PRE-SEPARATION COUNSELINGRESOURCE GUIDE

Effective
October 2022

Access Service-specific websites byclicking on the seals above.

Table of Contents
STEP 1: Plan for Your Transition............................................................................................................ - 7 Effects of Career Change................................................................................................................... - 7 Transition Assistance Program (TAP) ................................................................................................ - 7 TAP Overview .................................................................................................................................... - 8 STEP 2: Build Your Transition Team .................................................................................................... - 18 Effects of Career Change................................................................................................................. - 18 TAP Staff and Counselors ................................................................................................................ - 18 Installation Resources Beyond the TAP Counselor/Office .............................................................. - 19 Off-Installation Resources ............................................................................................................... - 19 Interagency Partners ....................................................................................................................... - 20 DOL Vets.......................................................................................................................................... - 21 VA Veterans Resources ................................................................................................................... - 21 SBA Office of Veterans Business Development .............................................................................. - 21 Additional Support Sources ............................................................................................................ - 22 STEP 3: Know your VA Benefits ........................................................................................................... - 24 Effects of Career Change................................................................................................................. - 24 VA Benefits and Services ................................................................................................................. - 24 VA Disability Benefits .................................................................................................................. - 25 Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) .......................................................................................... - 25 VA Health Care ............................................................................................................................ - 26 VA Women’s Health .................................................................................................................... - 26 Post-9/11 Military2VA Case Management Program................................................................... - 27 VA Mental Health Care ............................................................................................................... - 27 VA Dental Care ............................................................................................................................ - 28 Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG) .................................................................. - 29 VA Education and Training Benefits............................................................................................ - 29 Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) ............................................................................. - 32 VA Life Insurance......................................................................................................................... - 33 State VA Offices........................................................................................................................... - 35 -Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 2 -VA Vet Centers ............................................................................................................................ - 35 VA Solid Start .............................................................................................................................. - 35 STEP 4: Plan for Health/Mental Care and Health Insurance ............................................................... - 37 Effects of Career Change................................................................................................................. - 37 Separation History and Physical Examination (SHPE) – provided by DoD ...................................... - 37 Separation Health Assessment (SHA) – provided by VA ................................................................. - 37 DoD inTransition ............................................................................................................................. - 39 Suicide Prevention Resources ......................................................................................................... - 40 Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program Office (SAPRO) ................................................ - 41 State and Local Health Care and Mental Health Services ............................................................... - 41 TRICARE ........................................................................................................................................... - 42 Federal Insurance............................................................................................................................ - 44 Transitional/Temporary Health Care Coverage .............................................................................. - 45 Health Insurance Marketplace ........................................................................................................ - 48 STEP 5: Plan for Civilian Employment/Vocational Training ................................................................ - 49 Effects of Career Change................................................................................................................. - 49 DOL Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) Curricula................................................. - 49 DOL Resources ................................................................................................................................ - 52 O*NET Online and My Next Move for Veterans ............................................................................. - 53 Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET), DD Form 2586 ...................................... - 54 Credentialing Information............................................................................................................... - 55 Gaining Experience ......................................................................................................................... - 58 Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) ................................. - 61 STEP 6: Learn about Federal Employment .......................................................................................... - 63 Effects of Career Change................................................................................................................. - 63 Federal Employment Opportunities ............................................................................................... - 63 Special Appointing Authority for Veterans ..................................................................................... - 65 180-Day Restriction on Department of Defense Employment of Military Retirees ....................... - 66 Post-Government (Military) Service Employment Restriction Counseling ..................................... - 67 STEP 7: Plan for Further Education ..................................................................................................... - 70 Effects of Career Change................................................................................................................. - 70 Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 3 -Managing Your (MY) Education Track............................................................................................. - 70 Education Assistance Resources ..................................................................................................... - 70 Joint Services Transcript (JST) ......................................................................................................... - 72 State and Local Education Benefits for Veterans............................................................................ - 73 Department of Education Federal Aid Programs ............................................................................ - 73 STEP 8: Consider Starting a Business .................................................................................................. - 75 Effects of Career Change................................................................................................................. - 75 Small Business Administration (SBA) Entrepreneurship Track ....................................................... - 75 Veterans Federal Procurement Opportunities and Assistance....................................................... - 76 STEP 9: Explore Additional Information and Benefits ......................................................................... - 78 Effects of Career Change................................................................................................................. - 78 Extremism Post-Transition .............................................................................................................. - 78 Immigration Status.......................................................................................................................... - 79 Opt-In for State Information ........................................................................................................... - 79 Separation Pay ................................................................................................................................ - 80 Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).................................................................................................................. - 81 Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) ............................................................................................................. - 81 Legal Assistance .............................................................................................................................. - 82 Military Protections and Tax Benefits ............................................................................................. - 82 Travel and Transportation Allowances ........................................................................................... - 83 Permissive Temporary Duty (PTDY) and Excess Leave (EL)............................................................. - 84 Housing Assistance Information ..................................................................................................... - 85 Voting Assistance ............................................................................................................................ - 86 Adaptive Tools for Service Members .............................................................................................. - 87 Commissary, Exchange, and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Benefits ........................... - 87 STEP 10: Know Where to Go for Assistance ....................................................................................... - 90 Effects of Career Change................................................................................................................. - 90 TAP Post-Transition ......................................................................................................................... - 91 Quick Guide for Websites ................................................................................................................... - 93 My Transition “To Do” List .................................................................................................................. - 99 -Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 4 -Disclaimer:
The information provided herein does not constitute a formal endorsement of any company, its
product, or services by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Specifically, the appearance or
use of eternal hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the DoD of the linked websites orthe information, products, or services contained therein. The DoD does not exercise any
editorial control over the information found at these locations. While this information provides
informational resource materials to assist military personnel and their families in identifying or
exploring resources and options, the resources provided are not exhaustive.
All websites and URLs in this guide were active at the date of publication. However, webcontent is subject to change without notice. Users of this guide are advised to confirm
information is current.

