THE TRUTH ABOUT TRANSITIONING OUT OF THE MILITARY & TIPS FOR VETS
Deciding to move out of service is a massive decision for every troop. However, some have their reasons for transitioning out of the military. This decision should not be made on an impulse and must require a lot of preparation. In addition to this, it is also advisable that service members who want to be out of service should plan it for 6-12 months before transitioning to civilian life. The decision is applicable whether your contract is expiring or you are retiring. There will come a time when you need to hang those uniforms and open another door for a new chapter of your life, whether you have served ten years or have been on one enlistment. When the right time comes, you must be prepared, as this change can be overwhelming sometimes.
How to Transition Out of the Military
1. Decide on an Ideal Timeline and Target Date
Most service members don't even know when they want to start transitioning out of the military. It is best to have a private conversation with your military career counselor, as they can suggest ideal timelines for your transition. Every department has various transitions out of the military checklist that you should follow. However, one of the prerequisite requirements is to attend a TGPS course, which you can attend twice.If you are 24 months out of your target date, enrolling and attending the TGPS is best. If your separation date is near, and you just remembered a few questions or some things are unclear, you can freely re-enroll in the course.
2. Consider Collage Preparations
Some schools have rolling enrollment if you have college plans. Going to a traditional school might require extra effort since they might have specific requirements and deadlines you should meet. It is still best to be proactive in researching your preferred schools and checking out their programs before you apply. One thing you need to remember about transitioning out of the military is to call the school department. Ask for the military department and find out about their benefits for Veterans. Some schools offer great packages, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill. If during the process things get complicated or you get stuck, consult the Military One Source, your family, or even your local fleet for assistance. Their staff are trained and always happy to help you through the process.
3.Get in Touch With the VA or DAV
With your plans to transition out of the military, don't forget to visit the VA or the DAV. Most bases have employees stationed to assist service members with their questions. The Disabled American Veterans will check and review your medical records and oversee if you have any medical issues that you can claim with the VA.If you have a medical claim, you should file it immediately. It will be processed within six months before your separation. The reason for this is that if you visited these offices after your separation, your VA claim might take over two years to be finished. Even if you think you are healthy and don't need it, still go through the process. If something happens on the layer part of your transitioning out of the military, at least you have already started a claim, and it will be a much smoother process. Last up on the transitioning out of the military checklist, is to always keep a copy of your medical records. You don't know when you might need them, and this will remove the hassle of asking the military medical facility for a copy and waiting for it to be shipped out.
4. Reflect on Your Civilian Career
Most of the time, this part on how to transition out of the military is neglected. Some service members think that finding their next job is a walk on the beach. It is vital for service members who will go through a new career path to start planning ahead. Start with your resume; there are several ways to polish up your applications or resumes to fit civilian standards. You can seek help from companies or agencies who edit resumes, or you can take classes or short courses if you want to do it yourself. With job hunting, you can ask your connections if they have some hiring coming up, or you can also browse the internet for positions that might fit your skills.
5. Be One Step Ahead
The one last step that needs to be considered when transitioning out of the military is your next home. Some service members will go back to the home on record, where they have a family waiting for them: friends, a wife, husbands, and children. While others choose to stay at the last duty station and retire there or go to where they can find new jobs. Service members who got out of service might be alone, but it's where the money is, making the move worth it.
Tips for Vets Transitioning Out of the Military
- Prepare for an employment gap when transitioning from military to civilian life. It may take 6 month or more to find a job after leaving the service, so it is important to have a transition fund in place to cover 6 to 12 months of living expenses.
- Revamp your resume to help with the job search after the military. When describing your military experiences and positions, try using civilian language, describing your experiences in a easily understandable manner.
- Explore how to use your GI Bill benefits. Thinking about going back to school, or about learning a new skill? Remember to use your GI Bill benefits, and take some time to learn about how to access them before leaving the service.
- Stay connected with your military peers. Networking is a powerful tool, and during your time in the military you have probably met a lot of people who can help you with your professional career. Consider creating and/or updating your LinkedIn. Additionally, keep in touch with your military mentors.
After Transitioning Out of the Military
Your separation can be a whirlwind process, or it can also go smoothly. However, one thing is sure: Veterans will have various experiences and mixed emotions about retirement. Sometimes, when life gets hard, you may be unprepared for it. But one thing is for sure: you can do it, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Related reads: