Involved fathers of babies are less likely to break up with their partner

Involved fatzu sichs of babies are less likely to break up with their partnerInvolved fathers of babies are less likely to break up with their partnerWe know that paternity leave is good for babies. Fathers who are involved in their babys life are more likely to be involved in their life later on. We know that paternity leave is good for mothers. Paid family leave is shown to increase the earnings, retention, and retirement security of workers, especially mothers, who need to take time off. We know that paid leave is good for employers. It can improve employee morale and boost productivityin the workplace.And now, we now know that there is happy marriage case to be made for paternity leave. Couples that take care of their babies together stay together. When fathers take paternity leave, they have more time to be involved in their babys life, and a new study found a direct link betweeninvolved fatherhood and long-term relationship stability.Involved Dads can be 40% less likely to brea k up with partnersLooking into the relationships of more than 13,000 heterosexual couples, researchers found that the amount of time a father spent with a new baby alone in the fathers first year of parenthood could predict the couples relationship stability up to seven years after the birth of a child, regardless of other factors like ethnicity, gender-role attitudes and household income. Dads that were hands-on in the beginning of their childs life were up to 40% less likely to separate from their partners later on.Does this mean if you do not get up at night to check on the crying baby your relationship is doomed? Does every diaper change count? Not necessarily. The researchers found that the type of task that a father was involved in did not significantly determine a relationship breakdown, but the solo time a father spent with a child did.The first years of a babys life are a stressful, sleepless time for parents. When both parents are committed to their babys childcare, it mea ns that they are united in making sacrifices of personal time together. This shared mission can smooth over couple arguments of who did what when. Shouldering the burden of raising a child alone can create stress and resentment. When fathers spend more alone time with their baby, it frees up time for the mother to focus on herself - her career, her mental health, her personal goals.If I have a bit of time out I feel refreshed and happier when I come back,Helen Norman, one of the authors of the study and a mother herself, said. It also allows the mother to engage in paid work outside of the home and she can compete on a more equal footing with her partner.When fathers spend time taking of their babies without the help of their partner, it shows commitment to their child and to their partner that together, they are going make this wonderful, difficult period of life work out.

What You Should Know About Changing Careers in Your Forties

What You Should Know About Changing Careers in Your FortiesWhat You Should Know About Changing Careers in Your Forties You may not have had much life experience in your twenties , but you didnt have a huge mortgage payment or the kids college tuition looming in the future, either. And now, in your forties, youre feeling restless in your job, yet you feel paralyzed by the financial risk that comes with a major career change.Its ironic that when we have the fruchtwein to offer in the workplace and should feel the most confident , we also have the most responsibility - and most acute fear of financial risk.The good news is that, with a little re-framing, you dont have to be held back by these fears. Heres why.If you are in your forties, youve probably logged mora than 20 years of experience in your industry. But you still have another 20 years to do something youve never done before.When I welches in my forties, I held a primary position in a technology startup. Burn ed out from long hours and working for someone else, I knew it welches time for a change, but I felt like it was too late.Then I looked at my father, an innovative pediatrician, who started writing books in his fifties. At 69, he wrote a million-copy bestseller. He was 28 years older than I was when I began rethinking my life plan. Thats when I knew I had plenty of time to create a robust new career.And I did. Im now the CEO of a growing company that helps individuals and companies thrive through strategic planning, team alignment, execution, and accountability.By your forties, youve probably mastered the skills required for your current job. I like to call these skills your know-whats . Its easy to think those skills are all you know.But your know-hows are what are really important. They are the processes youve mastered - activities like recruiting, hiring, onboarding personnel, building a team, creating a budget, facilitating a project, managing people , giving presentations , and resolving conflict. These know-how skills will be valuable no matter what industry you want to work in.Dont get stuck in your know-whats. Instead, make a list of your know-hows. (Remember, these are the processes you know how to do.) Then think of those as your signature strengths.This third point became clear to me when I met Linda, a woman who had successfully developed relationships with key accounts in the printing industry. When she hit her forties, she began to notice that her employer had become blind to changing trends in the industry. Knowing that the company would eventually lose out to the competition, she decided to take the next step.But she was hesitant. Lowering her voice, she told me, What you dont know is that I dont have a college degree . My mother said I wasnt that smart and didnt deserve one. Once people learn that, they wont hire me.What Linda did have was a solid track in her industry. Once she got over the hump that the college degree was the holy gr ail, she was able to start working for a thriving business in a different industry that valued her experience.So, ask yourself Are you holding onto old beliefs about yourself that no longer apply?Even though the gender wage gap still exists, there have been changes in the workplace over the past 20 years. Women are more common in fields that used to be dominated by men.We are thriving in every field from technology to manufacturing. And the virtual world has created a new horizon that never existed in the past. New companies, new industries , new flexibilities - take advantage of these unlimited possibilities.When faced with changing our careers or our jobs in our forties, its tempting to believe that its just too frightening. We focus on all the risks of changing - but we rarely ask what risks there are in not changing.Dissatisfaction at work can affect many other areas of your life - your health, your relationships, even the example you set for your kids. Staying in a schwim mbad work situation could even lead to depression or anxiety.Heres the wonderful truth You have this one precious life to live. And you are right smack dab in the middle of that life. Its OK to take that leap in your forties. You have experience, you are no longer who you were at 20, your list of know-hows is probably very impressive, and every day, the world of whats available is opening up wider and wider.And, if you dont risk changing, we may never learn whats truly possible.This article was originally published on DailyWorth .

