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This is why, when I became an educator and counselor, I found that the lessons from movies still resonate deeply (I did this too when I was a Youth Pastor in California for 2 years). They’ve taught me about courage, leadership, and transformation, lessons that are not only relevant to personal growth but to the challenges military personnel face during career transitions. Here are 10 films that have shaped my understanding of fear, growth, and reinvention — and how these lessons can be applied in career transition, education, and counseling.
1. The Sixth Sense (1999) – Seeing What Others Can’t
Remember when Cole (Haley Joel Osment) tells Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis), “I see dead people”? At first, it’s a horrifying confession. But as the movie unfolds, it becomes clear that Cole’s ability to see what others can’t is a powerful skill.
For educators and counselors, this is a metaphor for recognizing the hidden strengths in others — qualities like leadership, discipline, and empathy that may feel buried beneath the surface. For veterans transitioning to civilian life, these “ghosts” from their military past don’t need to haunt them. In fact, they are the very strengths that can help them thrive in a new career.
2. A Quiet Place (2018) – Adapt or Disappear
In a world where silence means survival, the Abbot family must navigate their environment without making a sound. Every noise could cost them everything. It’s a harsh world, but it’s one that teaches adaptability and awareness.
For those transitioning from military life, this resonates deeply. The military world is loud and filled with commands, but the civilian world demands a different kind of awareness — listening, observing, and understanding the subtleties around us. This is the power of emotional intelligence. It’s no longer about commanding others; it’s about adapting to new situations and connecting in ways we’ve never had to before.
3. Pan's Labyrinth (2006) – Imagination as Armor
Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) escapes into a fantasy world to protect herself from the brutal realities of fascist Spain. In her journey through a labyrinth, she faces monsters and trials, but it’s her imagination that gives her strength.
In many ways, this mirrors the transition process. Imagination can be our armor in times of hardship. For veterans, using creativity and envisioning a better version of themselves can be a powerful tool in overcoming the challenges of reinvention. As educators and counselors, we can help our clients and students see beyond their current circumstances, imagining a brighter future — even when it feels out of reach.
4. The Truman Show (1998) – Escaping the Script
Jim Carrey’s Truman Burbank begins to realize his entire life has been scripted. He has lived in a controlled world, and the moment he chooses to break free, he sails into the unknown, finally saying, “In case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.”
This scene is the epitome of what many veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. For years, their lives have been scripted — dictated by the military system. The challenge is to write their own story, to step out of the familiar and into the unknown, and redefine themselves. The question is: Who are you beyond your military career? How will you create your next chapter?
5. The Others (2001) – Accepting Change
Nicole Kidman’s character in The Others fights to protect her children from what she believes are invisible spirits, only to discover she is the ghost. This plot twist is as chilling as it is symbolic.
For transitioning service members, this is a wake-up call: Sometimes the version of yourself you’re holding onto has already moved on. The world you’re trying to protect has changed. And that’s okay. Change is hard, but it’s also necessary for growth. As educators and counselors, we must help veterans understand that letting go of the past is key to embracing their future.
6. Interstellar (2014) – Time, Distance, and Duty
Matthew McConaughey’s Cooper launches into space to save humanity, leaving his daughter behind. As he watches decades of her life unfold in mere moments, we feel the toll of duty and the sacrifice it demands.
For veterans, this resonates deeply. Service requires sacrifice — and in the transition process, there is a cost. But legacy matters more than location. The bonds forged during service are timeless. We, as counselors, must help veterans understand that their purpose may change, but their legacy will continue to shape the world they leave behind.
7. The Shape of Water (2017) – Empathy Over Conformity
In The Shape of Water, mute cleaner Elisa (Sally Hawkins) falls in love with an amphibian creature, defying societal norms. Her compassion transcends fear and prejudice, demonstrating that empathy is often more powerful than conformity.
For counselors, educators, and military members, empathy is the bridge that connects people across boundaries. When helping others transition, it’s not about conformity or forcing change — it’s about understanding and accepting the unique experiences each person brings with them.
8. Edge of Tomorrow (2014) – Fail, Reset, Repeat
Tom Cruise’s Major Cage is forced to relive the same battle over and over until he learns the lessons necessary to survive. This repetitive cycle isn’t a curse; it’s a process of learning from failure.
