Consultations and Work Inquiries for Mr. K | For Self-Defense Force Personnel Struggling with CGS Exams, Careers, and Job Changes

Through note, I have received a truly large number of consultations regarding CGS exams, careers for SDF officers, and job changes or second careers for SDF personnel.

• “I am thinking about taking the CGS exam, but I don't know where to start.”

• “I am worried about whether my study method for the first-stage exam is correct.”

• “I don't know how to proceed with the job analysis for the second-stage exam.”

• “As an SDF officer, I am worried about whether I should continue on my current career path.”

• “I am torn between whether I should leave the Self-Defense Forces or stay.”

• “I don't know how to write about my experience in the Self-Defense Forces on my resume.”

Every time I receive such consultations, I feel strongly about one thing.

Whether it is CGS exams, careers, or job changes, if you keep worrying alone, your perspective inevitably becomes narrow.

Even when you think you have organized your thoughts, you often find yourself going around in circles before you know it.

That happens quite often.

However, just by talking to someone, your situation can suddenly become clear.

By consulting with someone who has walked the path a little further ahead, options that were previously invisible can suddenly come into view.

In this article, I have organized and summarized the types of consultations I can handle.

“Is it okay to consult about something like this?”

I would be happy if those who are hesitant would read this.

Please note that while I am currently involved in crisis management work as a sole proprietor, this article mainly provides information on individual consultations for active and former Self-Defense Force personnel.

1. Introduction: Regarding Consultations and Work Inquiries

1). The reason for creating this page

Up until now, I have mainly shared information on note regarding the following themes.

• CGS Exam Preparation

• Study Methods for JGSDF Officers

• Career Development for Officers

• Job Changes and Second Careers for JSDF Personnel

• Effort, Consistency, Habit Formation, and Mental Management

• Exam Study, Essay Preparation, and Answer Drafting

Thanks to those who have read my articles, I have increasingly been receiving requests for individual consultations.

However, as the number of articles has grown, I feel that some confusion has arisen regarding the following:

"What exactly can I consult you about?"
"To what extent can you provide support?"
"Is my specific concern covered?"

Therefore, in this article, I have decided to reorganize and provide information on the support I can offer.

2). This page is a guide for individual consultations for active and former JSDF personnel.

This article is primarily a guide to individual consultations for active and former JSDF personnel.

I am specifically thinking of those who fall into the following categories:

• Those considering taking the CGS exam

• Those struggling with study methods for the CGS exam

• Those feeling anxious about their career as an officer

• Those who are unsure about whether to retire from the JSDF

• Those who want to start job hunting but don't know where to begin

• Those struggling with their resume or interview preparation

• Those who want to organize their future career, including family and life planning

My support is not about forcing anyone to buy anything.

First, I prioritize organizing your concerns and making your options visible.

I value that above all else.

3). For those who wonder, 'Is it okay to consult about something like this?'

I imagine many people hesitate before reaching out for a consultation.

• 'Is it okay to consult even if I haven't decided to take the exam yet?'

• 'Is it okay to consult even if I haven't decided whether to change jobs?'

• 'Can you look at my resume even if it's not finished yet?'

• 'Is it okay to talk about my family circumstances as well?'

To give you the conclusion first, it is absolutely no problem.

In fact, it is precisely because you are still in the stage where your thoughts are not yet solidified that there is meaning in consulting.

It is okay even if your thoughts are not organized yet.

It is okay even if you cannot put your worries into words well.

We can organize them together while we talk.

That is what I believe.

2. What I can support

There are three main areas where I can provide support.

The first is CGS exam preparation and ongoing support.

The second is career consultation for Self-Defense Force officers.

The third is support for job changes and second careers for Self-Defense Force personnel.

1). CGS Exam Preparation and Mentoring Support

Taking the CGS exam is a significant challenge for career officers.

For the first stage of the exam, you must memorize a vast amount of knowledge and be able to articulate it in your written answers.