The Secret to a Successful Transition From Military to Civilian Life

The Secret to a Successful Transition From Military to Civilian Life The Secret to a Successful Transition From Military to Civilian Life Veterans sacrifice a lot of things to serve their country, but a normal life once they return from duty shouldnt be one of them.A crucialstep to take after your service ends is getting a job. The good news is there are legions of employers out there that can benefit from the skills and discipline you learned in the armed forces. In fact, a great number of them actively seek veterans to add to their workforces. However, it can be difficult to take advantage of these opportunities if you have trouble adjusting to civilian life.Your experiences in the service may have taught you a lot, but they also may have changed the way you think and feel in certain situations. The sudden shift from the more regimented nature of the military to the freedoms back home can be jarring. You also might not be prepared to begin searching for a job.If you need some a dvice on easing yourself back into the civilian world successfully, check out the following infographic, which outlines some valuable tips on beginning this new phase of your life with ease.Jeremy Silverstein is vice president of operations and vehicle dispatching atVeteran Car Donations.

Demystifying the ATS Effect on Your Job Search

Demystifying the ATS Effect on Your Job SearchDemystifying the ATS Effect on Your Job SearchDemystifying the ATS Effect on Your Job SearchToday a large part of the job search is done using technology, from social media to job applications, keywords and presentation are going to have a huge impact on how often you are noticed by employers. When you apply for a job, the first system you will encounter is the Applicant Tracking System or ATS. The Applicant Tracking System acts like the gatekeeper to the employer. It begins with you filling out your application, filling out the questions and tests required and uploading your resume. Applications come in various forms, some simple and some very complex depending on the employers needs.Courtesy careerealism.comSo what do you need to do to understand how ATS works, and get your resume to show up for the employer?How ATS worksApplicant Tracking Systems work based on keywords, acquisition numbers, and search functions. ATS is designed to make it easier for the recruiter to sort through upwards of 900 or mora resumes to find the right candidate to contact. Its designed to make the recruitment process easier and less time consuming. With some tracking systems if you dont fill out the questions properly or dont pass the online screening you resume might not even show up This is why it is so important to ensure you take the time to process your application properly and with detail. An Applicant Tracking System will also keep your application on file, there is less risk of your resume going missing ATS systems have different functions such as keyword search, star rating systems, and they can be used to record information from applications or interviews you had in the past. Think of ATS as a Google search, you will only put in the words or phrases that will provide you with the results you want.How can I make ATS work for me?Keywords Using the language of the employer is the first thing you must take into consideration. This doesnt mean you should copy and paste their phrases. It means you should make use of the words they use more frequently in their job posting and website. For example, if they make use of the skill RFP or Request for Proposal make sure you have this in your application if you have worked with that before. Also many companies like to use words like Leadership or Innovation, if this is how they describe things, ensure that you work those aspects into your resume Recruiters are usually going to search using the position title they are hiring for. They will often also search with similar industry titles, software required to preform the job or duties essential to the position.Another thing to remember is that ATS systems use methods to determine if the keyword context is relevant to what is being searched for by the recruiter. Therefore, ensure that if you are editing your resume you are putting the information in the right context.Understand how Boolean Search works The Boolean Method is how recruiters will search to find the best candidates. The Boolean search is a method that entails using AND, OR, NOT, (), +, and . This will pull up the candidates with a combination of qualities that the recruiter is looking for, rather than simply looking up one term at a time. If you have more of the qualities that the employer is looking for, and have the information on your resume then you have a much better chance of turning up in the search results. Recruiters will often use a combination of the Boolean search and single term searches while recruitingApplication Completion Ensure that all aspects of your application are complete. Ensure all information is filled out using proper punctuation and spelling, this is one of the first things employers will see. Also check your email after you submit the application, at times there could be additional steps to complete such as aptitude or personality assessments. If you miss this step your application might not make it into the pileWhen you are applying for jobs online to help identify if your resume will be going into an email inbox or an ATS system check for the followingATS will usually be on the website, require a login, and require you to fill out several pieces of information.Email If your resume is going to an inbox it will come in the form of a simple email address or a contact form on the website where you can add an attachment.The biggest thing to remember when applying to jobs online is to ensure that every single application you send out is customized to the employer and has relevant statements of the work you have completed that matches what they are looking for

