Transition Checklist

The Transition Assistance Program is mandatory but start early to get the most out of it. The earlier sessions are less rushed and more thorough.

Identify 2-3 industries where your experience translates well. Talk to veterans who have made similar moves.

Your LinkedIn is your civilian first impression. Use a professional photo, translate your military titles, and start building connections.

Networking is the #1 way veterans land jobs. Aim for 2-3 coffee chats per month with people in roles you want.

Understand your benefits: Post-9/11 GI Bill, VR&E, Yellow Ribbon programs. Compare schools based on outcomes, not just rankings.

Every ache, injury, and condition needs to be in your record. Go to sick call now for anything you have been ignoring. This directly impacts your VA claim.

The transition gap is real. Even with a job lined up, build a cash buffer for unexpected expenses, security deposits, and the gap between paychecks.

Your family is transitioning too. Discuss finances, location preferences, school changes, and expectations openly.

Translate your military experience into civilian language. Focus on outcomes and impact, not duties and responsibilities.

These programs let you intern at civilian companies during your last 180 days of service. Applications fill up fast — start early.

Informational interviews build relationships and give you insider knowledge about industries, companies, and roles. They are not job asks — they are learning conversations.

Understand the claims process, gather buddy statements, and organize your medical evidence. The more prepared you are, the smoother the process.

Events like Hiring Our Heroes, American Corporate Partners, and local veteran job fairs put you in front of veteran-friendly employers.

Top MBA programs actively recruit military veterans. Start your GMAT prep 3-6 months before test day. Research programs with strong veteran communities.

Create a clean firstname.lastname@gmail.com email. Your .mil address will stop working, and your old gamertag email is not going on a resume.

You do not need a full new wardrobe — start with a few quality pieces: chinos, button-downs, a blazer, and decent shoes.

File your claim before you separate — the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program can get you rated before your last day.

Volume matters early on. Tailor your resume for each role, but do not spend hours on each application. Track everything in a spreadsheet.

Situation, Task, Action, Result. Prepare 8-10 stories that cover leadership, conflict, teamwork, and problem-solving. Practice out loud.

Apply for VA healthcare before you separate. You can apply online at VA.gov or at your local VA medical center.

TRICARE ends 180 days after separation (or immediately for some). Know your options: CHCBP, marketplace plans, spouse employer plans, or VA healthcare.

Ask 3-5 colleagues to write LinkedIn recommendations while you still work together. Update your headline and summary to reflect your target role.

Decide if you are renting or buying. If buying, get your VA loan pre-approval started — it takes time and you need your COE.

Go to at least two events where you can meet employers face-to-face. Bring resumes, have your 30-second pitch ready, and follow up within 48 hours.

If you have offers, negotiate and decide. If pursuing education, confirm enrollment, housing, and GI Bill certification with your school.

CIF turn-in, medical out-processing, finance, legal, housing — start early because every office has its own timeline and bottlenecks.

Your take-home pay will look different. No more tax-free BAH or BAS. Build a realistic budget with your new numbers.

Set up mail forwarding from your military address. Update your address with banks, subscriptions, the VA, and any pending applications.

Save everything digitally and keep hard copies. Your DD214 is the single most important document — store copies in multiple secure locations.

Migrate all important accounts away from your .mil email before it deactivates. Set up auto-forwarding if possible.

USAA and Navy Federal are great, but make sure you have a bank that works wherever you are moving. Set up direct deposit with your new employer.

Get everything checked while it is still free. Final dental cleaning, eye exam, and any follow-ups on existing conditions.

If you did not file a BDD claim, file now. The sooner you file, the sooner you get rated and start receiving compensation.

Visit your local VA medical center to complete enrollment in person. Bring your DD214 and military medical records.

Every state has its own veteran benefits: property tax exemptions, education benefits, employment programs. Register to access them.

Get your new state driver's license and update your vehicle registration. Some states waive fees for recently separated veterans.

Apply for your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) or Veteran ID Card at VA.gov. Useful for discounts and proof of service.

If your employer does not offer insurance or you are between jobs, explore marketplace plans or CHCBP (continued TRICARE coverage for up to 18 months).

Team RWB, The Mission Continues, local VFW/American Legion chapters, or online communities like Sitreps. Staying connected matters.

It is normal to feel disoriented, anxious, or even lost. Give yourself grace. The adjustment takes time, and it gets better.

The military taught you to take charge fast. In the civilian world, spend your first 90 days listening, learning, and understanding how things work before suggesting changes.

They are not your battle buddies yet — but they can be your allies. Grab coffee, ask questions, learn about their roles. Relationships are everything in the civilian world too.

Enroll in your 401k immediately and contribute enough to get the full employer match. Review your health, dental, vision, and life insurance options carefully.

A good mentor can help you navigate corporate culture, avoid common pitfalls, and accelerate your career growth. Look for veteran leaders who have been where you are.

The best time to network is when you do not need anything. Keep building relationships, attending events, and helping other transitioning veterans.

Identity shifts, imposter syndrome, missing the camaraderie — these are all normal. Talk to someone. The VA offers free mental health services for all combat veterans.

Now that you have real numbers, update your budget. Account for taxes, benefits deductions, commuting costs, and any VA disability compensation.

Many large companies have veteran ERGs that provide mentorship, community, and a direct line to leadership. If your company does not have one, consider starting one.