In the second stage, you will be deeply questioned about your professional experience and your mindset as an officer through job analysis, performance evaluations, interviews, and oral examinations.

Of course, you can study on your own.

However, if you proceed without seeing the big picture, you may end up focusing your efforts in the wrong direction.

Here are some examples of how I can support you:

• Organizing the overall structure of the CGS exam

• Creating a study plan for the first stage of the exam

• Organizing study methods by subject

• Approaches to memorization, review, and essay preparation

• Strategies for drafting exam answers

• Reviewing essay answers

• Support for second-stage job analysis

• Organizing performance records and preparing for oral exams

• Year-long comprehensive consulting

• Support for study consistency, mental management, and habit formation

For the CGS exam in particular, knowing 'what to do and in what order' is truly essential.

Simply increasing your study hours blindly may not always lead to results.

Within your limited time, which subjects should you prioritize and how should you proceed?

How do you connect memorization with essay writing?

How do you design your review process?

When should you start job analysis for the second-stage exam?

We will organize these points together.

I also welcome consultations from those who still have time before their exams.

In fact, by grasping the big picture and starting preparations early, the burden right before the exam will be completely different.

Even if you think it is still too early, please feel free to consult with me.

2). Career Consultation for Self-Defense Force Officers

As you serve as an officer in the Self-Defense Force, I believe various concerns will arise.

Am I in the right position?

How should I grow in this occupational field?

Should I aim for CGS?

How should I view promotions?

How can I balance unit duties with family life?

Should I stay in the Self-Defense Force, or should I also consider a future career change?

There is no single correct answer for an officer's career.

What you should consider changes depending on your occupational field, position, family situation, personal values, and future aspirations.

Here are some examples of what I can support you with:

• Organizing your career as an officer

• Setting future goals

• Taking stock of your strengths, weaknesses, and experience

• Organizing options such as CGS, TAC, FOC, study abroad, secondment, and job changes

• What to do and how to spend your time during AOC and BOC

• Approaches to unit duty and headquarters duty

• Consultations regarding leadership, unit management, and subordinate development

• Comparing career paths within the JSDF and the possibility of changing jobs

• Career consultations that include family and life planning

When you are a junior officer, you tend to be overwhelmed by the work right in front of you.

As you become a mid-level officer, you face more realistic concerns such as future assignments, family, promotions, and job changes.

At that time, if you keep thinking about it all by yourself, your perspective will inevitably become narrow.

Sometimes, staying in the JSDF is the right answer.

Sometimes, it is better to keep job changes in mind.

First, let's look at what you value most.

What kind of career do you want to pursue?

What are your realistic options?

We will work together to organize these points.

3). Support for JSDF personnel job changes and second careers

When changing jobs from the JSDF to a private company, this is the one point that many people struggle with.

How should I convey my JSDF experience to a private company?

Terms that were commonly used in the JSDF may not be understood at all in the private sector.

Conversely, experiences you may not have considered special in the Self-Defense Forces can become major strengths in the private sector.

The issue is 'how to put that into words'.

For example, I can provide support with the following:

• Clarifying your career change focus

• Inventorying your JSDF experience

• Support for creating resumes and curriculum vitae

• Support for drafting statements of purpose and self-promotion

• Interview preparation and interpreting job postings

• How to utilize recruitment agencies

• Support in translating JSDF experience into language understood by private companies

• Career change consultations for roles in crisis management, BCP, general affairs, safety management, security, consulting, etc.

Changing jobs is not just about applying for job openings.

• First, what do you value most?

• What kind of work style do you want?

• Which experiences should you highlight as your strengths?

• Which industries and job types are right for you?

• What kind of preparation is necessary?

These need to be carefully organized.

Especially for JSDF officers, you possess many elements highly valued in the private sector, such as management experience, planning, subordinate development, crisis response, coordination skills, and a sense of responsibility.

