I'm often taken back each time I read a posting from someone wanting to know what the hell to do after leaving the Navy as an IDC. The questions and the lack of good information hasn't seemed to change. I've been retired for ten years now and can see that our shipmates are still grasping at straws. First and foremost, myself and other successfully retired IDC's need to put our knowledge and assistance within reach of those on active duty. I cannot stress enough the importance of completing your education. Whether you use George Washington University, as I did, or another college, you generally wont go far without a degree. I have enjoyed a very professional and financially rewarding career as a Nursing Home Administrator, however, none of that would have been possible had I not completed my education. I am asking other retired IDC's to contact me at (jeffrey.schmidt [at] goldenliving [dot] com) to see if there is interest in putting together a national database of contacts and professionals who would be willing to assist those still asking the same questions we once did. Sincerely, Jeffrey K. Schmidt, USN (Retired).
Post IDC Careers - Questions Still the Same
Posted on: 21 March, 2008 - 06:36
Post IDC Careers - Questions Still the Same
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Hi Jeff,
I read your comments with great interests. I, too, have been retired from the service and chose another path. Like you, have been fortunate enough in business and have done very well. My training as IDC has helped me in difficult situations in private life, often thinking I have experienced a much more difficult and daunting situations in the military before and allowed me to pull through.
What IDC's really need is a powerful political voice. Let's not kid ourselves, nothing is accomplished in this country of ours without a political godfather backing. look at our school system...our children are losing ground against third world countries yearly and nothing is being done (or very little) because of political protectionism. IDC's as private professionals need a strong congressional backer to get heard by others.
Private health care professionals. e.g. nurses, LPN's etc. are the main detractors. Not that they are saying "NO" to the idea, but I think they need to "KNOW" about what we can do.
Ed
Hey all,
I have read your posts and I whole heartedly concur with your strong encouragements to continue higher education on and after active duty. I have been retired for coming up on 11 years now. I was fortunate to have a good background & foundation in respiratory therapy. It has paid the bills and put one through college.
However, I do share our brother & sisters lament that with out training and experience that we should be able to walk out of the service into some type of medical profession without hassles. Shoot, testing out for paramedic or registered nurses or LPN would be something. Some states have tried but on the whole we as “IDC’s” are screwed for walking off the ship into a medical job. This has frustrated all of us for many years. Maybe this IDCA could put some pressure on the appropriate legislators. I was fortunate. Many of us were too busy for higher education while on the boats.
R/ N. Leo Lundquist
HM1(SW), Ret.