAFJobs #MilitaryLife #VeteranLife #RetirementPlanning #OCONUS #MilitaryBenefits #JobSearch #MilitaryPodcast #BottomLineUpFront

Thanking all of you 777 Youtube Subscribers so far!! 🫶🏼🫶🏼 giving some flowers to the Military Influencer Conference folks, BAH increase, much more

📌 Episode Summary

In this heartfelt and motivating episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, hosts John and Vic sit down with Brian Arrington, founder and CEO of Vets2Industry, to explore the mindset shift every service member needs before they transition: Don’t just retire from something — retire to something. Brian shares hard-earned wisdom from his own transition journey, the founding of Vets2Industry, and his mission to connect every veteran and family member to the opportunities, resources, and community they need to thrive. If you’re preparing to separate, retire, or just want to feel re-inspired, this episode is a must-listen.

🔗 Links & Resources

🧭 Vets2Industry — Free resources for veterans and families

📘 Bottom Line Up Front by John McConnell — https://amzn.to/4jUiPky

👥 Military Retirement Facebook Group — https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573

📺 The Green Logbook YouTube Channel — https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbook

🎧 Military Retirement Podcast — https://youtube.com/@militaryretirementpodcast

🧠 Key Quote

“If you don’t have a mission when you leave, you’ll feel lost. The military gives you structure — so make sure you’re retiring to something that keeps you going.” — Brian Arrington

⏱️ Key Topics & Timestamps

Time Topic

0:00 Opening thoughts: What it means to “retire to something”

0:30 Introducing Brian Arrington and the mission of Vets2Industry

1:20 Brian’s transition story — how he found purpose through service

2:30 Why community and identity vanish after transition — and how to reclaim them

3:30 The importance of having a post-military plan and mission

4:00 Common mistakes service members make when separating

5:00 The story behind Vets2Industry and who it’s for

6:00 Final thoughts: don’t just exit. Build your next chapter.

💬 Key Quote

“I didn't walk away from retirement — I walked towards more choices.”

📌 Key Takeaways

Retirement Isn’t Always the Goal: Not everyone who joins the military does so intending to serve 20 years. And that’s okay.

Build a Plan Based on Your Values: Your future doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. There’s more than one path to a good life.

Ask the Right Questions: Instead of asking “Should I stay for the pension?”, ask “What kind of life do I want to build?”

📕 Bottom Line Up Front Book - https://amzn.to/4kDSRml

👥 Military Retirement Facebook Group — https://www.facebook.com/groups/981767756191573

📺 The Green Logbook YouTube Channel — https://youtube.com/@thegreenlogbook

🎧 Military Retirement Podcast — https://youtube.com/@militaryretirementpodcast