The Soldiers' 2nd Innings

Dear friends,
Truncated career is a well known deprivation which the soldiers suffer. This inherent disadvantage is further compounded by the fact that a large number of officers and men are superseded at the first selection level when they are no more than forty years old. They are then faced with a Hobson’s choice of whether to stay on in service with the ignominy of moving from one lack luster appointment to another or quit.
I began to study the post retirement lives of military veterans about fifteen years ago. Later, while serving with Ashok Leyland, I conducted some courses on “Preparation for retirement” for service officers as well as the executives of the company. I came to the conclusion that with a bit of planning and preparation, it is possible to convert military experience into civilian success. I find many of my friends having done extremely well in their second innings. I discussed this with my esteemed friend Lt Col KD Singh who migrated to the USA in 1984 and has had an illustrious career there.
We decided to record our experiences and observations in the form of a book entitled, “The Soldiers’ 2nd Innings”
The result of our labor of love has been accepted for publication by Macmillan India Ltd and is likely to be released in January 2010. The summary of its contents is given below. Our pension is inadequate as well as iniquitous. But it is somewhat unlikely that OROP will be sanctioned. But if all of us brace ourselves up, there is nothing which prevents us from augmenting our income through socially useful and productive work.
The sum and substance of this book is that the veterans must learn to make good use of their time and energy. It is not frightfully difficult to earn money. The erudite amongst the retired officers should be going to the government with a solution, and not a begging bowl. In the words of the late president Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you...”
With best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year,
Maj Gen Surjit Singh (Retd)

Table of Contents- Chapter wise
I. With No Regrets- This is a personal testimony. It traces my journey through the life; in military service and after hanging up my uniform
II. Profile of Military Service in India- In this chapter, I have given a balanced picture of the military, as a career in India, and compared it with other services III. Angry Old Soldiers- During the last two years, veterans have been protesting against the government. Their grievances are analyzed in this part.
IV. In Search of a Solution to the Problem- An attempt has been made in this chapter to solve the complex problems associated with the rising pension bill and resettlement of veterans. An ‘out of the box’ solution has been offered.
V. Time to Part Ways- There comes a time in the life of every soldier, when he is faced with this difficult question, “Should I leave or stay on?” The pros and cons of seeking pre-mature release are discussed in this chapter.
VI. SWOT Analysis and Classification of Options- And a Word of Advice to those who choose to Stay Back in Military Service. Landing the right job is like a good marriage. It must suit both the parties equally, or else there will be a conflict situation. The ‘SWOT’ analysis is a good technique to assess one’s own prowess and limitations. This chapter also contains a brief advice for those who choose to stay on in the service even after being by-passed for promotion.
VII. Writing Resume or CV- Writing one’s CV is the first step in the process of seeking a job. Most soldiers do not know how to go about it correctly. Some tips on how to prepare a good Resume are given in this chapter.
VIII. The interview for a civilian job is quite different from the kinds of interviews which the soldiers are familiar with. Some tips on how to handle this process are given in this chapter.
IX. Salary Negotiations- Salary in the military is determined by Pay Commissions. The soldier does not have to even think about his remuneration. In the civil, the rules are very flexible. The veterans have to find their own place in the new environment. The nuances of this process are discussed at some length.
X. The Culture Shock- Military service is very different from the life on the civil street. The veteran has to adjust to his new environs, and that needs a lot of emotional resilience. This chapter prepares the man for his new life.
XI. My Second Innings at Ashok Leyland- This is based on my personal experience. It is actually a story of my service in the corporate world with special emphasis on the first few months, when I was trying to settle down in the new environment.
XII. Self Employment Avenues- For those who do not wish to take a nine-to-six job, there are other options available. This also needs some planning and fore-thought. Some ideas on this subject are given here.
XIII. Management of Personal finances- At the time of severance, soldiers receive some lump sum money. Many of them are not accustomed to handling this sort of cash. Some generic dictum on money management are discussed in this part.
XIV. Social Service- For those who are endowed with the spirit of ‘social service’ with no financial gains in view, this chapter contains some hints.
XV. Hobby Writing after Retirement- The likes of me, who like to record their experiences for the benefit of posterity this chapter has been written. It contains some rules for writers.
XVI. Growing Old Gracefully- This chapter touches on ‘relationships’ since these undergo a sea change. The elderly have to accept their new position in society.
XVII. Health Care- The geriatric problems are discussed in some detail in non- medical terms.
XVIII. A General Guide to Making Your Will- There comes a time in our lives, when it is necessary to ‘pass on the baton’ to the next generation. Some tips on writing one’s will are given here. This has been written by my advocate daughter-in-law.
XIX. The Immigration Option- By Lt Col (Retd) KD Singh, now settled in the USA- Immigration to a foreign country is an option these days. Col KD Singh who has made an indomitable success in the USA has written this chapter.
XX. Service in Education Institutions By Brig (Retd) Surinder Singh- Education in India has assumed the dimensions of an industry. Scores of military officers are working in these institutions. This piece has been written by a veteran who has made a successful career in the academia.
Readers Responses to Second Career
Suggestions from Readers: Second Career for ESM

Military Pay: Are Armed Forces Personnel paid more than they deserve as contended by the crafty bureaucrats?