Transition is rarely smooth. Veterans face rejection, awkward interviews, and moments of failure. But failure isn’t fatal — it’s feedback. Every setback is an opportunity to reset and learn. As educators and counselors, we must encourage transitioning service members to embrace failure as part of the journey, not the end of it.
9. Arrival (2016) – The Language of Understanding
Amy Adams’ linguist Louise Banks decodes alien symbols to prevent global war. Through her work, she teaches us that communication begins with curiosity.
In the transition process, understanding the language of the civilian world is critical. For veterans, this often means learning to communicate their military skills in a way that resonates with civilian employers. As counselors, it’s our job to facilitate this language shift, helping veterans articulate their value in a new context.
10. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) – Adventure Starts Inside
Ben Stiller’s Walter Mitty steps out of his daydreams and into real-life adventures — a powerful metaphor for the leap many veterans face in transition.
For those leaving the military, the unknown can be scarier than combat. But just like Walter, the adventure begins when we step outside our comfort zones. In this journey, the first step is the hardest, but it’s also the most rewarding. As educators and counselors, we guide others through that leap — showing them that the life they dream of can start today.
Conclusion: Fear is Not the Enemy, It’s the Guide
Fear is a natural part of transition. But it doesn’t have to control you. Just like the characters in these films, military members, educators, and counselors alike can face their fears head-on, learn from them, and use them as fuel for reinvention.
As you move forward in your career or life, remember this: Fear is information. Embrace it, learn from it, and let it guide you toward your next great adventure.
For more insights, movie reviews, and life lessons, visit my blog at www.tonyastro.com.
This is the third article in a five-part series exploring systemic challenges within the DoD Transition Assistance Program (TAP) from the perspective of a career counselor. You can find the previous articles here: Part 1 and Part 2.
In the first two parts of this series, we examined why the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is often seen as a fragmented system, offering access to entitlements rather than empowering service members for their civilian missions. As a counselor who has lived this mission for decades, I've observed that the issues aren't just in the curriculum—they are deeply rooted in the operational environment and management of the program itself.
This article, and my research, is an independent and personal analysis. While I hold great respect for the professionals who dedicate their lives to this mission, a systemic crisis exists that is often hidden from view. When it comes to a service member's critical transition, one individual not receiving the right information at the right time is one too many.
Here is an inside look at some of the key operational hurdles and why they create a ripple effect that ultimately impacts the readiness of our transitioning service members.
The effectiveness of any program is a direct reflection of its leadership and execution. In my experience, there is a profound disconnect between those who manage the program and those who deliver it.
Misplaced Organizational Priorities: There's a pervasive sense that strict adherence to slides and administrative protocols takes precedence over our core mission of "Helping our warriors." When the focus shifts to checking boxes rather than fostering genuine transformation, the program loses its heart.
Suboptimal Training Delivery: The curriculum, while containing valuable information, is often delivered in an overly scripted manner that feels more like military indoctrination than inspiring, impactful civilian readiness training. The reliance on paper handouts that are often discarded further contributes to this inefficiency. This is particularly challenging for modern learners who expect dynamic, interactive content.
A healthy organization thrives on consistency, fairness, and a culture of continuous improvement. When these elements are absent, morale suffers, and the mission is compromised.
Inconsistent Standards and Accountability: I have observed instances of uneven accountability, where standards for one counselor's classroom are not applied to another's. This kind of inconsistency creates a challenging environment and undermines the integrity of the program.
Ineffective Feedback Surveys: The current feedback surveys are not designed to help counselors and educators improve. They often fail to provide the kind of constructive, daily feedback needed for continuous improvement. This places the burden on individual counselors to proactively adjust their methods, a task that is difficult in an environment that may not recognize professional development or credentials outside of mandatory training.
The day-to-day operational challenges faced by counselors directly hinder their ability to serve. These are not minor inconveniences; they are critical barriers to effective service delivery.
Unstable Resources and Connectivity: For months, TAP counselors have operated without stable internet or permanent phone lines, making consistent client contact and resource access a daily struggle. This foundational instability is a systemic deficit that directly impacts the quality of service.
Gross Waste of Critical Resources: As noted in my research, there have been instances of millions of dollars of taxpayer-funded books being discarded. This not only represents a profound financial waste but, more importantly, it deprives transitioning service members of essential resources, reinforcing the perception of a program that is out of touch with the needs of its clients and its staff.