11 Tips for Crafting a Freelancer Resume

11 Tips for Crafting a Freelancer Resume11 Tips for Crafting a Freelancer ResumeAs a freelancer or consultant, crafting a strong resume is important. This is because many freelancers/consultants will have many jobs, but for shorter spans of time. However, it can be tricky to create a resumewhen gigs last for a short amount of time.Below are 11 tips to consider when crafting a resume as a freelancer or consultant. 01Follow traditional resume writing rules.svetikd/Getty ImagesThis is a simple tip. Just because you dont have a traditional employment background doesnt mean your resume needs to be a never-seen-before creative display.Avoid writing in the first person. Traditional resume formatting is the third person. A resume is not about you as a person, its about your skills helping a company.Hiring managers need to know what they are looking at. If youre a creative, dont follow design principles that take away from clarity.Any good designer will tell you a design that makes a product hard to use or understand is a bad one.02Consider using a skills-based resume format.Rather than creating a chronological resume, you can create a resume that showcases your skills. Those hiring freelancers are looking to solve projects with a persons specific skills and abilities.03Customize your resume to fit the job you want.Recruiters and hiring managers often sift through hundreds of resumes to fill a single position. One way to be excluded from the final round is to have a resume that is general and does not acknowledge the companys needs.To gain attention, make koranvers that your resume includes experience and skills that are relevant to what the job requires.04Include any relevant education or courses.Include any relevant degrees, courses or certifications that you have completed.Important note there is no reason to include your GPA if the job that youre applying for isnt your first one.Unless, of course, your GPA is very impressive (definitely if its perfect).05Quantify yo ur achievements as much as possible.Potential employers like to see that your work produced a measurable result so try to include statistics where possible.This can be more difficult to show when working with a wide range of companies/clients.An example would beHomepage redesign lead to a 25% increase in conversion ratesHowever, you dont need to list every project youve ever worked on that saw results. Instead, be selective.Only showcase your most impressive work. 06Include links to your website and online profiles.It may not be necessary to include every social media network you are active on.Nonetheless, every freelancer should include their website, LinkedIn, and any industry-specific profiles that they have (such as Dribble or Github).07Always include keywords in your resume.Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an important component of most things we do online, and your resume is no exception.Nowadays, many companies use automated software that screens submitted resumes and sear ches for relevant keywords.It is always best practice to include keywords from the job description in your resume. If the job listing is vague, use key terms that you think the job would require.08Dont be a cookie-cutter include you on your resume.Most forward-thinking companies (the kind you want to work for) are looking for people who fit not only the job listing but also the company culture.Add any information that you think could be relevant to the given position, includingInformation about your side businessYour personal species portfolioThe eBook that you wrote09Dont be modest.If youve worked with major companies or big clients, mention them in your resume. (Unless youve signed some kind of Non-Disclosure Agreement specifying otherwise.)Hiring managers love to see reputable and recognizable names. It demonstrates that you can provide a level of service that major clients expect.Also, when applying for positions, your resume (and cover letter) is your opportunity to shine. Dont be afraid to show off your talents.Being too humble or modest will not convey confidence in your own work.10Remember recruiters spend very little time reading your resume.For this reason, design your resume so that it has a clear visual hierarchy use clear headings and keep descriptions short.Recruiters make a decision on your resume within six seconds. Make sure they have a reason to go over it in detail with a good visual design and by using short, strong job descriptions.11Include a call to action (CTA).Never assume that hiring managers will look at any of the resources that you provide.Include a request in your resume to view your website, check your references, or ask for more information if they need it. (Whichever is the most important given the circumstance never have multiple CTAs.)ConclusionCrafting a powerful resume is key when it comes to landing those desirable jobs.So the next time youre applying to a position full-time or part-time make sure to incorporate these 11 tips for a standout resume.

