Why Vulnerability Is the Missing Piece in Veteran Transition Programs

The conversation we’re not having about resumes, LinkedIn, and why clarity starts with story

When veterans leave the military, most transition programs rush to the usual tactics: resume building, interview skills, and networking. While those are all critical steps, they skip one essential—and often uncomfortable—stage: vulnerability.

That gap is exactly what Vector Accelerator is designed to fill.

"These conversations aren't natural. They're just not," says Joe Lara, a veteran and co-leader of Vector Accelerator. "But if you want to push yourself in a way that doesn't come easy, this is the room to do it."

From Resume Writing to Identity Work

Traditional programs assume readiness. But what if veterans aren’t ready to tell their story? What if they haven’t had the space to process who they are without the uniform?

"We are real people having real conversations around stuff that actually matters," says Scott Schimmel, Vector co-founder. "The quickest way to do that is to avoid bullet points or resumes and get to story."

In the Vector model, participants are invited to reflect deeply on their past, their values, their motivations—and most importantly, to share those reflections out loud. This isn’t easy work. It takes time, trust, and facilitation.

"I want to see the head nods. The arms folded. The lean-in moments. Because that’s when I know something real is happening," Joe says. "You can watch people start telling stories—and then someone else gets triggered and jumps in. Suddenly, it’s not a class. It’s a conversation."

Storytelling as a Strategy

Schimmel adds, "He who tells stories wins. He who tells stories first, controls where things go."

This storytelling-first philosophy isn’t just about catharsis. It’s about preparation. The stories veterans learn to tell—about their childhood, their military experiences, their goals—become the foundation for future job interviews, elevator pitches, and professional relationships.

But more than that, storytelling helps veterans see themselves in a new light.

"The struggle is actually a good place to be," Joe says. "If you're feeling confused, overwhelmed—congratulations, you're doing the real work."

Breaking Through Resistance

Every cohort includes veterans who show up with folded arms and skeptical faces. Some are looking for a tactical edge; others are just checking a box. But over time, something shifts.

"We know not everyone is ready. But we also know that once someone is ready, this work changes everything," Scott says. "When the student is ready, the teacher arrives."

That moment might come during a journaling session. It might come in a breakout room. It might even feel like a panic attack—as one participant recently shared.

"That level of honesty is where the breakthrough happens," Scott reflects. "Because it gives permission for everyone else to stop pretending."

What This Means for VSOs

For leaders of veteran service organizations (VSOs), this conversation is a call to action.

If your program focuses solely on tactical prep—without space for personal clarity, reflection, and storytelling—you’re missing the foundation veterans need to build a purposeful civilian life.

Vector Accelerator isn’t a replacement for job training. It’s what should come before it.

"Don’t transition alone," Joe says. "The best thing we can do is surround people with others who are walking the same path."

If your VSO is looking to integrate identity work, purpose discovery, and community into your transition programming, reach out to the Vector Accelerator team to explore partnership opportunities.