However, if you convey these using the same terminology as the Self-Defense Forces, they often fail to be fully understood by recruiters.

That is precisely why it is more important than anything else to "translate" your experience in the Self-Defense Forces into language that private companies can understand.

3. My Strengths and Why I Am Chosen

I do not speak about CGS exams or career changes as mere academic knowledge.

I speak from what I have experienced, worried about, suffered through, and ultimately overcome myself.

My support is based on those experiences.

1). I have experienced the CGS exam myself

I have taken the CGS exam myself.

And I truly suffered.

I struggled with memorization.

I struggled with writing essays.

I struggled with balancing it with my work.

I felt anxious comparing myself to those around me.

I have also felt lonely.

Although I passed on my first attempt, it was by no means easy.

That is exactly why I understand the specific worries of examinees.

"I forget everything as soon as I memorize it."
"I cannot write essays."
"I am too busy with work to make progress in my studies."
"I am worried about how far my peers have progressed."
"I am afraid I won't make it in time at this rate."

I have experienced all of these feelings myself.

Because I have actual experience of suffering rather than just theoretical knowledge, I believe I can provide support that is close to the examinee.

2). I have practical experience as a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force officer

I have served as a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force officer.

I have accumulated a variety of experiences, including unit service, training, staff duties, and international operations.

Through these, I have seen firsthand the struggles of JSDF officers, the culture of the organization, and the difficulties of building a career.

JSDF officers are placed in positions of responsibility from a young age.

You must manage subordinates, report to superiors, and carry out unit missions, all while thinking about your own future.

There are field exercises and reassignments.

There is also the challenge of balancing work with family life.

In that context, deciding how to approach things like CGS exams, job assignments, or career changes is by no means a simple matter.

That is why I value consultations that are based on an individual's specific situation, rather than superficial advice.

3). Experience after transitioning to the private sector

After leaving the JSDF, I also have experience working in the private sector. I have participated in numerous interviews from the recruiter's side.

What I felt strongly during that time was that while JSDF experience can be utilized in the private sector, it is often difficult to convey as is.

Experiences and terminology that are valued in the JSDF may not be understood in the private sector.

Conversely, experiences that you might take for granted in the JSDF can be a major strength in the private sector.

What is important is "translation."

Changing your JSDF experience into language that private companies can understand.

It is about conveying not just what you did in the JSDF, but what kind of person you are because of that experience.

This is what is truly important.

I have experience in both the JSDF and private companies.

That is why I believe I can support that bridge-building process.

4). Experience in providing consultations and support through note

Through note, I have received consultations from a truly large number of people.

• Those struggling with CGS exams

• Those struggling with their career as a Self-Defense Force officer

• Those struggling with changing jobs

• Those struggling with how to write a resume

I have continued to provide consultations and support while facing the situation of each and every one of them.

And, thankfully, I sometimes receive words of gratitude from readers.

• "After reading your article, I decided to take on the challenge."

• "After consulting with you, I was able to clear my head."

• "I can now see the direction for my resume."

• "I now understand what I need to do for the CGS exam."

These words are a great source of strength for me to continue sharing information and providing support.

4. Specific examples of consultations you can request

Here, I will introduce specifically what kind of consultations you can actually have.

The following are just a few examples.

• I have the CGS exam in two years, and I want to consult on what I should do starting now.

• I want you to check if my study method for the CGS primary exam is correct.

• I am struggling because I cannot write essays.

• I forget things immediately even after memorizing them.

• I want to create a study plan for each subject.

• I want you to review my CGS secondary exam job analysis materials

• I want to prepare for interviews and examinations

• I want to organize my future career as a JSDF officer

• I am unsure whether I should aim for CGS, TAC, or FOC

• I want to organize my thoughts on promotions and assignments

• I am unsure whether I should leave the JSDF

• I want to consult on how to proceed with job hunting

• I want you to edit my resume/job history

• I want to translate my JSDF experience into a format that private companies can understand

• I want to work together on my statement of purpose and self-promotion

• I want to know how to use job placement agencies

• I don't know how to interpret job postings

• I want to think about my future career, including family and life planning

Of course, you can consult with me on matters not listed here, as long as they relate to CGS exams, JSDF officer careers, job changes, or second careers.