On behalf of the Department of Defense (DoD) and
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), THANK YOU
for your Service to the Nation. As a result of yourdedication and commitment, you have earned various
benefits and services outlined in this Pre-SeparationCounseling Brief. These benefits are for Armed Forces
members, Reserve Components (RC), and theirfamilies. Although various DoD programs are outlined, most of these programs also apply to
Coast Guard members. If there is a question on whether or not a Coast Guard member canparticipate in a specific program, please contact your local Transition Office.
A lot of information concerning benefits, services, and resources is covered during PreSeparation Counseling in a short amount of time. This guide is intended to provide you withadditional information, including hyperlinks, to conduct further research. Information
contained in this guide is made available to assist you in obtaining your benefits.
Understanding these benefits, will help you to make informed decisions when you transition,
retire, or are released from active duty.
Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 5 -The Pre-Separation Counseling Brief is divided into ten steps. These steps are divided by topic
areas specific to transition and are designed to help you transition into the next phase of yourlife:
STEP 1: Plan for Your Transition
STEP 2: Build Your Transition TeamSTEP 3: Know Your VA Benefits
STEP 4: Plan for Health/Mental Care and Health
Insurance
STEP 5: Plan for Civilian Employment/Vocational Training
STEP 6: Learn about Federal Employment
STEP 7: Plan for Further Education
STEP 8: Consider Starting a Business
STEP 9: Explore Additional Information and Benefits
STEP 10: Know Where to Go for AssistanceThroughout the Resource Guide (RG), you will find asmall version of the icon below that is hyperlinked to the
My Transition “To Do” List and a “Notes” page. Click on
the icon to be taken directly to those pages where you
can list action items and collect information on benefits
and resources to explore later.

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 6 -STEP 1: Plan for Your Transition
Effects of Career Change
Whether you are retiring or separating from the militaryor leaving active-duty status, this is a major change inyour life. Just as any major change, it will be exciting aswell as have challenges to overcome.
Transitioning can be stressful or seem as though you arelosing a part of your identity, but it also opens a whole
range of new possibilities. By approaching your transition as an opportunity for personal andprofessional growth, you will take a giant step toward reframing your identity and moving
forward with a positive transition experience.
As you start the process, it is a good time to begin thinking about the changes that lie ahead
and make a plan for those that you know will cause stress. This list may include obtaining
employment, finding a place to live, covering the financial gap between military and civilian
paychecks, and understanding non-TRICARE insurance. The first step is to plan for yourtransition. By doing so, you can decrease the stress or apprehension that may accompany yourtransition to civilian life.
Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP is a congressionally mandated program. In 2011,
Congress enacted legislation, Title 10 U.S.C., to ensurethat transition assistance was provided consistently to alltransitioning Service members. Over time, those laws
were reviewed and adapted to ensure relevancy incontent, process, and program.
Current TAP legislation and policy documents:

Title 10, U.S.C, Sections 1142, 1143, and 1144
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Fiscal Year (FY) 19 – John S. McCain –Section 552 – Improvements to TAPNDAA FY20 – Sections, 570c, 570f
Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1332.35 – Transition Assistance Program (TAP)for Military Personnel

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 7 -TAP Overview
TAP is an outcome-based, multi-part curriculum withstandardized learning objectives that prepares you totransition to the Reserves, National Guard, or civilian life
by providing support to meet the required Career
Readiness Standards (CRS).

Career Readiness Standards (CRS): CRS are thedeliverables, developed by the TAP interagency
partners, which demonstrate you are prepared totransition effectively. During TAP, the CRS Service
members are required to complete are identified during
Individualized Initial Counseling (IC). Some CRS arecompleted by attending a TAP workshop or briefing
while others will require you to complete an activity or produce a document. A review of the
CRS occurs during Capstone to determine if the CRS have been completed or if a warm
handover is required.

TAP Components and Modules:
Individualized Initial Counseling (IC): During theindividualized one-on-one counseling session with a
TAP/Transition counselor, you and your counselor
should have:1) Completed a personal self-assessment.
2) Begun development of your Individual
Transition Plan (ITP).
3) Initiated the “Service Member Pre-Separation/Transition Counseling and Career
Readiness Standards e-Form for Service Members Separating, Retiring, Released from
Active Duty (REFRAD),” more commonly referred to as the DD Form 2648.
4) Determined tier level.
The DD Form 2648, in either print or electronic form, will be signed at various points during
the process to document progress towards completing your required components of TAP.
Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 8 -You will sign the eForm after completing your Pre-Separation Counseling and again after
completion of Capstone.
A tier level is determined based on the conversation with your counselor, the selfassessment, and the ITP. These will guide which courses and CRS are mandatory for yourpersonal transition from military service.
If you have not completed all components of IC, contact your TAP Counselor immediately. It
is critical to identify and document your TAP requirements accurately.
Self-Assessment/Individual Transition Plan (ITP): The self-assessment provides anawareness of topics and areas beneficial in transition which you may not have considered,as well as determine possible need for services and additional resources. The ITP includes
the steps required to complete the TAP process. This document is a roadmap for you to use
to guide you through YOUR transition process. Due to the differences in the culture
between the Services, each branch of Service has a Service-specific ITP based on standard
mandated requirements.
It will be beneficial for you to return to your ITP frequently throughout the transition
process to be sure you are on track to complete all the required elements.
CRS: Complete a Self-Assessment and initiate the ITP
Pre-Separation/Transition Counseling: This brief isdelivered by the TAP/Transition counselor to provide
information on the services, benefits, and resources
available during and after transition.

ACTION: You will sign your DD Form 2648 to acknowledge receipt of this counseling.

TAP Core Curriculum: Your tier level assigned during IC determined which courses and CRS
you are required to attend and complete. However, you can attend any or all of the TAP
courses more than once to ensure retention of information, content, and resources.

