Blog Posts

Oct 15, 2024

Why Transitioning to Civilian Life Should Be More Than a Box to Check: The COMMIT Foundation’s Approach to Veteran Support

A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report revealed a troubling oversight that Stars and Stripes covered las...

A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report revealed a troubling oversight that Stars and Stripes covered last week: the Pentagon is not adequately tracking the issues that Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel face when accessing the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), a program required for all service members leaving the military. According to the report, the lack of monitoring means that the U.S. Special Operations Command and the Department of Defense may be unaware of critical program gaps, especially for those who face the unique, complex challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Transitioning out of the military is hard for any service member, but it’s especially challenging for SOF veterans. These men and women often carry the weight of intense physical and mental strain due to multiple combat deployments, rigorous training, and years of high-stakes operations. After years of service, they are now navigating a new battlefield: civilian life. At The COMMIT Foundation, we’ve recognized this issue and stepped in to provide the kind of comprehensive support that service members—and their families—truly need. Why Traditional Transition Programs Aren't Enough TAP is designed to guide veterans into employment, higher education, and other civilian opportunities. But here’s the problem: a program isn’t truly effective if it’s just a box to check. The report shows that even though SOF personnel generally complete TAP at a higher rate than other service members, only 39% start the program early enough to benefit from it fully. High operational demands, delays in medical assessments, and logistical challenges frequently prevent SOF members from getting the full support they deserve. What’s often overlooked is the fact that military transition is not just about employment; it’s about finding a new purpose, a new community, and a renewed sense of identity. At The COMMIT Foundation, we’re acutely aware that the existing programs do not address these deeper needs. That’s why our approach is holistic. Since our founding, we’ve served over 5,000 veterans and their families, providing individualized programs focusing on identity, purpose, and community—elements crucial to a successful transition. The COMMIT Foundation Difference COMMIT’s mission goes beyond simply placing veterans in jobs. We provide tailored support that acknowledges the veteran’s whole self. We address the complex factors contributing to a successful transition by fostering an environment where service members can rediscover their identity and build their purpose within a supportive community. We recognize that spouses are a critical part of the transition journey, which is why we recently hosted a Spouse Workshop in Washington, DC. This workshop offered a space for military spouses to discuss their own unique challenges, find their own identities, and connect with others who truly understand their journey. Spouses are often overlooked in the transition process, yet they are essential to the success of the veteran and the well-being of the family. The COMMIT Foundation’s Spouse Workshop is just one example of how we’re expanding our reach and addressing the needs of the entire family unit. Identity, Purpose, and Community: The True Pillars of Transition The military gives its members an identity and purpose that is difficult to replicate in civilian life. For SOF veterans, the challenge is even greater due to the nature of their missions and the high level of dedication they’ve shown over the years. COMMIT understands that purpose, identity, and a sense of community are all crucial to the veteran’s mental and emotional well-being after service. Our approach helps veterans redefine these pillars in a civilian context. We offer one-on-one coaching, peer connections, and personalized plans that empower them to thrive long after they’ve left the military. By focusing on the whole person, not just the résumé, we ensure that each veteran we work with can move forward in a meaningful way. The COMMIT Foundation is a program without a fixed beginning or end date, allowing you to design a transition experience that fits your life. Unlike rigid, one-size-fits-all programs, COMMIT is built entirely around you—your timeline, your goals, and your unique journey. There are no required classes, no attendance mandates, and no predetermined schedules. Instead, you have the flexibility to meet with your coach when it works for you, engage in coursework at your own pace, and participate in workshops that align with your schedule. COMMIT isn’t about simply landing a job; it’s about empowering you to design a fulfilling life. This program is centered on crafting a new chapter that is meaningful, purposeful, and tailored to your vision of success. We help you identify a career path that aligns with who you are, with the goal of building a life that surpasses even the accomplishments of your last chapter. Building a Legacy of Service Beyond the Uniform As the GAO report indicates, the Pentagon’s current approach to TAP lacks a comprehensive follow-up system to ensure SOF veterans are receiving the support they need. At COMMIT, we’re actively working to fill that gap by providing individualized services that veterans can trust. We don’t just help veterans find jobs; we help them design fulfilling lives with purpose, identity, and community as the foundation. We believe that every veteran deserves a chance to transition with dignity, equipped with the tools to build a legacy beyond their uniform. Through our programs, we are not only addressing the needs of veterans today but also creating a foundation of support for those who will transition in the future. And as our country continues to shift focus to new global threats, we’re here to ensure that no service member is left behind. So, while the Pentagon considers its next steps, The COMMIT Foundation is already doing the work. We’re creating pathways to purpose, building communities of support, and redefining what it means to transition successfully. Because at COMMIT, we believe that the end of one mission is simply the beginning of another.