Dirty Facts About How to Put Freelance Work on Resume Revealed

Dirty Facts About How to Put Freelance Work on Resume Revealed Finding out how to highlight your most attractive abilities for the particular needs of someone client is an invaluable skill, and one of the most common parts of advice I give to freelancers who want to begin a business of their own. My experience is very beneficial to achieving your targets. The experience is valid and might entice an employer to find out more about you. Aside from the skills needed for that specific job profile, volunteer experience brings highly desired qualities. What Is So Fascinating About How to Put Freelance Work on Resume? Employers wish to truly feel confident they are your very first alternative, so have them know youre all set to leave freelancing behind and join the corporate world once more. Identify the type of freelancing jobs youve been into. Concentrate on anything pertinent to the job that you are applying for. When someone does asks for your resume, you wish to have one near ly all set. The thing to keep in mind is that sometimes clients hire freelancers since they dont understand how to do what you do. The straightforward answer is you should incorporate freelance work on your resume. Understanding How to Put Freelance Work on Resume Add personality to the layout and header, but be sure your resume isnt difficult to read. To aid you in getting started, weve got an extensive library of resume templates that are totally free to download. Its not overly hard to use a template. In any case, you dont need to look any further as we have all of the freelance resume templates youll ever require Learn what the ordinary pay range is for the work title youre being considered for. You may register for a completely free month. Therefore, if youre actively searching for employment, its probably worth signing up for the completely free month. There are a lot of offline contract jobs it is possible to take on to begin earning extra money. As you are compe ting with job seekers whove been on steady career tracks, do whats essential to compete successfully. Perhaps youre deliberately temping for a brief period of time to test out a new industry, or perhaps your short-term job is paying the bills as youre looking for a full-time position. Youve got to construct the best one to find the job. To begin with, you are going to want to choose whether it is going to serve you better to list each temp job as a distinct gig in your work experience or maybe to group them together. Recruiters simply want to know how youre able to assist the employer get the job finished. The good thing is that organizing your freelance jobs is straightforward, as soon as you know how. Today, freelancers encompass virtually every part in every business. In bigger companies, freelancers (often known as independent consultants) are often asked to supply resumes. To begin with, you should let people know youre offered for work by producing an netz site and i nternet portfolio. In any case, listing everything youre remotely competent in can choose the focus away from the regions where you truly shine. You can pick from all types of photography jobs on the website and earn up to $125 per photo. The good thing is that resumes arent terribly tough to create, particularly with the presence of LinkedIn. How to Put Freelance Work on Resume Your objective is to offer proof of your abilities and describe it into a manner that hiring managers will come across interesting. Active folks usually become involved in different sorts of freelance work. You need to have good people skills. You ought to get a superior awareness of company culture. My freelance writer resume, on the flip side, is only a single page. Writers who are self-employed and who can also be engaged to any employers for a brief time period should construct an independent writer resume so as to display their job expertise in any technical and internet work. Its better to i nclude published work, but inexperienced writers may consist of work thats unpublished. Freelance work ought to be included as a boost to your resume, and is less valuable if youre doing work that doesnt relate to your field or wouldnt lead to a reference. Top How to Put Freelance Work on Resume Secrets Following that, its your choice. Excellent resumes show as opposed to tell.