Thank God we in the Services still retain our sense of the ridiculous. Here is one such article below with a sting in its tail!! send it to our overpaid and corrupt babus...
EQUALLY AND DOUBLY APPLIES TO INDIAN ARMED FORCES WHO HAVE BEEN TAKEN FOR A RIDE...

Col Cyrus Dalal (Retd)

Military Pay
This is an Airman's response to Cindy Williams' editorial piece in the Washington Times about MILITARY PAY, it should be printed in all newspapers across America.

Ms. Cindy Williams wrote a piece for the Washington Times, denouncing the pay raise(s) coming service members' way this year citing that she stated 13% wage increase was more than they deserve.

A young airman from Hill AFB responds to her article below. He ought to get a bonus for this.

"Ms Williams: I just had the pleasure of reading your column, "Our GIs earn enough" and I am a bit confused.
Frankly, I'm wondering where this vaunted overpayment is going, because as far as I can tell, it disappears every month between DFAS (The Defense Finance and Accounting Service) and my bank account.
Checking my latest earnings statement I see that I make $1,117.80 before taxes per month. After taxes,
I take home $874.20. When I run that through the calculator, I come up with an annual salary of $13,413.60 before taxes, and $10,490.40, after.

I work in the Air Force Network Control Center where I am part of the team responsible for a 5,000 host computer network. I am involved with infrastructure segments, specifically with Cisco Systems equipment.
A quick check under jobs for Network Technicians in the Washington, D.C. area reveals a position in my career field, requiring three years experience with my job. Amazingly, this job does NOT pay $13,413.60 a year.
No, this job is being offered at $70,000 to $80,000 per annum........... I'm sure you can draw the obvious conclusions.

Given the tenor of your column, I would assume that you NEVER had the pleasure of serving your country in her armed forces. Before you take it upon yourself to once more castigate congressional and DOD leadership for attempting to get the families in the military's lowest pay brackets off of WIC and food stamps, I suggest that you join a group of deploying soldiers headed for AFGHANISTAN; I leave the choice of service branch up to you. Whatever choice you make, though, opt for the SIX month rotation: it will guarantee you the longest possible time away from your family and friends, thus giving you full "deployment experience."

As your group prepares to board the plane, make sure to note the spouses and children who are saying good-bye to their loved ones. Also take care to note that several families are still unsure of how they'll be able to make ends meet while the primary breadwinner is gone - obviously they've been squandering the "vast" piles of cash the government has been giving them.

Try to deploy over a major holiday; Christmas and Thanksgiving are perennial favorites. And when you're actually over there, sitting in a foxhole, shivering against the cold desert night; and the flight sergeant tells you that there
aren't enough people on shift to relieve you for chow, remember this: trade whatever MRE (meal-ready- to-eat) you manage to get for the tuna noodle casserole or cheese tortellini, and add Tabasco to everything.. This gives some flavor.

Talk to your loved ones as often as you are permitted; it won't nearly be long enough or often enough, but take what you can get and be thankful for it. You may have picked up on the fact that I disagree with most of the points you present in your opened piece.

But, tomorrow from KABUL, I will defend to the death your right to say it. You see, I am an American fighting man, a guarantor of your First Amendment rights and every other right you cherish. On a daily basis, my brother and sister soldiers worldwide ensure that you and people like you can thumb your collective nose at us, all on a salary that is nothing short of pitiful and under conditions that would make most people cringe. We hemorrhage our best and brightest into the private sector because we can't offer the stability and pay of civilian companies.

And you, Ms. Williams, have the gall to say that we make more than we deserve? You can kiss my royal red a**!!!

A1C Michael Bragg Hill AFB AFNCC

Military Pay Cindy Williams Editorial in Washington Post

Become a Millionaire in the Armed Forces

You can become a young millionaire with a few simple steps. Many people find this hard to believe because they do not know how many Defence Forces millionaires are enjoying the bounty of the services; however, do not buy into that belief. With some simple steps you can put yourself on the road to enjoying the perks of young millionaire status. The Sixth Pay commission has made it a reality for every one's dream to come true.

All one has to do is invest the MSP in the Provident Fund which yields about 10% or more Compounded Interest. Let us examine the savings for a Jawan and an Officer in the armed Forces.

Jawan
MSP is Rs 1000 pm, invest it in Provident Fund earning 10% Interest for 20 years. Investment after 20 years will total over Rs 6 lakhs.

Officer
MSP is Rs 6000 pm, invest it in Provident Fund earning 10% interest or more for 30 years. Investment for 30 years will yield Rs 105 lakhs.

There are ever so many methods or models of managing Salaries which leads one to save, invest consistently and wisely. Utilise soft loans for a house or a buying a car. Save all your tax free field area allowances which can add to your investment.

Start today and take the steps to become a millionaire. If one is a millionaire there is really no need for one to look for a job or work for anyone else after retirement. You are master of your own destiny! You as an Ex- Servicemen can enjoy the fruits of your hard labour at your own pace and pleasure.