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  • Oct 11, 2024

    Mental Health is Health: Why We Cannot Separate the Two

    UGH! It happens all the time – we often hear about mental health as if it’s a distinct entity, something separate from our overall physical health. But the truth is, mental health is health—it’s an integral part of our physiological well-being, deeply connected to our bodies. The idea that we can have mental health without considering our physical state is not just misleading—it’s incomplete. To truly thrive, we must embrace the holistic health concept. The Physiological Connection Between Mind and Body Science has long supported the idea that mental health is intrinsically linked to our physical health. Our brain, the organ responsible for our thoughts, emotions, and mental processes, is just as much a part of our body as our heart or lungs. When we engage in physical activity, our bodies release endorphins—often referred to as “feel-good” hormones—which directly affect our mood and mental state. According to research from Harvard Medical School, regular exercise can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even lower rates of depression by affecting brain chemistry and reducing stress​. Hmmmmm, improve mood? Reduce anxiety? Reduce depression? Wow, it sounds a lot like improving our mental health. The connection is clear. Physical health is part of mental health and vice versa. Further supporting this, a study led by Stanford University found that walking in nature for just 90 minutes can reduce activity in brain regions associated with depression. This study highlights the calming and restorative effects of natural environments on mental health, reinforcing the concept that our mental well-being is closely tied to our physical actions and surroundings​. You Don’t Have to Be in Triathlon Shape Understanding that physical health is crucial for mental well-being doesn’t mean we all need to be training for an Ironman. It’s not about achieving peak physical performance but about maintaining a level of activity that supports both your body and mind. Walking in nature, practicing yoga, or simply moving your body regularly can have profound effects on your mental health. Even 10 minutes of light exercise can shift your mental state in a positive direction​. The key is to find an activity that suits your current state of health and build from there. The Importance of Physical Fitness for Veteran Mental Health For veterans, the connection between physical and mental health is even more significant. During service, physical fitness was not just a routine—it was a way of life, a vital part of our ability to perform our duties. When veterans transition to civilian life, maintaining physical fitness is not just about staying in shape; it’s about preserving a sense of identity, purpose, and mental clarity. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has explored how physical activity can serve as an effective treatment for PTSD, a condition that many veterans face. Research from the VA suggests that exercise can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, providing a non-pharmaceutical option that benefits both mental and physical health. This is especially important for veterans, as staying active helps maintain the mental resilience cultivated during their service​. A Call to Action: Reconnect with Your Health If you’re reading this and feeling that your mental health is not where you want it to be, take a moment to reflect on your physical activity. Are you moving enough? Are you giving your body the chance to support your mind? Start small, be kind to yourself, and remember that every step counts. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a gentle stretch, or just standing up and moving more frequently your body and mind will thank you. For veterans, consider revisiting the physical routines that once were a part of your daily life. You don’t need to train like you’re heading back into the field, but staying active can help maintain the discipline, strength, and mental clarity that defined your service. Let’s embrace the idea that health is holistic. By caring for our bodies, we care for our minds. Together, let’s take that first step—because true health is a journey that unites both body and mind. References: Harvard Medical School. Regular Exercise Can Improve Mental Health. Retrieved from Harvard Health.Stanford University. Stanford Researchers Find Mental Health Prescription: Nature. Retrieved from Bio-X.Stanford University. A One-Hour Walk in Nature Decreases Activity in the Stress-Related Regions of the Brain. Retrieved from Stanford Center on Longevity.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Exercise May Be Useful Treatment Option for Veterans with PTSD. Retrieved from VA Research Communications.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. PTSD and Physical Health. Retrieved from National Center for PTSD.

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  • Oct 3, 2024

    Meditations of An Army Ranger: Transition Lessons Learned for Veterans and Athletes

