268. Justin Rettenberger - From Combat to Civilian Life: A Fight to Move Forward for a Marine Gunnery Sergeant

Episode 268 of the Transition Drill podcast explores military transition and rebuilding a career after combat for veterans and first responders navigating life beyond service. You’ll hear retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Justin Rettenberger on leaving the identity and intensity of the Marine Corps behind, and what it takes to build a meaningful civilian life when your original transition plan falls apart.

Justin grew up in the Midwest, unsure what direction his life would take until a chance encounter with a Marine recruiter in 1997 led him into the infantry. He originally planned to serve four years and use the GI Bill, but September 11 changed everything. He reenlisted, joined the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003, fought in Fallujah, later deployed to Afghanistan, and completed eight deployments during a 16-year Marine Corps career. Along the way, he became a Bronze Star and two-time Purple Heart recipient and learned leadership from Marines including Doug Zembiec, whose challenge to “be a man of action” still influences him today.

Eventually, marriage, fatherhood, and a changing perspective on combat pushed Justin toward retirement. His carefully planned transition nearly collapsed when a lucrative contracting job disappeared before he left the Marines. With a new baby, a new house, and no clear career path, he went back to school.

College forced him to learn how to listen to people outside the military, challenge his assumptions, and redefine himself. He earned his bachelor’s degree and MBA, discovered occupational safety, and built a successful civilian career where he now leads others while continuing his education. His lesson for anyone preparing to transition is simple: have a plan, but always have a backup.

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