"I haven't been able to organize my concerns yet"

"I'm not confident I can explain my situation well"

Even if you are in that state, it is absolutely no problem.

There is no need to have everything perfectly organized before you consult with me.

Organizing things together while we talk.

I believe that in itself is an important purpose of the consultation.

5. Support Format

The support format will be flexibly adjusted according to the content of your consultation.

The main formats are as follows.

1). Single Consultation

A single consultation is suitable for those who first want to organize their concerns.

We anticipate an online consultation of approximately 60 or 90 minutes.

We will work together to organize your current situation regarding CGS exams, your career as a JSDF officer, job changes, or your second career.

For example, it is suitable for people like this:

"I want to know what I should do from now on."
"I want to confirm if my direction is correct."
"I am hesitant about changing jobs."
"I want to organize my experience before writing my resume."

A single consultation is perfectly fine.

I will not pressure you into ongoing support.

2). Document Review and Editing

I also provide document review and editing services.

Target documents include, for example, the following:

• CGS secondary exam job analysis materials

• Essay answers

• Job performance status

• Resume (Job History)

• Curriculum Vitae

• Statement of purpose

• Self-Promotion

When you look at documents only by yourself, it is often difficult to notice areas for improvement.

Especially with job history documents and job analysis materials, it is important not only 'what you wrote,' but also 'what you want to convey' and 'how it appears to the other party.'

I will help you organize the content, improve the expressions, and review the structure as needed.

3). Continuous Accompaniment Support

For CGS exams and job change activities, continuous support over a certain period may be necessary.

For CGS exams, I will provide continuous support for study plan creation, progress management, regular interviews, answer reviews, and secondary exam preparation.

For job change activities, I will provide step-by-step support for organizing your career goals, creating job history documents, analyzing job openings, and interview preparation.

Continuous support is adjusted individually based on the content and duration.

I only provide information to those who need it.

6. About Fees

Fees vary depending on the content of the consultation, the volume of materials, and the duration of support.

Please consider the following as a guide.

• One-time consultation: 5,500 yen or more for 60 minutes

• 90-minute consultation: Individual consultation depending on content

• Document review and correction: Individual consultation depending on material volume and support content

• CGS annual accompaniment support: Individual consultation

• Correction of job history and resumes: Individual consultation depending on material volume and support content

These are just estimates.

Since the necessary time and content of support change depending on the content of your consultation, please feel free to contact me first.

I will never pressure you into purchasing expensive support services.

My goal is to provide the necessary support to those who need it, to the extent that it is required.

7. Workflow for Requests

The process for consultations and requests is as follows.

1). Inquiry

First, please send me a brief summary of what you would like to discuss.

For example, including the following information will make it easier for me to review your request.

• Topic you wish to discuss

• Your current situation

• Desired type of support

• Preferred consultation format

• Preferred timing for the consultation

If you haven't organized your thoughts yet, that is perfectly fine.

“I would like to consult about the CGS exam,” “I am worried about changing jobs,” or “I would like you to look at my resume.”

A simple message like that is completely fine.

2). Content Review

I will review the information you provided and determine if I am able to assist you.

If necessary, I may ask a few brief follow-up questions.

Depending on the nature of your request, a one-time consultation might be appropriate.

Alternatively, a document review might be the best approach.

In some cases, ongoing support may be more suitable.

We will think together about a sustainable approach that takes your preferences into account.

3). Confirmation of Schedule, Support Content, and Fees

Once the content is decided, we will confirm the schedule, support format, and fees.