How to Give Your Freelance Business the Right Name

How to Give Your Freelance Business the Right Name Soyou want to be a freelancer.You need to launch yourself as a brand and build astrong online presence. But what do you do first? Well, youre going to need a name but what name do you plektrum?Naming your business is one of the fruchtwein critical steps in building your brand. Your name will be your first introduction to many potential clients, and it has the potential to either draw them in or repel them.When it comes to finding the right name for your business, follow these tips.Get to Know Your BrandBefore naming your business, its paramount that you understand exactly what it is that you do. What are youselling, and who are youselling it to? This is whats known as a value aussage. Its essentially the promise of the valuethat your brand will deliver.A good value proposition should include- What you do.- How you do it.- What makes you different from competitors.- Anunderstanding of customer needs and wants.- How your business addresses these needs and wants.But a value proposition is not a slogan, like Apples Think Different orLOrals Because Youre Worth It. Rather, a value proposition dives much deeper. A couple examples include-Kissmetrics Kissmetrics gives you the insights you need to optimize your marketing.-SoundCloudHear the worlds sounds. Explore trending music and audio.Both of these examplesdeliver complete clarity about their offerings. They communicate specific results to their audienceand are immediately understood.So, your first step in naming your business is to write a value proposition that it as effective as the examples given above.Which Words Describe Your Brand?Once you understand what it is that youre selling, you can now look at the words associated with your services.Start by making a list of all the loose wordsthat come to mind when youre reading/writing your value proposition. Use a thesaurus and e xpand on these words. Can any of them be grouped into a theme?Use keyword tools such as Google Keyword Planner, Keyword Spy, or Wordtracker. Think about how your customers will search for your services. If youre offering freelance graphic konzeption services, customers wouldnt search for art and design digital services, would they?Customers will usually search for the most simplified version of your keywords, so make sure you target theseterms to help your listing climb the ranks on Google and other search engines.When using Googles Keyword Planner, if you search for a simple term like graphic design,a list of keyword suggestions comes upYou can see how broad these terms are.The volume of traffic each of these search-terms get is phenomenal, leaving your business with an immense amount of competition. The best step to take is to research each service you offer using a keyword tool, and choose the keywords that will help you rise above the competition.Combine Your Keywords Into Phras esOnce you have a selection of words and you have grouped them into themes, you can start combining these into key phrases.This is less critical to the actual act of naming your brand, but its a fantastic way tounderstand how someone may describe your freelance business. Imagine youre introducing your services to a prospective client. How would you describe what you do? How would you expect your audiences to describe your business?If you run a design service, people could associate you with anything from packaging, to interiors, to illustrations, to print, to websites, and so on.Start to group exactly what your business will offer, and then group the keywords that are associated with each service. For example, if you plan to offer packaging design as a service, you see that in order to target your audience effectively, you need to include the relevant terms to describe your serviceOnce you understand how people will talk about your business, you can then pinpoint the exact words to use when naming your business.Choose Your Domain NameUnfortunately, with hundreds of new sites cropping up each day, its becoming harder to find an original domain. But that doesnt mean youll end up having to choose a clunky domain like www.bensmithfreelancegraphicslondon.com or what have you.Some good tips for choosing a great domain nameKeep it as simple and specific to your business as possible.Use the most relevant keywords youve selected in your research.Try to avoid using numbers or hyphens.Be memorableIf youre targeting a local area, try to include this in your domain as well. For example, Creative Works London has chosen to use the term London in its domain name tohighlight that the company focuses specifically on the London area http//www.creativeworkslondon.org.ukBe sure to only register your website as a .com and avoid things like.net or .org. If you go with a .com, youllcome up better in search engines, giving your freelance brand the best chance of survival.-And there y ou have it the steps to selecting the right freelance business name. While we focused specifically on freelance businesses in this post, you can use a very similar process when naming any kind of business. Online presence matters for every organization these days, no matter its line of work

