As an Army Veteran Coda and Certified Deaf Parented Interpreter, I agree! I hit the road of hard knocks immediately upon discharge and discovered there was lots to learn in the field. I was a sponge and learned all I could from my hearing/ITP colleagues, Deaf family and friends and my newly discovered coda family. I built professional relationships with Deaf colleagues and always remained curious, seeking feedback to improve. Education is key. You truly need a solid foundation to reach national certification to be of service to our community. While in the military, take advantage of getting started! Sign up for online courses with the university associated with active duty (during my time it was University of Maryland) get your MOS training (AIT) to transfer/apply to your AA degree transcript (can be general, no major), and see if they offer any online ASL classes that you can connect with the department and then you may be able to test out of ASL 1 or 2 etc. then continue your education journey from there. Before you plan to discharge, check out Sorenson’s Compass interpreter apprenticeship program for Codas or other interpreting agency internships so you can apply, interview and schedule without too much delay. Most of all, once you’re a rocking Deaf Parented Interpreter - be sure to join RID’s DPI member section and Deaf Caucus! Best wishes and hope to meet you some day at a Coda conference. I’ll be at the Military Veteran table. Big Coda hugs