These are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a larger system in need of reinvention. When counselors and educators are not properly supported, given the right tools, or operating within a culture of accountability and empowerment, they cannot be expected to effectively serve the very service members they are committed to helping. The solutions must start from within.
My next article in this series will delve into the critical need for a human-centered redesign of TAP, proposing solutions that leverage technology, mentorship, and modern learning theory to truly empower our transitioning service members.
The insights and opinions expressed in this article series are solely those of the author, Dr. Lazaro Antonio Astro, and reflect his independent evaluation as a veteran, educator, and transition counselor. This content is based on personal observation, professional experience, and independent research conducted strictly off-duty and without federal funding.
These views are not affiliated with, officially endorsed by, or representative of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), or any other government entity. This disclaimer is essential to clarify that the author's professional analysis, while deeply informed by extensive experience within the military transition landscape, is presented as an independent perspective and does not constitute an official report or statement from any government agency. This ensures professional transparency and avoids any potential misrepresentation of official positions or policies.
As a Military & Family Life Counselor with over three decades of service in military leadership, counseling, and education, I've had the distinct privilege of working alongside countless service members and their families as they navigate critical life transitions. For the past 19 months, it has been an honor to directly teach a dedicated 2-Day Education track to active-duty personnel in transition, where understanding the GI Bill consistently emerges as a cornerstone of their post-service planning. These discussions, coupled with my own journey, have shaped the insights I share today.
My understanding of these invaluable educational benefits isn't just theoretical; it stems from profound firsthand experience. From 2007 to 2017, I personally utilized both the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and the Post-9/11 GI Bill during my own extensive educational pursuits.
My academic path included a Bachelor's degree from the University of Santo Tomas (before joining the Navy) then during the Navy with Central Texas College and a Master's of Science in Organization Management from the University of La Verne. Initially, I largely leveraged Tuition Assistance for these early graduate studies. Later, I began integrating Top-Up with my GI Bill for postgraduate work, which included M.Div. programs at Bethel University and Amridge University (formerly Southern Christian University). While my goals shifted while I was in the Reserved (after 10 years active I was discharged) from being a Youth Pastor back to active duty planning to become a Navy Counselor around 2002 after two focused years of seminary, my academic pursuit continued, even encompassing time in the Navy Reserve and a brief two-month period as a Chaplain candidate for the US Air Force Reserve.
Finally, I embarked on a challenging PhD journey at Capella University (my enrollment spanned 2006-2018), which involved eight years of dedicated study and research, with the final three years solely devoted to intense dissertation work. This comprehensive path, spanning multiple institutions and types of military service, provided me with a profound understanding of their unique strengths, their complexities, and some less obvious challenges. Understanding these nuances is crucial for truly maximizing your earned benefits and charting your next chapter.
Essential Prerequisite: Honorable Service
Before delving into specific benefits, it's vital to note that eligibility for most VA education benefits, including both the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bills, generally requires an honorable discharge from service. While some other discharge types may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the VA, an honorable discharge is the clearest path to eligibility.
The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB-AD, Chapter 30): Direct Control with Nuances
The MGIB-AD is often recognized for its straightforward direct payment to the student, offering flexibility in how funds are managed.
Key Features & Financials:
My Experience & Perspective:
Early in my educational journey, the MGIB's direct monthly payment offered a degree of financial control that was valuable for managing my expenses. However, a common point of clarification I emphasize when counseling, and something I experienced myself, is concerning the initial $1,200 contribution. This sum isn't a directly refundable deposit that you get back as a lump sum simply by using the benefit. Instead, it's a contribution that enhances the overall monthly payout you receive over the life of the benefit. A refund of this contribution typically occurs only if you elect to transfer from the MGIB to the Post-9/11 GI Bill and subsequently exhaust all 36 months of your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Without meeting these specific conditions, the $1,200 is not refunded as a direct lump sum, which was my experience. Understanding this nuance is crucial for managing expectations.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33): Comprehensive Support, Different Considerations
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, designed to be more expansive, directly addresses tuition and provides additional allowances, making it a powerful benefit for post-service education.