The Making of Sand Sailors

The Making of Sand SailorsThe Making of Sand SailorsThe crisp staccato of an M-16 rings out, punctuated by the ominous cannonade of several more machine guns and explosions. An Army drill sergeant shouts instructions over the tumult of fighting as armed Sailors dressed in desert camouflage and body armor hit the dirt and prepare to engage the enemy as the serenity of a peaceful spring morning at Fort Jackson, S.C., is transformed into a realisticbattlefield. A doorway is a fatal funnel You never, never stop there Hooah? instructs Alpha Company Task Force Marshall (TFM) Army Staff Sgt. David Lyle, as the dust and smoke clear and silence descends. Hooah Come the echoes of understanding from most Sailors, with a few Aye, Ayes thrown in. The drill sergeant surveys his platoon of trainees who are picking themselves up off the ground and notices someone grimace in mild discomfort. Lyle has seen a lot in his Army career, but never did he think he would be training a platoon of U.S. Navy Sai lors who would, in a matter of days, be transported over to Iraq and Afghanistan to provide his Soldier brothers with some much-needed assistance in the long war against terrorism. Yet here he and his fellow drill sergeants are, leading Sailors onto the firing range, putting them through the paces of convoy rechengangs, drawing in the sand with sticks to illustrate points and moving sequences inside a mock village created for practicing urban combat operations. The soldiers will also pose as hostiles and friendlies to make the training scenarios more realistic. Army First Sgt. Kevin Bramlett, senior enlisted soldier in Alpha Company, is in charge of 18 Army drill instructors of TFM who have been tasked with training the Navys Individual Augmentees (IA). The Sailors will supplement Army troops worldwide as part of a joint-tafelgeschirr operation called U.S. Navy Individual Augmentee Combat Training (USNIACT). Ive benefited from getting to work with another service, Bramlett said. As Ive learned how a different service processes information, Ive had to adjust my training style to get them to understand. Active-duty Sailors and Reservists, ranging in rank from E-3 to O-6, undergo the two-week training at McCrady Training Center on Fort Jackson and then are sent directly to a theater in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, the Horn of Africa (Djibouti) and other dangerous regions in the world. Sailors abandoning the relative safety of their ships to walk around with weapons among improvised explosive devices (IED), ride in convoys and clear buildings of enemy insurgents? When I joined the Navy as a Personnel Specialist, I never imagined I would be here preparing to fight on the ground, but I left my options open, knowing that I had to be ready to do whatever was asked of me, said PS3 Mark Hutchinson, who was going through IA training at Fort Jackson in preparation for deployment to Kuwait. Like many of the Sailors undergoing IA training, Hutchinson was selected by his comma nd, but he has always viewed himself as a volunteer by virtue of taking the enlistment oath and wearing a Navy uniform. When they said they needed me, I was prepared to go, he said. Hiking through woods thick with pine needles, crawling through deep sand, sweltering in heat under 66 pounds of clothing and equipment and riding in a convoy that culminates in entering a village made of battered, faded Connex boxes is a drastic change from Hutchinsons previous job at Personnel Support Detachment in Pensacola, Fla., but his attitude personifies what the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) was looking for from Sailors when he said he wanted the Navy to get into the fight. The first four words in the National Security Strategy are America is at War, said RADM Dave Gove, commander, Naval Personnel Development Command (NPDC) and Navy Personnel Command (NPC), who oversees this IA training program. We have to be ready to support the combat service support missions that the CNO has pledged to make sure we help cover for the ground forces in country. There are approximately 10,000 Sailors serving in IA billets, split equally between active duty and Reserve components. The majority of IAs receive orders to Central Command in Iraq and Afghanistan. Were obligated to make sure our Sailors who are helping support the ground forces of the Marines and the Army have the correct understanding to be able to deal with their environment and be effective in accomplishing their mission, Gove said. Enter Fort Jackson and its cadre of Army drill instructors. Under the watchful eye of TFM Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Doug Snyder and the commanders of Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Companies, instructors and students alike must in many ways discard what they have been taught since their respective recruit training to effectively train and be trained. The biggest obstacle for Sailors is the shock of being a land-combat Soldier, said Alpha Company Commander Army Capt. Jim Hulgan, who will help deliver roughly 3,700 trained IA trained Sailors to battalion commanders this fiscal year. In somecasesthey pick it up easily, in others they dont. We use some of the Sailors own jargon and try to relate the training to something they are more familiar with. In theArmywe turn civilians into Soldiers, but thats not what were doing here. First, we introduce them to Army tactics and doctrine so they become familiar with how the Army does business on the ground and understand what the Soldiers are doing so that they can provide effective help, said Hulgan. Second, they get a sense of confidence that they can actually do the missions they are being sent to do. But the road Sailors have to travel to getthereis not easy. From the moment they hit Fort Jackson, the pace is fast and intense. Sailors arrive with nothing but the shirts on their backs and are immediately indoctrinated into the Army atmosphere. It begins with the uniform issue, either desert camouflage or the Armys new combat uniforms, a nd Interceptor Body Armor (IBA). The ensemble is then completed by the Rapid Fielding Initiative, which includes the new Advanced Combat Helmet, infantry combat bootsandWiley X Goggles. From that point on, the drill sergeants have the primary goal of putting the IAs into the mindset of a Soldier. The combat training scenarios are designed to teach Sailors critical thinking skills so they are more adept decision makers, especially in high-stress and crisis situations. That means, among other things, getting Sailors familiar, comfortable and as proficient as possible with the various weapons they will use in theater. In addition to providing weapons training, the drill instructors push the Sailors to organize and operate as teams. Basic instruction is given in a variety of combat areas, including patrol techniques, communications, land navigation, first aid, MEDEVAC, cultural awareness and urban assault scenarios. The idea is to ensure that if they are in a combat situation, theyll at least have some of the training to help them react and hopefully keep them alive. Senior Chief Yeoman Larkin Whetstone,leadingchief petty officer of the Navy Liaison Office for the course, said Sailors must never forget that they are only receiving a foundation in combat skills training that will be built upon by further training when they reachtheater. We are teaching initial combat and survival skills, he said. We are not trying to turn Sailors into infantrymen. Maybe not, but an IAs typical training day is nothing to scoff at, either. Youre tired, but its an incredible training experience, said CAPT Marcus Fisk, a Reservistandleader of Class 506. Were up at 5 a.m. and put in 18-hour days sometimes, but the instructors are outstanding and Im having a lot of fun. Whetstone is quick to praise the Army instructors for the life-saving training they are providing, but he also wants his shipmates to understand how appreciative the Soldiers are for the Navys service. We asked the Army t o perform this service so we expected to be treated like a customer, but they have treated the Navy like a partner, Whetstone said. The drill instructors are very motivated because they realize what they are here to do, which is to save lives. They know that every time they send a Sailor into theater it means another Soldier gets to take a break. Fisk sees this training as a direct reflection of the increase in joint service operations to meet changing military requirements. I think this training brings with it an awareness and understanding that what we used to do in the Navy is changing, said the surface warfare officer who spent 10 years in Navy Special Operations. When you consider that 85 percent of the worlds population lives within 200 nautical miles of the sea and there are over 900,000 miles of navigable rivers in the world, you see its crucial for the Navy to be involved on the ground as well. I think in the future this type of training is going to become the rule rather than the exception. The Sailors had no idea how difficult some of unterstellung tasks are, such as being an effective stacking team in urban operations, Snyder said. I cannot stress enough how critical Sailor readiness is in this training.Isneed to arrive here ready to train. That means they have all of their medical and dental requirements completed, their paperwork is in order and they are prepared physically, mentally and personally. Taking five or six Sailors with no combat experience and molding them into a functional and coherent team so they can meet their mission objective is a lot to ask in such a short time, Snyder continued. We are teaching them how to crawl, walk and maybe start to jog. Once in theater, they take it to the next level, but they must have something to work from and they will get that here.