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 9 -DoD/DHS Transition Day contains threedifferent courses — Managing Your Transition(MYT), MOC Crosswalk (MOC), and Financial
Planning for Transition (FP). Each course provides
information and resources for use during andafter transition.
o Managing Your Transition (MYT) presents a review of the TAP process,curriculum, and mandatory components followed by topics important toacknowledge and understand during transition and associated resources. This
course discusses common transition concerns such as the loss of purpose andhow to find a new purpose, stress as a positive aspect of transition and ways tomitigate negative stress, cultural differences between military and civilian
worlds, the importance of a mentor throughout the transition process, andreliable resources available during and after transition.
o MOC Crosswalk (MOC) assists with identifying skills obtained in the military, andinformation on translating military skills to the civilian workplace and resume.
The O*NET Interest Profiler is used to determine a potential civilian career andalign your current skills with skills required for that career. This exercise reveals
gaps in knowledge, skills, and experience for the career you wish to pursue.
CRS: Complete a Gap Analysis or provide verification of employmento Financial Planning for Transition (FP) is the final touchpoint for the financial
literacy program mandated by law for all Service members. This course builds on
the knowledge already obtained from previous courses and addresses changes infinances that may occur due to transition.
Within FP, you will:Calculate the civilian equivalent of your current military salary to predict
future salary requirements.



Understand the tax liability changes that will affect your take home pay.



Review the importance of having savings during transition.



Understand how credit, debt, and loans can affect your finances.



Review options for the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) after transition.



Review other topics affected by transition.
Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 10 -

CRS: Prepare a criterion-based, post-separation financial plano DoD curriculum Participant Guides are available at:
 www.TAPEvents.mil/resources
 www.divdshub/net/DoDTAP.mil (Scroll down in DVIDS to Recent
Publications)

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
and Services provides information, on how to
use the VA benefits and services earned during
your military career to support a successfultransition.
o The VA Benefits and Services ParticipantGuide is available at https://benefits.va.gov/transition/tap.asp.
CRS: Register on VA.gov



DOL Employment Fundamentals of Career
Transition (EFCT) provides a high-level overview
of the employment process and information todevelop a resume, conduct career research,
prepare for networking and interviewing events,
and ultimately secure meaningful employment.
o DOL curriculum participant guides are available athttps://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/tap.

Two-Day Tracks: These tracks are designed toprovide topic-specific information on a possible pathfor transition: Employment, Vocational, Higher
Education, and Entrepreneurship.
Employment Track: DOL Employment
Workshop (DOLEW) covers emerging best

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 11 -

practices in career employment including the use of emerging technology to networkand search for employment. During the employment track, you will draft a resume.
CRS: Complete a resume or provide verification of employment

Vocational Track: DOL Career and Credential Exploration (C2E) offers an opportunity
to complete a personalized career development assessment of occupational interest
and ability and to be guided through a variety of career considerations. During thevocational track, you will conduct a comparison of two schools, training programs, orcredentials.
CRS: Complete a comparison of technical training institution options.



Education Track: Managing Your (MY) Education (MYE) assists with identifying the
education requirements that support personal career goals. During the education track,
you will conduct a comparison of two colleges or universities.
CRS: Complete a comparison of higher education institution options.



Entrepreneurship Track: Small Business Administration (SBA) Boots to Business(B2B) provides an introductory understanding of business ownership.

Continuum of Military Service Opportunity
If you served 8 years or more of active duty and have completed your military service
obligation, you can continue serving your nation by joining the National Guard or Reserve.
This opportunity is available for both separating and retiring Service members depending on
your situation.
If you served less than 8 years of active military service, you must complete the remainderof your contractual obligation.
You can complete your obligation by becoming a member of the Ready Reserve in one of
the following categories:

Selected Reserve (SELRES): As a member of the SELRES, generally requires
participation in training 1 weekend a month, and 2 weeks a year. This type of reserve
service allows you to be recalled to active duty.

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 12 -Individual Ready Reserve (IRR): Those who choose to not become a member of the
SELRES will automatically be assigned to IRR. IRR members may be involuntarily recalled
upon declaration of a national emergency. Otherwise, participation requirements may
include an annual day of muster duty to satisfy statutory screening requirements.

Be sure to explore the Reserve and Guard options in the geographic area where you plan toreside. It is possible to live in one location and be part of a Reserve/Guard unit in another.
For more information, contact a prior service or Reserve recruiter on your installation.
For those separating from Active Duty (AD), attendance at the complete continuum of
military training is required and mandated as a CRS. Contact your installation TAP counselor
if you require this training and have not received attendance information.
CRS: Complete a continuum of Military Service Opportunity counseling (AD only)
Capstone/ITP Review: No later than 90 days before you transition from active duty, youwill participate in Capstone to verify you have met your required CRS and have completed
an ITP.
ACTION: Sign the DD Form 2648 to acknowledge completion of the required components of
TAP.

Career Readiness Standards
Completed

CRS

Course/Brief

Start a personal self-assessment/Individual
Transition Plan (ITP)
Complete a Gap Analysis or provide verification of
employment
Prepare a criterion-based, post-separation financial
plan

IC/Pre-SeparationCounseling
MOC Crosswalk
Financial Planning forTransition

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 13 -Register on VA.gov
Complete a resume or provide verification of
employment
Complete a comparison of higher education or
technical training institution options
Complete a continuum of Military Service
Opportunity counseling (AD only)

VA Benefits andServices
DOL Employment
Workshop
DoD Managing Your
Education/ DOL Career
Credential Exploration
By Installation

Not meeting one of these criteria requires a warm handover to create a connection
between you and the appropriate partner or agency with the resources to assist you in yourtransition. Generally, this involves a meeting or phone call between you and the designated
POC.
While there are some instances which require a warm handover, you also have the ability torequest one from your Transition Counselor. Possible warm handovers include:Assistance with employment – Employment Navigators and American Job Centers.
Assistance with housing – VA Benefits Advisors.
Assistance with peer support/community reintegration – Military OneSource.

DoD & VA Beneficiary Access Post-Transition
While on active duty, you have used a Common Access
Card (CAC) to access DoD and VA accounts and websites.
Before you turn in your CAC, it is highly recommended you
create a DS Logon and a Login.gov account. Doing so willallow you to maintain access to DoD and VA websites andaccess your benefits.
DS Logon: Provides a secure means of authentication for websites containing personallyidentifiable information (PII) and personal health information (PHI). Creating a DS Logon iseasier while on active duty when using your CAC.
DMDC myAccess site https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/.