Key Features & Financials:
My Experience & Perspective:
While the Post-9/11 GI Bill offers incredibly comprehensive benefits, particularly for those pursuing higher education, my personal journey highlighted specific considerations for active-duty service members. As I pursued my PhD in counseling while still on active duty, I experienced firsthand that the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) portion is not paid out when using the benefit while serving, as active-duty members are already receiving housing benefits through their military pay. Furthermore, utilizing Post-9/11 benefits concurrently with Tuition Assistance (as a "Top-Up") can impact your remaining entitlement differently. By 2015, after dedicating my GI Bill benefits to my M.Div. and into my PhD research at Capella University, I found my entitlement exhausted. This extensive use, particularly for my PhD (spanning eight years of dedicated study and research), ultimately consumed approximately 26 months of my 36-month entitlement.
The final three years of my doctoral research, specifically, involved navigating an additional $60,000 in student loans. This financial deep dive certainly added an extra layer of "research" to my studies and tested my resilience, much like a complex strategic operation. Despite these significant financial hurdles and the nuances of active-duty usage, the direct payment of tuition and the overall comprehensive support provided were undeniably valuable for pursuing advanced studies and alleviating initial financial burdens.
Beyond MGIB & Post-9/11: Other Key Educational Pathways
While the MGIB and Post-9/11 GI Bill are the most widely known, it's important to be aware of other significant VA education benefits:
See disclaimer below for accuracy and timeliness of the articles and visuals as understood and designed by the Author based on his experienced using it from 2001-2014 and interpreting the current regulations and experience TAP Educator.
Key Distinctions and Strategic Choices
The decision between these powerful benefits, or how to combine them, depends heavily on your individual circumstances and educational aspirations:
It’s also important to note the Rudisill decision, which clarified that veterans eligible for both MGIB and Post-9/11 GI Bill may now utilize up to 48 months of combined benefits in certain scenarios. This provides even greater flexibility for extensive education or multiple degrees.
Empowering Your Next Chapter
In my role as an educator in the Transition Assistance Program, I consistently emphasize that understanding your GI Bill options is a fundamental step in charting your civilian career and academic path. Both the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bills represent profound investments in our veterans. Each serves a unique purpose, and the "best" choice is truly personal, depending on whether your priority is vocational training, a traditional degree, family benefits, or managing direct living expenses.
Your service has earned these invaluable opportunities. My sincere hope is that by sharing insights from both my professional experience teaching this topic and my personal journey as a GI Bill recipient, you feel more confident in navigating these choices.
Dr. Lazaro Antonio Astro, PhD, GCDF, CMCS, CMF, CCSP
Virginia Beach, VA
Professional Summary: Dedicated and compassionate Military & Family Life Counselor with over 30 years of experience in military leadership, counseling, and education. Proven expertise in providing non-medical counseling services to military personnel and their families, with a focus on school-aged children. Skilled in crisis intervention, family support, and facilitating workshops aimed at enhancing resilience and well-being. Holds active Secret Clearance and multiple certifications in career development and counseling.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on publicly available data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and personal experience. Please be advised that rules, regulations, and benefit rates for the GI Bill programs can change. For the most accurate, up-to-date, and personalized information regarding your specific eligibility and benefits, always consult directly with a VA Education Benefits Authority.
If you are reading this and have additional insights, different experiences, or more current guidelines regarding any aspect of GI Bill benefits, particularly concerning the $1,200 contribution refund or active-duty usage, please share your perspective in plain language with your latest references. Your contributions can further help empower our veteran community.
References
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.-a).
Education and Training Benefits | Veterans Affairs. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://www.va.gov/education/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.-b).
Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) | Veterans Affairs. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-active-duty/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.-c).
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) | Veterans Affairs. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.-d).
Yellow Ribbon Program | Veterans Affairs. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/yellow-ribbon-program/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.-e).
Tuition Assistance Top-Up. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/tuition-assistance-top-up/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.-f).
Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) | Veterans Affairs. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-selected-reserve/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.-g).
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) | Veterans Affairs. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2024a, May 1).
How to Transfer from the Montgomery GI Bill to the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-from-montgomery-gi-bill/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2024b, May 22).
GI Bill® benefit rates. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://www.va.gov/education/benefit-rates/gi-bill-benefit-rates/
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2024c, February 15).
Rudisill decision about using multiple GI Bill programs. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://www.va.gov/education/changes-to-gi-bill-benefits/rudisill-decision/