Marine Corps Tattoo (Body Art) Policy

seestreitkraft Corps Tattoo (Body Art) Policyseestreitkraft Corps Tattoo (Body Art) PolicyThe Marine Corps takes a conservative approach to personal appearance, in terms of grooming and uniform standards. Eccentricities in dress or appearance that detract from uniformity and team identity are not permitted. Following this principle, the Marines have detailed guidelines governing what kinds of tattoos are allowed. The Corps most recently updated its policy in 2016, and while there were some changes, the basic policy remains the same Tattoos are permitted as long as they can be covered by the standard physical training uniform of green t-shirt and shorts. If they follow these guidelines, Marines can have as many tattoos as they want. Under MCBUL 1020, there are several official ways to measure tattoos to make sure theyre in befolgung with Marine Corps rules. There are both elbow-measuring and knee-measuring tools that can be used to make sure the uniform would cover a tattoo (ideally b efore its applied to the skin). Sleeve Tattoos and Brands in the Marines A sleeve tattoo is a very large tattoo, or a collection of smaller tattoos, that covers or almost covers a persons entire arm or leg. These are prohibited in the Marine Corps.? Half-sleeve or quarter-sleeve tattoos (very large tattoo, or a collection of smaller tattoos that covers, or almost covers the entire portion of an arm or leg above or below the elbow or knee) that are visible to the eye when wearing standard physical training gear (t-shirt and shorts) also are prohibited. In addition, Marines may not have tattoos or brands (any marking that cant be easily removed) on the head or neck, inside the mouth, or on the hands, fingers or wrists.One exception that is allowed a single band tattoo of no more than three-eighths of an inch in width on one finger. Other Types of Tattoos Prohibited by the Marines Tattoos or brands that may be considered prejudicial to good order, discipline and morale, or are of a nature to bring discredit upon the Marine Corpsare not allowed. These may include but are not limited to, any tattoo that is sexist, racist, vulgar, anti-American, anti-social, gang related, or related to an extremist group. Cosmetic Tattoos in the Marine Corps The Marine Corps allows cosmetic tattooing in certain circumstances. Cosmetic tattooing refers to medical or surgical procedures conducted by licensed medical personnel.For example, an individual may be medically authorized to get a tattoo on scar tissue in order to disguise it or make it less noticeable. Tattoos in Other Branches of the U.S. Military All the other branches of the armed forces have policies governing tattoos. They all tend to be similar to the Marine Corps policy, although the Army loosened its rules somewhat in 2015, to help with recruiting efforts. But all prohibit tattoos that are derogatory in nature or are too large or obtrusive. The goal is to keep Marines and other troops as uniform as pos sible, right down to their skin.