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 14 -Websites requiring DS Logon:

MilConnect
DFAS
TRICARE OnLine

Login.gov: Login.gov uses strong multifactor authentication (MFA) and identify verification toprotect you and your benefits. Just as with DS Logon, it is easier to create this login when you
have a CAC.
Websites requiring Login.gov:VA.govSocial Security Benefits
Small Business Loans
USAJobs

Remember, you will turn in your CAC when you separate or retire from active duty. Without a
DS Logon and Login.gov account, you will not be able to access many necessary and usefulwebsites. When you create your DS Logon account, be sure to record your log in name,password, and verification image. When you create your Login.gov account, be sure you record
your email address, password, and personal key.
DD Form 214 (DD 214)
The DD Form 214 is a complete and thorough documentthat verifies your proof of military service. The
Certificate of Release or Discharge form is issued throughthe Department of Defense and is typically provided
during the final out-processing appointment or after
retirement or separation has occurred.
The DD 214 generally provides the following information:Date and place of entry into ADHome address at time of entry

Date and place of release from AD

Home address after separation



Last duty assignment and rank

Military job specialty



Military educationForeign service credited

Decorations, medals, badges,
citations, and campaign awards



Total creditable service

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 15 -

Separation information:
 Type of separation
 Character of service
 Authority and reason for separation
 Separation and reenlistment eligibility codes

Due to the amount of personal information included on your DD214, it is recommended you
safeguard this document just as you would other personal documentation such as your birthcertificate.
Each Service has a different procedure for receiving the DD 214. Check with your TAP Counselor
if you are unsure of the process.

Documents to Assist with Planning Your Transition
Managing Your (MY) Transition Timeline(MYTT): This is not a required component of TAP;
however, it is a great resource to help withtransition planning. This basic timeline indicates
individual topics that should be considered suchas applying for VA healthcare and when to engage with the various portions of TAP.
This document is comprehensive, interactive, and developed with input from theServices, DOL, VA, and SBA, along with other program partners.

Service-Specific timeline or checklist: Each Service may have a Service- and/or
installation-specific checklist. If so, it would be provided during IC or during this PreSeparation Counseling brief. To determine if your Service has a Service-specific timelineor checklist, visit your local TAP office.

Pre-Separation Counseling Resource Guide: The Resource Guide (RG) is provided tosupplement the brief and contains additional information, resources, and websites/links.
DON’T FORGET to take a minute to review the information presented in STEP 1 and add youraction items to the “To Do” list in the back of the Resource Guide. (Use a separate sheet ofpaper if the Resource Guide is not available.) Below are some actions to consider:

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 16 -






Identify the CRS you are required to complete
and list them.
Have your DD2648 and ITP been initiated? If not,add this task to the list.
List the tracks or courses you are interested in
exploring or completing.
Write down any questions you have about
specific topics or tasks.

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 17 -

STEP 2: Build Your Transition Team
Effects of Career Change
During your time in the Service, you most likely had ateam to provide guidance, support, motivation, and haveyour back. The same is true in your transition. You needa team! Your team during transition will provide youwith guidance, support, information and help you growyour network, which is key to finding employment.
Ideally, this team will be made up of individuals in the transition space, individuals who havetransitioned recently, and those who are fully engaged in civilian life. Each of these groups
provides valuable insight, information, and resources to ensure you have a successfultransition. Exactly who should be on your team is up to you, but below is a list of possibilities.
TAP Staff and Counselors
There are many resources available to transitioning
Service members, both in and out of the Service. TAP
staff and counselors lead the list with their extensive
knowledge in the transition space. These professionals
are available to all throughout the transition process.


Service Transition or TAP Offices:o Army – Transition Assistance Program Centers; www.armytap.army.milo Navy – Fleet and Family Support Centers;
https://www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_prog
ram/work-and-family-life/transition_assistance.html
o Air Force – Airman/Military and Family Readiness Centers;
https://www.afpc.af.mil/Airman-and-Family/Transition-Assistance-Program/o Marine Corps – Marine Career Resource Center; https://usmcmccs.org/services/career/transition-readiness / https://usmcmccs.org/services/family/o Coast Guard – Health, Safety and Work-Life Services Center;
https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-forHuman-Resources-CG-1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-of-WorkLife-CG-111/Work-Life-Field-Offices/

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 18 -o Space Force – Airman/Military and Family Readiness Centers;
https://www.afpc.af.mil/Airman-and-Family/Transition-Assistance-Program/
Installation Resources Beyond the TAP Counselor/Office
These on-installation resources have professional staff, programs, and services to assist Service
members and their family members in counseling, career workshops, resume writing, reference
libraries, training, and job search assistance.







Military and Family Life Counselors
Army Community Service Center (Army Specific)
Chaplains
Medical Clinic professionals
Behavioral Health Teams
Education Office (for assessment and college credit information)

Off-Installation ResourcesAmerican Job Center (AJC)
VA Vet Center
Military OneSource
Military and Veteran Service Organizations (MSO/VSO)

American Job Centers (AJC) provide free help to job seekers for a variety of career andemployment-related needs. Nearly 2,400 AJCs, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s
Employment and Training Administration, are located throughout the United States. Veteransare provided priority of service at many AJCs. To find your nearest AJC, visit:https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/american-job-centers.aspx.
VA Vet Centers are located in your community to help you and your family build meaningfulconnections, develop tools for achieving success, and aid in the transition from military service.
Vet Centers provide individual, group, marriage, and family counseling; community
engagement; and referral services to Veterans and service members who served in combat
operations, areas of hostility, stateside deployments or endured military service-related
trauma. Eligibility varies based on military experience including those with service in the
National Guard, Reserves, and Coast Guard. Services are free and do not require enrollment in
the VA Healthcare System or a service-connected disability rating. For more information, visit
www.vetcenter.va.gov, or contact the Vet Center Call Center 24/7 at 877-927-8387.