• Whether it is a one-time consultation

• Whether it is a document review

• Whether it is ongoing support

We will proceed only after thoroughly confirming the format we will use.

4). Interview, Document Review, and Start of Support

We will conduct online interviews, document reviews, corrections, and ongoing support.

During the interview, we will listen to your current situation and concerns, and work together to organize your future direction.

For document reviews, please share the materials in advance so that I can review the content and provide feedback.

5). Ongoing Support as Needed

It is perfectly fine to finish after just a one-time consultation.

While I may suggest ongoing support if necessary, I will never pressure you into it.

You can make your decision based on your own situation and needs.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

1). Can active-duty Self-Defense Force personnel consult with you?

Yes, that is possible.

I also accept consultations from active-duty Self-Defense Force personnel.

We will maintain confidentiality regarding the content of your consultation.

Please feel free to consult with us with peace of mind.

2). Can I consult with you even if I haven't decided to take the CGS exam yet?

Yes, that is possible.

In fact, consulting at an early stage will make it easier to organize your options.

Whether you should aim for CGS.

What you should start doing now.

What kind of preparation is necessary.

Please feel free to consult with us from those early stages.

3). Can I consult with you even if I haven't decided whether to change jobs?

Yes, that is possible.

Even if it is a job change consultation, we do not necessarily recommend resigning.

We will organize things together, including the option of remaining in the Self-Defense Forces.

What is important is to think calmly about your future life and career.

Please feel free to consult with us even before you have decided whether to quit or stay.

4). Can I consult with you even if my resume is not yet complete?

Yes, that is possible.

In fact, it is sometimes easier to organize things if you consult before your resume is complete.

We can take stock of your experience in the Self-Defense Forces and think together about what strengths to highlight.

We can support you not only by proofreading completed documents but also from the stage before you start writing them.

5). Can I also discuss family circumstances and personal life matters?

Yes, that is possible.

A career is not determined by work alone.

It is deeply intertwined with family, where you live, child-rearing, income, and future life planning.

As needed, we will organize these circumstances together.

6). If I have a consultation, am I required to receive ongoing support?

No, that is not necessary.

A one-time consultation is perfectly fine.

While I may make suggestions if ongoing support is needed, I will not pressure you into it.

It is perfectly fine to use the service only as much as you need, when you need it.

9. Final Note: You don't have to carry it all alone

Whether it's the CGS exam, a career as a Self-Defense Force officer, or transitioning out of the Self-Defense Force.

If you keep worrying by yourself, your perspective will inevitably narrow.

Even if you think you are thinking it through, you may find yourself going in circles before you realize it.

However, just by talking to someone, you can sometimes organize your thoughts.

By consulting with someone who has walked the path a little further ahead, you may see options that were previously invisible to you.

I have experienced the struggle of taking the CGS exam myself.

I also have experience serving as a Self-Defense Force officer.

I also have experience leaving the Self-Defense Force and working in the private sector.

And through note, I have addressed the consultations of many active and former Self-Defense Force personnel.

Based on that experience, I would like to support those who need it.

I have no intention of forcing you to make a request.

It is enough if those who need it consult with me at the right time.

"I wonder if it's okay to consult about something like this."

Even if you feel that way about the content, it is fine.

Please do not carry it alone; if you need to, please feel free to consult me.

I would be happy if I could help you organize your worries and anxieties, even just a little.

If you would like a consultation, please start by letting me know your current situation or what you would like to discuss, even if it is brief.

Example:

• I want to consult about the CGS exam

• I want to organize my study methods for the first stage exam

• I want you to look at my job analysis materials for the second stage exam

• I want to consult about my future career as a Self-Defense Force officer

• I want to consult about how to proceed with job hunting

• I want you to look at my resume and statement of purpose

It is okay if your thoughts are not yet organized.

Let's organize them together while we talk.

I would be happy if those who need it could consult with me at the right time.

I have created a form for individual consultations, so please feel free to contact me using the form below.

Mr. K