How to Survive When Your Support System Fails

How to Survive When Your Support System Fails How to Survive When Your Support System Fails It takes a village to raise a family.  But what happens if you lose this village or perhaps it never even existed?   This past New England winter was very hard for me.  I took on new challenging work projects and then I lost most of my support system due to illnesses and being house bound because of the tremendous amount of snow.  Oh, and don’t forget the snow days and school delays.  There were times when I was at my wits end!  But I wanted to make things work so badly that I found ways to survive.  Here’s how I made it through the tough times when my support system failed. There were times when I wallowed in how bad things were.  How I survived was focusing on the reality of the situation and having faith.    Asking “What was the reality in that moment?” moved me forward and changed my perspective like I had a job I had to do.  It was time to just do it.  Everything else could wait.  The kids wouldn’t suffer from brain damage if they watched Big Hero 6 again.  I just needed to focus on what needed to be done in that moment.  I had faith that things would work themselves out, which they have.  It was difficult to have faith but coping can be about choices.  I chose to face reality and have faith. Sometimes I’d get so frustrated I’d just scream!  How I survived was exercising.  Venting this way was my saving grace!    Ironically I enjoyed all the shoveling this winter.  Must frustration was taken out on breaking ice and throwing snow.  Plus the kids couldn’t see my tears when I was alone with the snow blower.  The fresh cold air was refreshing.     Another venting strategy was a new workout DVD purchase.  I can’t say enough good things about BeachBody’s Insanity workouts.  My son would ask me why my face looked so wet, ha!  Breaking a sweat helped change my perspective on things.  It also just made me happy! Since I enjoy writing I keep a journal.  When life got really bumpy though I’d avoid my journal and opt for surfing Facebook.  We all know that when you’re struggling reading about other’s happiness and successes may not be helpful.  This is when I would realize I had to put the phone down and pick the pencil up.   When I felt helpless I searched for happiness in something else.  Two of my top values are family and creativity.  I combined the two and made a picture collage on a blank wall in my home.  Now when I need a pick me up I get to look at my creation and smile. Although sometimes my children are part of my frustration connecting with them gives me strength as well.  I would forget to question how they were feeling about everything that was going on.  I’m sure it was affecting them, too.  They are only going to be six, five, and two once in their lives so I would sit and enjoy their company, their laughter, and their hugs and kisses.  How I survived was sitting with them and showing them love.  All we need is love! I am a neat freak, but when I was the only being neat my habit drove me bonkers!  How I survived was purging items in my home.  As the month passes I would have an open empty cardboard box to throw unused items.  Once full I’d tape them shut and schedule a donation pick up.  If I needed motivation to purge I’d make the appointment first to help keep me accountable.  In the end, the less things I had to be neat about the less bonkers I would feel! Sometimes I was the one doing everything.  Everywhere I looked at home or work there was something pressing to do.  When you have a chaotic mind set everything appears urgent.  How I survived was getting organized.  I reigned in my weekly priorities with a quadrant to-do list split up into self, people, home management and career projects.  I felt focused and accomplished when I used this system.  At the beginning of the week I’d create the list and at the end I felt accomplished looking at a (somewhat) completed list. Have you ever felt like no one was helping you?  How did you support yourself?  Leave a comment over on my Facebook page and tell me all about it.