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 19 -

Military OneSource is a DoD-funded program that is both a call center (800-342-9647) and a
website (MilitaryOneSource.mil) providing comprehensive information, resources, andassistance on every aspect of military life at no cost to Service members and their families.
Transitioning Service members, including Coast Guard and their immediate family, can access
Military OneSource up to 365 days post separation or retirement. Trained consultants andcounselors provide support for a wide range of topics as shown below.
Get free and confidential expert help 24/7 at Military OneSource! Call toll-free at 800-342-9647,
use the chat option at www.MilitaryOneSource.mil, or download the MyMilitaryOneSourceapp. International calling options are available online at www.militaryonesource.mil.
Military and Veteran Service Organizations (MSO/VSO) are valuable resources for assistanceand guidance. MSOs and VSOs provide advocacy, education, and other support for the uniqueissues facing Veterans. Many have their own job referral and registration services, sponsor job
fairs, and provide mentor and networking opportunities. These organizations also offer a wide
variety of services, including scholarships for dependents of military personnel, and othersupport functions. Find more information about MSOs/VSOs at
https://benefits.va.gov/vso/index.asp.

Interagency Partners
Multiple government agencies work together to provide content and resources to support
Service members during and after transition.
DoD TAPThe DoD TAP web portal is a comprehensive resourcewith the capabilities to support separation, transition,and retirement-related issues. It provides information toensure every Service member and their families areprepared for the next steps, whether pursuing additional
education, finding a job in the public or private sector, or
starting a business.
Within the DoD TAP web portal:

Learn about the Transition Assistance Curriculum
Determine how and where to prepare for transition to civilian life
Discover a host of online resources, including:
Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 20 -o VA benefitso Financial assistance for transitiono Assessing and documenting skills for transition
DoDTAP website: www.dodtap.mil
DOL Vets
The mission of DOL Vets is to prepare America’s veterans, Service members, and their spouses,
for meaningful careers, provide them with employment resources and expertise, protect theiremployment rights, and promote employment opportunities.
From the DOL Vets website, you can:Find a job
Learn about Veteran Employment Services and Apprenticeships
Explore eligibility for Veterans Preference
Access Employment Resources for Spouses

For more information, visit the DOL Vets website at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets.
VA Veterans Resources
The VA website, https://www.va.gov, is the entrance portal for all things related to VA.
From the main page of the VA website, you can access:

Healthcare: https://www.va.gov/health-care/
Disability: https://www.va.gov/disability/
Education: https://www.va.gov/education/
Records: https://www.va.gov/records/

SBA Office of Veterans Business Development
The Office of Veterans Business Development’s (OVBD) mission is to maximize the availability,
applicability, and usability of small business programs for all veterans and their families. OVBDis SBA’s liaison with the veteran business community and offers a number of programs andservices to assist aspiring and existing veteran entrepreneurs. Programs and services include
training, counseling and mentorship, and assistance with federal procurement programs forveteran-owned and service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses.

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On the OVBD website, you can:Find a business guide
Learn about funding programs
Learn about federal contractingEnter the SBA learning center

For more information, visit the SBA OVBD website, https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sbalocations/headquarters-offices/office-veterans-business-development.
Additional Support Sources
Additional support is available through local community
as well as from the Service member’s personal network.











Family Members are an integral part of thetransition team. Be aware, that the family is alsotransitioning into a new life, and therefore may
have similar experiences as the Service member.
A family can be a source of comfort, encouragement, and support during this time.
Military Colleagues can provide support during the transition the process.
Veterans and Mentors are valuable resources for transition. Those who have been
through the transition process will have a lot of wisdom to share and can assist byproviding guidance.
Social Network is the various groups of friends and relatives. This group has farreaching employment potential due to unknown employment contacts andopportunities. A social network expands exponentially with all contacts made throughthe social network. To utilize this vast system of contacts requires all individuals to beaware of the transition from the military and subsequent employment search.
National Resource Directory (NRD) is a searchable database of resources vetted forService members, Veterans, family members, and caregivers. For more information,
visit https://nrd.gov.
VA Benefits Advisors (BA) work at military installations around the world. VA Benefits
Advisors are available to inform Service members, Veterans, and family members about
benefits and services they can use while still in uniform. You can have one-on-one
assistance sessions to explain benefits, provide connections to local support, and help
you prep for your transition through VA’s portion of TAP.

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DON’T FORGET to take a minute to review the information
presented in STEP 2 and add your action items to the “ToDo” list in the back of the Resource Guide. (Use a separate
sheet of paper if the Resource Guide is not available.) Below
are some actions to consider:

Explore resources available on your installation.
Research resources available off installation.
Consider additional support resources.

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STEP 3: Know your VA Benefits
Effects of Career Change
A major change once you transition is the change in yourbenefits. Understanding these benefits is crucial toensure you are utilizing all the benefits you earned aspart of your military service. If you are unsure about anyof the VA benefits, ask the VA Benefits Advisors on the
installation, call the 1-800 number, or send an email.
Don’t wait for someone to tell you. You need to be yourown advocate and ask.
VA Benefits and Services
As part of TAP, VA conducts a one-day course led by a VA
Benefits Advisor called VA Benefits and Services. The
course offers interactive exercises, real examples, andcovers important topics like family support, disability
compensation, and education and health care benefits.
The VA Benefits and Services course is broken out into six
different modules that align with the major themes of aService member’s transition journey:
1. Navigating Your Journey – What do I want to do and what will my quality of life be like?
 Personal goals and priorities
2. Supporting Yourself and Your Family – How will I support myself and/or my family?
 Disability compensation
 Life Insurance
 Burial and memorial benefits
3. Getting Career Ready – Am I prepared to obtain my preferred career?
 Personalized Career Planning GI Bill Benefits
 Employment Resources
4. Finding a Place to Live – Where will I live?
 VA Facility locator VA Home Loan Guaranty Program

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5. Maintaining Your Health – How will I maintain the health of myself and that of myfamily?
 VA health care facilities, services, and tools
 Community based VA Vet Centers
6. Connecting with Your Community – How will I connect with my community?
 Local Resources VSO/MSO

The following is an overview of some of the benefits andservices detailed during the VA Benefits and Services
course. For more specific information, review the VA
Benefits and Services Participant Guide found athttps://benefits.va.gov/transition/tap.asp, or schedule aone-on-one session with a VA Benefits Advisor available
at most installations within the TAP office.
VA Disability Benefits
VA disability compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who were
wounded, ill, or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose existing condition
has worsened due to their Service. You must apply for this benefit and be found qualified toreceive disability benefits, according to VA. VA disability benefits are provided for physicalconditions (such as a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (such as PTSD) thatdeveloped before, during, or after Service.
For more information visit https://www.va.gov/disability/.
Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)
Service members who plan to file for disability, can do soprior to separation through the VA Benefits Delivery at
Discharge (BDD) program. There are requirements toutilize this program. One such requirement is claims
must be filed between 180-to-90 days prior toseparation.
For more information visit https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-to-file/predischarge-claim/.
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VA Health Care
VA’s whole health approach is a comprehensive, patient-centered approach rooted in forming
continuous healing partnerships to help Veterans achieve their greatest wellbeing. VA healthcare includes all the necessary outpatient services and inpatient hospital to promote, preserveor restore health. Veterans can receive coverage for most care and services, but only some will
qualify for added benefits like dental care. Each Veteran’s medical benefits package is unique.
Every medical package will include care and services to help:Treat illnesses and injuries
Prevent future health problems
Improve your ability to function
Enhance your quality of life

With VA health care, a Veteran is covered for regular checkups with a primary care provider andappointments with specialists such as cardiologists, gynecologists, and mental health providers.
Veterans can access health care services like home health and geriatric (elder) care, medical
equipment, prosthetics, and prescriptions. VA’s primary care provides services such as
preventative care and inpatient care as well as a range of specialty care services that can help
safeguard your whole health.
For more information visit https://www.va.gov/health-care/.
VA Women’s Health
Women Veterans are part of the fastest growing group within the Veteran population, and the
VA is dedicated to meeting their health care needs. If a Veteran qualifies for VA health care,they have access to high-quality women’s health services. VA offers primary care services
including gynecologic care, birth control, preconception counseling, menopausal support, andscreenings (like cervical and breast cancer screenings). VA also provides reproductive andfertility health services, maternity care, and other specialty services.
To enhance understanding by women Veterans of the medial services provided for women, theVA also offers an online, self-paced course on the women’s health care services. In the
Women’s Health Transition Training (WHTT) course, participants learn about a wide range ofhealth care services. These services include a full continuum of mental health care for women
Veterans and care for conditions related to military sexual trauma. WHTT also covers eligibility
requirements, how to connect with other women Veterans through women-specific networks
and programs post-service, as well as how to find local VA facilities and points of contact for
additional support.
Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 26 -The course is open to all women who either are currently serving or have previously served in
the military. Service women who will be transitioning to civilian life or the reserve components
within the next calendar year are strongly encouraged to participate, as the training is designed
to complement the VA Benefits and Services course.
For more information about VA women’s health care visit https://www.va.gov/healthcare/health-needs-conditions/womens-health-needs/.
In addition, all transitioning Servicewomen and women Veterans can learn more about the
Women’s Health Transition Training at https://www.va.gov/womenvet/whtt/.
Post-9/11 Military2VA Case Management Program
The Post-9/11 Military2VA (M2VA) Case Management Program assists Service members inproactively connecting them with a VA healthcare representative and/or services as well as
community resources to support their transition from active duty to civilian life.
Every VA medical center has a Post-9/11 M2VA Case Management team ready to welcome
Post-9/11 Veterans and provide education, advocacy, care coordination, and care monitor tofoster their integration into the VA health care system. The Post-9/11 Case Management teamobjectives are to ensure Post-9/11 Veterans are informed about available care, services andresources, and collaborate on developing a holistic care plan that is tailored to each Veteran.
For more information, visit
https://www.va.gov/POST911VETERANS/Post_9_11_Military_2VA_M2VA_Case_Management_
Program.asp.
VA Mental Health Care
VA offers specialized treatment of mental health concerns, such as post-traumatic stressdisorder (PTSD), effects of military sexual trauma (MST), depression, grief, anxiety, substanceuse disorders, women’s reproductive mental health problems (e.g., premenstrual dysphoric
disorder and postpartum depression), and other needs.
Available treatment options include outpatient, residential, and inpatient care,pharmacotherapy, individual and group psychotherapy, and couples counseling.
Call or visit your local VA medical center to determine your eligibility for VA mental health care,as eligibility is expansive for some programs. For example, some former Service members may
be able to receive care for physical and mental health conditions related to MST even if they

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 27 -are not eligible for other VA care. Also, all former Service members can access emergency BA
mental health care.
Many programs and services do not require a payment. When payment is required, costdepends on many factors.
There are some VA mental health services you can access without being enrolled in VA healthcare. For example, regardless of disability claim or enrollment status, community-based Vet
Centers offer free individual and group counseling for Veterans and their families, if the Veteranserved in a combat zone or area of hostility, served as part of a mortuary affairs, drone crew, or
experienced MST. Vet Centers also provide services:






VA benefits assistance
Bereavement (grief) counseling
Employment counseling
MST related counseling
Substance abuse assessment and referral

For more information about VA mental health services and resources visit
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/.
VA and community mental health, alcohol, and drug treatment programs around the country
may be found at https://www.maketheconnection.net/resources/.
This website has information on providers and treatment programs authorized to treat
substance abuse such as prescription pain relievers or opioids.
VA Dental Care
A Service member may be eligible for a one-time free dental exam if the following
requirements are met. The Service member served on active duty for 90 days or more, and box
17 of the DD Form 214 is checked “No” for receiving a complete dental examination and all
appropriate dental care prior to separation. To receive free dental care, a Service member
must apply within 180 days after discharge.
VA provides dental care to Veterans who meet certain eligibility requirements. Covered
services may include cleaning and x-rays, fillings, crowns, bridges, and more.
If a Veteran experienced “dental trauma” while in an active-duty status, they may be eligible forlifelong dental care associated with this trauma and receive a service-connected disability
rating.
Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 28 -For Veterans who do not meet the criteria for either program, but still need dental care, VA
offers a reduced cost dental care insurance program. VA offers all eligible Veterans and family
members the opportunity to purchase dental insurance at reduced cost through the VA Dental
Insurance Program.
For more information visit https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/dentalcare/.
Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG)
Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG) offers free educational and career guidance,planning, and resources to Veterans and their dependents who are eligible for a VA education
benefit. These services may be available to the Service member/Veteran or family member
within six months of separation and up to one-year post-separation.
To learn more about this program, visit https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/educationand-career-counseling/.
VA Education and Training Benefits
VA provides education benefits that are second to none. Through military service, a Service
member has earned these benefits, with the option to use the benefit or transfer the benefit toa dependent.


Post-9/11 GI Bill® is for individuals who served on active duty after September 10, 2001
and received an honorable discharge.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) includes two programs: MGIB-AD for active duty and MGIBSR for selected reserves.
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are available to active duty Service members, National Guard,
Reservists, Veterans, and family members. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, there are various typesof training and assistance available, including institutions of higher learning undergraduate andgraduate degrees, flight training, vocational/technical training, and more.
To be eligible, you must:have served honorably for at least 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001, or
have been honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability andserved 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001, or

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 29 -Received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2002, and honorably discharged after
any amount of service.

To receive 100% of the benefit, you must have served a total of 36 months of active duty
service, received a Purple Heart, or have been discharged for a service-connected disability
after 30 days of continuous service.
For those who served fewer than 36 months, the percentage of benefit ranges from 50% to90%.
Benefits are also available to members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard
based on qualifying Service under Title 32.
Eligibility for Post-9/11 GI Bill will be covered more fully in the VA Benefits and Services brief.
If eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill program, a Service member may be able to transfer unused
educational benefits to a spouse or children, if certain criteria are met.
Transferring your GI Bill Benefits
Transferability of education benefits is a retention
incentive, and therefore, DoD determines the eligibility
requirements to transfer GI Bill benefits to eligible
dependents.
Criteria for transfer of educational benefits:






Be on active duty – transfer of benefits CANNOT
happen after separation or retirement
Served a minimum of 6 years
Agree to an additional 4 years of Service
Previously elected to change benefits from the MGIB to the Post 9/11
The person receiving the benefits is enrolled in DEERS

When transferring benefits to family members, all Service members MUST acknowledge thefollowing statement:“I understand and agree to remain in the Armed Forces for the period required.
I understand that failure to complete that Service may lead to an overpayment by the

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Department of Veterans Affairs for any payment made.” (Service documentation will remain
on file with the Service.)
If educational benefits have been transferred; it is strongly advised the Service member log into
milConnect and ensure completion of the required obligated Service before separating or
retiring. The Obligation End Date is reflected at the top of the page under “Sponsor” and on
the “Approval Form.”
For more information on the transfer of GI Bill Benefits, visit
https://www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits/.

Failure to complete ANY of the service obligation will cause your transferred benefits to be
revoked and will result in a required repayment of used portions of the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB‐AD)
Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty or MGIB-AD program can be used for a variety of trainings, suchas college degrees and certificate programs, technical or vocational courses, licensing andcertificate tests, and much more. A Service member may be eligible for education benefits
through this program, upon honorable discharge and meeting the requirements of one of the
MGIB categories listed on the MGIB-AD website.
The MGIB can be converted to the Post-9/11 educational benefit, but once the choice is made,the choice is permanent and not reversible.

For more information, visit https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomeryactive-duty/.
Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB‐SR) (Chapter 1606)
If you’re a member of the Reserves, Army National Guard or Air National Guard, you may beable to get up to 36 months of education and training benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill
Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program.
You can use these benefits for a variety of trainings, such as college degrees and certificate
programs, technical or vocational courses, licensing and certificate tests, and much more.

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Eligibility for this program is determined by the Selected Reserve components, and VA makes
the payments. Eligibility for MGIB-SR ends on the day of separation from the Selected Reserve
unless you were mobilized.
You will also retain MGIB-SR eligibility if you were discharged from Selected Reserve service due
to a disability that was not caused by misconduct. Your eligibility period may be extended if
you are ordered to active duty.
The VA Education Benefits link is https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
VR&E assists Veterans with a service-connected disability that limits their ability to work or
prevents them from working. The program assists with exploring employment options andaddresses training needs through 5 support-and-service tracks to help the Veteran find andkeep a job, as well as live as independently as possible. In some cases, family members may
also qualify for certain benefits.
To learn more about this program, visit https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocationalrehabilitation/.
VA Home Loan Guaranty Program

The VA home loan guaranty is an earned benefit that can assist those eligible Service members,
Veterans, and certain surviving spouses to become homeowners. The VA guaranty may help
these eligible borrowers buy, build, repair, retain, or adapt a home. Under the VA Home Loan
Guaranty program, a Service member or Veteran obtains a home loan through a lender — suchas a bank or a mortgage company — and VA guarantees a portion of that loan. The VA Home
Loan Guaranty program is available to eligible Service members, Veterans, and Certain
Surviving Spouses to:Buy, build, repair, or adapt a home.
Refinance an existing home loan to reduce the interest rate.
Improve a home by installing energy-efficient features like solar heating and coolingsystems, water heater insulation, storm windows and doors or other approved
improvements.

For more information on VA Home Loans, visit https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/.

