Rules change and vary by branch and situation, so treat this as a planning checklist. Confirm the details with your installation’s transition office and the official sites linked here.
12 months or more before
- Start your transition counseling. Under federal law (opens in a new tab), preseparation counseling starts no later than 365 days before separation, and retirees can begin up to 24 months out. If your separation comes with less notice, start as soon as you can. Your installation’s transition office handles registration.
- Choose a direction. Use the CivLaunch job finder to see civilian jobs that fit your MOS/AFSC/Rating, and decide between work, school, or both.
- Find out what credentials your target job needs. COOL (opens in a new tab) links to each branch’s site on credentials related to military occupations.
- Start gathering records. It’s much easier to collect training and medical records while you’re still serving.
6 to 12 months before
- Attend your transition workshops. The Department of Labor’s part of the Transition Assistance Program (opens in a new tab) includes employment workshops.
- Draft your résumé. Our guide on translating your experience walks through it.
- Look into SkillBridge. SkillBridge (opens in a new tab) offers training, apprenticeships, or internships with industry partners during your last 180 days of service. VA’s SkillBridge page (opens in a new tab) lists the basic requirements: at least 180 continuous days on active duty, finishing within your final 180 days, and approval from your chain of command. Each branch may add its own rules, so ask early.
- Build your network. Tell people what you’re looking for, and talk to veterans already working in the field you want.
- Plan for school, if that’s your path. VA explains how to apply for education benefits (opens in a new tab).
Your last 6 months
- File a VA disability claim early, if it applies to you. Benefits Delivery at Discharge (opens in a new tab) lets you file 180 to 90 days before you leave. You need a known separation date and must be available for exams. With fewer than 90 days left, you file a standard claim.
- Plan your health coverage. Check whether you qualify for TAMP (opens in a new tab), which provides 180 days of coverage for certain groups. Not everyone who separates is eligible. You can also apply for VA health care (opens in a new tab).
- Apply for jobs. Many employers won’t wait long for a start date, so check timing with each one.
- Review your DD Form 214 before you sign. Check that it’s accurate, since other benefits and employers may rely on it.
After you separate
- Decide on life insurance. You can apply for Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (opens in a new tab) without a health review within 240 days of leaving, and with evidence of good health until 1 year and 120 days after.
- Use free job help. The Department of Labor says its network of American Job Centers (opens in a new tab) gives veterans and eligible spouses priority of service in qualified job training programs.
- Prepare for interviews. See how to talk about your military experience.
Documents to keep safe
Keep copies somewhere secure, both on paper and digitally:
- your DD Form 214, the report of separation;
- training records, certificates, and licenses;
- evaluations and awards;
- medical and dental records.
If you lose your DD Form 214, the National Archives explains how to request a copy (opens in a new tab). Most veterans can get one for free.