    Change is never easy. Sometimes the change is evolutional, occurring at a time-consuming pace. Sometimes the change is revelational, with a violence of action that surprises us all. However it occurs, one thing is certain: it will occur. Change is inevitable for all of us. We will all face some transition. Transition – the act of changing from one condition or state to another. If you are a veteran or an athlete, it is certainly a definitive part of your life – at some point, you will leave the world you were a part of and become part of a new world. For some, it is a dreaded event that is associated with a loss of identity, loss of tribe, and loss of purpose; for others, it is an adventure filled with new hope and promise. Whatever your outlook – and I would recommend the latter before the former – it is a change, and it will be uncomfortable at times. I transitioned from 20 years of military service five years ago, and to my surprise, I find myself still in that “transition period” today. This doesn’t mean I haven’t done anything since I left service; it means I learned many lessons after I left service and continue to learn today. While I have enjoyed the ongoing journey, I have felt the discomfort that comes with change throughout (though at times, I didn’t recognize where the discomfort came from, just that it was there). While there are many different aspects of transition, for this article, I want to focus on just one aspect – learning a new environment and continuing to grow. I would love to talk about learning a new sense of self, relationships, etc.; the topics would be endless and could easily fill a book, let alone an article. For now, I would like to share some things I have learned, and while they may not seem like epiphanies to you, I learned them the hard way. I hope that sharing them may save you the pain of learning them yourself, and if you have already figured this out – good – drive on, and please share with everyone you can your knowledge. We need to make sure we get iteratively as a species. So, a few things that I learned that I wish I knew earlier. 1) Find A “Civilian” Mentor/Coach – Read this as someone who has no military experience or experience in your sport. The “civilian world” is different than what we experienced in the military or on teams, with different folkways and mores from our military service and time on the field. It is not better or worse than our previous world, but it is different, and having that perspective is important. These people can help you see an unfamiliar world and help you identify how you see the world differently. For example, many veterans and athletes have an “I can do it mentality” – whatever “it” is, they think they can learn “it” and do “it” – regardless of the “it.” This is not a bad mentality, but it is different (different good – it is what made you who you are), and it isn’t always understood by people who have not experienced the same things you have in your life. Having people who can see the good in this trait and help you to communicate it in a positive and useful way is really important. I have a handful of people that I use to help translate a world that is sometimes foreign to me. They are people I can trust to help me navigate when things don’t make sense to my own sense of the truth. 2) Find a Coach/Mentor That Is Younger Than You - I learned that when I was in the military, I was able to stay current and innovative because I was usually surrounded by people younger than me. Same if you are an athlete, there is always someone younger coming onto your team. When you leave the military or your sport, it doesn’t take long to lose touch with what is current. I have found that touching base with younger people (I am almost 50, so not hard to find) helps me stay aware of current trends, keeps my energy up, and allows me to continue to innovate and grow instead of stagnating. We never think about how much our young Warriors/Teammates challenge us, but they keep us young - when you leave them, you risk growing old quickly. 3) Find A New Team - This hits us all differently and at different times. It was years before I found out how much I missed being on a team and having teammates. I am not a “joiner” and always prided myself on being independent. Still, after about three years, I realized how lonely I was and how I needed someone, beyond my family, to communicate with regularly. In short, - I had to find “my people.” There are many organizations out there that provide a new team - find one you like (it is usually not the organization you will care about, but the people in the organization) and join. Do not wait until you are lonely; do it while things are good - you will make better choices. 4) Stay Fit - this may be the only thing I have done correctly since leaving service. Many of us get out and fall out of routine (which is fine; I don’t get up super early anymore) and fall into bad habits (poor eating and no exercise of any kind). You don’t have to road march, do suicides, wind-sprints, or five-mile runs, but you do have to do something. Whether you were in service or played a sport, fitness was an integral part of your day – it should stay that way. Countless studies show regular exercise helps the brain; exercise helps a body that has been beaten up for years maintain; exercise improves mood; exercise helps us keep part of our past as an amazing foundation to build from as we develop into something new. It is easy to stop working out - I will tell you that you will regret it.

