The following checklist and associated resources are designed to help you make a successful transition:
18-12 Months to Separation
- Become a GI Bill and Tuition Assistance benefits expert.
- Begin degree selection and college selection process.
- Use the DoD Online Academic Skills Course to assess your academic skills.
- Make appointment with your local Transition Counselor.
- Begin career exploration.
12 Months to Separation
- Review your Pre-Separation Checklist (DD 2648-1).
- Attend a TAP Workshop.
- Find a mentor.
- Contact your Local ESO or Career Counselor to take a skill/interest assessment.
- Develop an Individual Transition Plan.
- Start job search based on skill/interest assessment findings.
- Develop your personal/professional network.
- Consider taking CLEP exams to get your general education requirements (if you plan to go school).
- Get your Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET).
- Research cost of living in your new location and plan accordingly.
- Learn about veteran's home loan benefits.
10-7 Months to Separation
- Continue working on your personal/professional network.
- Use the Military.com Skills Translator to begin developing a resume.
- Access your need for employment assistance programs.
- Begin drafting your resume.
- Begin and Refine job search - use the Military.com Skills Translator to refine search.
- Research job potential, affordability and community - review "USAA and Military.com's Best Places."
- Research your health care insurance options:
- TRICARE Reserve Select - you may purchase TRS with no break in coverage.
Visit the TRICARE Reserve Select website or call 1-800-477-8227 for more information. - Employer Provided Civilian Health Care (HMO) - If you already have employment lined up, your employer may be able to provide a less expensive option.
- Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP)
- Transitional Health Care Benefits (All Military Services)
- Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)
- Dept. of Veterans Affairs Health Care.
- TRICARE Reserve Select - you may purchase TRS with no break in coverage.
- Schedule a physical.- Visit these sites to find the closest facility:
- Budget and prepare to pay for health insurance coverage.
6-4 Months to Separation
- Start applying for jobs.
- Learn to dress for your new civilian career.
- Continue to expand career networks.
- Consider transferring Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to dependents. (This cannot be done after you leave the service). Learn more about transferring GI Bill benefits.
- Begin attending career fairs.
- Review and update your will and other financial documents.
- Consider whether to take terminal leave or sell back your balance. (See DoD Policy)
- Schedule appointments for household goods shipment and storage.
- Schedule final checkups for family members.
- Review your Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA) rights.
3 Months to Separation
- Visit Military.com Veteran Job Boards and Skills Translator.
- Consider job placement services.
- Continue your job search on Military.com.
- Use Quick Start to determine your eligibility for VA Disability Compensation.
- Review finances to ensure you are financially ready for civilian life.
- Compare SGLI to VGLI and review other Life Insurance Options.
- Familiarize yourself with future home town.
- Schedule final dental exams and treatment.
- Contact your medical treatment facility to get copies of your health and dental records.
- Learn More about Wounded Warrior Programs - If you have a military service related injury or illness, it is important for you and your family to contact your military service's Wounded Warrior Program. The following programs focus is on Help, Healing, and Hiring:
- Army Wounded Warrior (AW2) Program
Call: (800) 237-1336 - Marines for Life Injured Support Program (M4L)
E-Mail: injuredsupport@M4L.usmc.mil
Call: (866) 645-8762 - Navy Safe Harbor Program
E-mail: SafeHarbor@navy.mil
Call: (877) 746-8563 - Air Force Wounded Warrior Program
- Wounded Warrior Resource Center
Email: wwrc@militaryonesource.com
Call: 800-427-7890 x 5858 - Deployment Health & Family Readiness Library
- Military and Veterans Service Organizations and local community groups provide a full range of support services for veterans with disabilities and their family members.
- Army Wounded Warrior (AW2) Program
Less Than 3 Months to Separation
- Finalize relocation appointments and review your benefits.
- Arrange for inspection of government housing.
- Choose a transitional healthcare plan TAMP or other healthcare option:
- Employer Provided Civilian Health Care (HMO) - If you already have employment lined up, your employer may be able to provide a less expensive option.
- Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP)
- Transitional Health Care Benefits (All Military Services)
- Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care.
- Get additional information, referrals and assistance. Your current medical condition might change your disability rating as well as your pay and compensation. The following counselors can provide assistance:
