Travis Scott Collier is originally from Georgia. After graduating the US Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut, Travis has been assigned across the country in many iconic places: New Jersey, Virginia, Texas, California, and now, New Orleans. 

Travis has spent his career immersed in the Coast Guard’s military training system. He holds a Master’s in Instructional & Performance Technology from Boise State University, has trained over 650 foreign nationals in 19 nations, led three of the US Coast Guard’s apprentice training programs (including the culinary training program), and helped develop small boat engineering and coxswain training programs for the Republic of Georgia Coast Guard. 

Travis recently returned from deployment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he developed a comprehensive training system to help the Kingdom train a new 5,000 soldier, critical infrastructure protection force.

Travis is currently serving as a commercial vessel inspector and port state control officer, assigned in the Port of New Orleans. He has been awarded three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, with Operational Distinguishing Device. He is applying for early retirement, to transition in 2017.

The Command Your Transition Story

I made a “Year 9” Decision at Year 11.

In the current, soon to be replaced, retirement system, military members got a defined pension at 20 years of service. Therefore, 20 years was the gateway to the golden carrot, nothing sooner. And while military members don’t like to say we’re in it for the money, money is a huge motivation for the dearth of people who don't leave during their second decade of service.

It's a precipice: between getting a defined pension, or walking away with nothing.

There are four years-of-service “gates” where members most often get out: Years 5, 10, 20, & 25. And we’re always reminded of our date of entry with every paycheck stub.Years of service drive manpower size and strength. Promotion, advancement, assignment—they’re all based on seniority of time. And while it can take a company a decade or two to mature, military careers must mature by 10-12 years to be viable. If you haven’t made a “terminal” rank by 12 years, or put yourself on the path to ensure a terminal promotion by 15 years, you’re out.

Connect with Travis:

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