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  • Sep 26, 2024

    High Touch, High Impact: What It Means at COMMIT

    At The COMMIT Foundation, we believe that true transformation comes from more than just participation—it comes from deep, meaningful engagement. When we say we are a “high-touch, high-impact” organization, we’re not just talking about a tagline; we’re describing our commitment to those we serve, the community we are a part of, and the exceptional outcomes we strive to achieve for each individual. We are a premium organization dedicated to helping high-potential people, and our goal is simple: “Set them up for success in their next chapter and beyond.” High Touch: Personalized, Intentional Connection "High touch" means we engage with people in ways that are personalized and deeply intentional. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. Every veteran, spouse, and transitioning leader that comes through COMMIT is treated as an individual with unique talents, experiences, and goals. Our commitment to “high touch” means that we spend time understanding their needs, their challenges, and their aspirations. We get to know them and the type of life they envision for their future. This personalized approach allows us to craft tailored solutions that position them for success, whether they are looking to enter the business world, academia, non-profit leadership, or another chapter in their lives. At COMMIT, our high-touch ethos starts from the very first interaction. We pair each person with a dedicated Director of Veteran Services (DVS) and a certified professional coach who walks alongside them through the entire journey. This isn’t just about providing resources; it’s about creating a partnership and community that supports and empowers each individual. Our workshops are intimate, hands-on experiences where personal connections are fostered and lasting relationships are built. Every touchpoint is about creating value, and ensuring each participant feels seen, heard, and supported. High Impact: Real, Lasting Change While high touch focuses on the “how,” high impact is about the “outcome”. The impact we strive for at COMMIT goes beyond getting someone a job or simply helping them through a transition. We focus on transformative change. We want to set people up to not only succeed in their next chapter but to thrive as leaders and continue to make meaningful contributions to their communities and industries. Our commitment to “high impact” means we don’t measure success by short-term outcomes. Instead, we look for deep, lasting change in the lives of those we serve. We want participants and their families to find not just employment but purpose. We want them to emerge from our programs with a renewed sense of identity and a clear path toward personal and professional fulfillment. This is why we invest in high-potential individuals—those who aspire to make a difference in their next chapter and who want to lead, innovate, and serve again in new ways. We know that serving your community, whatever community that is, is serving your country. The impact we create is not limited to individuals. Our participants go on to become leaders who influence their organizations, industries, and communities. They take the lessons learned from COMMIT—their newfound clarity of purpose, leadership skills, and personal growth—and apply them to create ripple effects of positive change. Why High Touch, High Impact Matters Being a premium organization means we hold ourselves to the highest standard in everything we do. We don’t just want to be another stepping stone in someone's transition journey—we want to be the catalyst that launches them toward their future. This requires us to be deeply engaged (high touch) and focused on creating meaningful, sustainable outcomes (high impact). At COMMIT, “high touch” and “high impact” go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other. Personalized, intentional engagement, with time for individual reflection, is what creates the space for transformation, and the transformation we’re after is one that truly changes lives. Our participants don’t just walk away with tools and resources; they leave with a sense of purpose, direction, and the confidence to lead in their next chapter. Building Futures, Together The COMMIT Foundation is where your next chapter begins—and where you will be set up for lifelong success. Our “high-touch, high-impact” approach means that we commit to walking alongside you through your life’s journey, helping you navigate your unique transition with clarity, purpose, and support. We are not in the business of just helping people move forward; we are in the business of building futures, inspiring leaders, and creating real change. If you’re ready to commit to your future, we are ready to commit to you.

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  • Sep 23, 2024

    The Big "I"

    “Hey JC, the ‘I’ in COMMIT is too big—what are you doing?”I was talking to Maria Hines, one of the spouses in our COMMIT Spouse Program, and she said something that really struck me:“When I write COMMIT, I make the ‘I’ bigger to remind myself that I am committing to something.”I loved that! And while we won’t be changing the logo anytime soon, I’m going to carry that with me every time I write COMMIT. Because she’s right—this isn’t just about what The COMMIT Foundation does; it’s about what every single participant in COMMIT is committing to.When high-potential individuals and their families join COMMIT, they aren’t just participating in a program—they’re making a personal commitment.I commit to transitioning with purpose.I commit to leading with impact.I commit to serving my community, not just in uniform but in every chapter of my life.It’s about committing to becoming better leaders, stronger teammates, and inspiring futures for themselves and others. The “I” in COMMIT symbolizes that personal decision to show up, to thrive, and to lead others to do the same.Join us in making that commitment!

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  • Sep 18, 2024

    Go Beyond your Mission - to an Infinite Mission!

    Like every organization, we have a mission statement at The COMMIT Foundation:The COMMIT Foundation empowers those who have served and their families to create purposeful and fulfilling transitions by providing personalized programs, resources, and the support of community.But we were inspired by Simon Sinek's concept of The Infinite Game — the idea that in life and leadership, the goal isn’t to win or lose but to keep moving forward, inspiring and empowering others along the way. That is what we aim for - so...We decided to craft our Infinite Mission Statement - one that went beyond:"We inspire great people to navigate through transitory times so they can lead others to better times, do great things, and create stronger communities."At COMMIT, we don’t compete with anyone. There are incredible organizations out there doing incredible work, and we respect and applaud their efforts. Our mission isn’t about competition—it’s about helping those we serve, the community, and the nation thrive. At COMMIT, we are focused on empowering high-potential individuals and their families to lead fulfilling lives, and together, we can create even more impact.Join us in our mission by:- Signing up for the Nobody Walks Alone: https://bit.ly/4dAIQCr- Attending one of our events: https://bit.ly/3KbeaLgLet’s build stronger communities, inspire futures, and lead with purpose. Together, we can make a difference, not just for today but for the infinite game ahead.

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The COMMIT Foundation
280 West Kagy Blvd., Suite D 313
Bozeman, MT 59715 US

+1 571 306 1323

info@commitfoundation.org

CFC Number: 88085

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The COMMIT Foundation
280 West Kagy Blvd., Suite D 313
Bozeman, MT 59715 US

+1 571 306 1323

info@commitfoundation.org

CFC Number: 88085

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