Why Mentorship Is the Missing Link in Most Veteran Transitions

After 23 years in the Army, Rich Comitz thought his transition into the civilian world would be relatively straightforward. A West Point graduate, PhD holder, and senior military leader, he had plenty of experience and leadership under his belt. But as he started applying for roles in higher education, reality hit hard.

“I must’ve applied to hundreds of jobs,” he shared on the Vector Accelerator Podcast. “And I just wasn’t getting any traction. No interviews, no feedback—just silence.”

Like so many veterans, Rich quickly discovered that translating military experience into civilian value isn’t automatic. Hiring managers didn’t see his command roles, logistics oversight, or academic credentials through the same lens he did. And without someone to help him bridge that gap, self-doubt crept in.

“I started wondering—maybe I’m not good enough. Maybe I’m applying to jobs that are out of my league.”

Rich’s story isn’t uncommon. Many veterans expect that their service and credentials will speak for themselves. But in reality, navigating the civilian hiring landscape requires more than experience—it requires perspective. And that’s exactly what a mentor provides.

As the Chief Operating Officer of American Corporate Partners (ACP), Rich now helps pair veterans and military spouses with mentors from a wide range of industries. The goal is simple but powerful: connect those who are transitioning with those who’ve already made the leap—or who sit on the other side of the hiring table.

“A mentor can give you a reality check, help you reframe your story, and even tell you which words to use in your resume. I wish I’d leaned into that support earlier.”

Mentorship isn't just about networking or finding a shortcut to a job offer. It’s about learning the language, pace, and unspoken expectations of a different world. It’s about clarity. About gaining the confidence to know where you fit—and where you don’t.

And perhaps most importantly, it’s about not doing this alone.

“I felt like I was on my own,” Rich said. “And when you’re doing it alone, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, to misread the signals, to take the rejection personally. Having a mentor who’s been there—who knows the landscape—can change everything.”

At Vector Accelerator, we see it too: veterans with massive potential lose momentum not because they’re unqualified, but because they’re unconnected. That’s why we integrate peer communities, coaching, and career clarity support into every cohort—and why we encourage all alumni to continue seeking (and offering) mentorship long after the course ends.

The message is clear: You don’t have to figure this out on your own. And you shouldn’t.

So whether you’re months from separation or still struggling to land the right opportunity post-transition, the first step might not be another job board.

It might be a conversation—with someone who’s already walked the path ahead of you.

🎧 Listen to the full episode with Rich Comitz now