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VA Life Insurance
VA has many different types of life insurance to assist separating Service members and theirfamilies.
For more information on VA life insurance options, visit https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/.
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
During the VA Benefits and Services course, VA will provide information on converting
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) to Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI). With
VGLI, the Veteran can retain life insurance coverage after separation or retirement as long as
the premiums continue to be paid. To convert SGLI to VGLI, it is necessary to apply within one
year and 120 days of separation from Service.
Traumatic Injury Protection under Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (TSGLI)TSGLI, also known as Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection,
provides short-term financial support to help eligible Service members recover from a severe
injury. If a Service member was covered by SGLI and experienced a traumatic injury whileserving in the uniformed services, they can apply for TSGLI, even after separation from service.
The uniformed services process TSGLI claims and determine eligibility for payment.
SGLI Disability Extension (SGLI-DE)
Servicemembers’ who are totally disabled at the time of separation (i.e., unable to work due todisabilities or have certain statutory conditions), can apply for the SGLI Disability Extension(SGLI-DE), which provides free coverage for up to two years from the date of separation. To
apply, Servicemembers’ must apply for the SGLI-DE; it is not automatic. Those covered under
the SGLI-DE are automatically converted to VGLI at the end of their extension period, subject tothe payment of premiums.
For more information about the SGLI Disability Extension coverage, visit: www.va.gov/lifeinsurance/options-eligibility/sgli/.
Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI)
S-DVI, also known as Service-Disabled Veterans’ Life Insurance provides coverage to eligible
Veterans’ who have received a service-connected disability rating from VA. This includes
Veterans with disabilities that are rated at zero percent, but are otherwise in good health.
Applications must be submitted to the VA Insurance Center in Philadelphia within two years
Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 33 -from the date of notification of the approval of a new service-connected disability by VA or by
December 31, 2022, whichever occurs first. S-DVI is closing to new applicants as of December
31, 2022, with the opening of a new program of insurance, Veterans’ Affairs Life Insurance, onJanuary 1, 2023, discussed below.
For more information on S-DVI, visit Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI) | Veterans
Affairs (va.gov)
Veterans’ Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)
On January 1, 2023, a new program of insurance, VALife, also known as, Veterans’ Affairs Life
Insurance will open to new applicants. VALife is guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance
available to all Veterans age 80 and under who have a VA disability rating of zero to 100
percent with no time limit to apply. Veterans who are 81 or older and apply for VA Disability
Compensation before age 81 and receive a rating for a new service-connected condition after
turning 81 are also eligible if they apply within two years of receiving their rating. Veterans do
not have to meet any health requirements to obtain coverage and once coverage is effective
premiums will never increase. Veterans must wait two years from the effective date of thecoverage for their beneficiary to receive the full value of the coverage upon their death.
For more information on VALife, visit VA Life Insurance (VALife) (va.gov)
Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) - VA
VMLI, also known as, Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance, provides mortgage protection
insurance in the event of the Veterans death. This insurance can pay off or pay down themortgage on a home that has been adapted to meet the Veteran’s needs. To be eligible for thisinsurance, the Service member or Veteran must have been issued a Specially Adapted Housing
Grant from VA’s Loan Guaranty Service.
For more information on VMLI, visit Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) | Veterans
Affairs (va.gov)

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State VA Offices
State VA Offices are there to assist in identifying andaccessing benefits after separation or retirement. In
addition, there are a wide range of county, state, andfederal benefits related to education, employment,
finance, health care, housing, legal assistance, recreation,
taxes, and more. The State VA office is there to provide
assistance on the benefits available to the Veteran through the state.
Each State manages its own State VA Office and benefit programs; therefore, some State VA
Offices have a greater ability to assist.
For more information on a specific state VA benefits, visit https://www.va.gov/statedva.htm.
Click on a state for the locations of State VA Offices.
VA Vet Centers
Vet Centers are community-based centers that offer individual, group, marriage and family
counseling, community engagement, and referral services in a safe and confidential
environment to eligible veterans, active duty Service members, Reservists, National Guard
personnel and their families. These are small, intimate facilities located off base andcomfortably located in your community. Services are free for life, and do not require
enrollment in the VA Healthcare System or a service-connected disability rating.
A core goal of Vet Centers is to promote access to care by helping a military service personnel
and their families overcome any barriers. For example, Vet Centers maintain non-traditional
appointment schedules and after normal business hours to accommodate busy schedules.
Some communities even have mobile Vet Centers that travel to places where there is nopermanent local Vet Center.
For more information, visit www.vetcenter.va.gov/ or call 877-927-8387.
VA Solid Start
The VA Solid Start program provides early, consistent,
and caring contact to newly separated veterans –regardless of service branch, character of discharge orservice history – at three key stages during the first yearof transition to civilian life (around 90-, 180-, and 365days post-separation). VA Solid Start representatives
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assist veterans with learning more about VA benefits and services, filing claims, obtaining status
updates on benefits applications, and locating additional resources from federal andcommunity partners.
For more information about VA Solid Start, visit https://benefits.va.gov/transition/solidstart.asp.

Petitioning VA for reinstatement of benefits due to Less than Honorable Discharge
As the VA programs could be affected by the contract, the amount of time served in the
military, and the characterization of discharge, it is important to ask if anything is unclear or notunderstood.
If the character of discharge does not allow for full utilization of VA Benefits, it is important for
the Service member to be aware they may petition the Veterans Benefits Administration of the
Department of Veterans Affairs to receive certain benefits under the laws administered by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs. For those who may anticipate a less than honorable
characterization, this is an especially important topic to discuss with a VA Benefits Advisor.

DON’T FORGET to take a minute to review the information
presented in STEP 3 and add action items to the “To Do”
list in the back of the Resource Guide. (Use a separate
sheet of paper if the Resource Guide is not available.)
Below are some actions to consider







If you transferred your GI Bill benefits, make a note
to confirm that you will meet your Service
obligation before you separate or retire.
If you did not transfer your GI Bill benefits, make anote to research the amount of your VA education benefit.
Research VA benefits and services that are of interest to you.
Capture the contact information for the installation VA Benefits Advisor.
Write down questions for the VA Benefits and Services brief.

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STEP 4: Plan for Health/Mental Care and Health Insurance
Effects of Career Change
Understanding and finding mental health resources,quality healthcare, and health insurance can be one of
the most challenging tasks during transition. While inthe military, you were provided comprehensive
healthcare at little or no cost to you or your family. Once
you transition, you may be able to use TRICARE, which isfamiliar, or you may need to find your own doctors andinsurance to cover the cost. Regardless of your options, it is important to understand the basics
as you begin to research the best healthcare options for you and your family.
Separation History and Physical Examination (SHPE) – provided by DoD
AND
Separation Health Assessment (SHA) – provided by VA

All separating, active duty Service members and Reserve
and National Guard members (if they served a minimumof 180 days on active duty or 30 days in a contingency
operation) must complete a Separation History andPhysical Examination (SHPE) prior to separation,
retirement, or release from active duty. Additionally,
Reserve Component Service members who deployed within two years may request a SHPE to
document duty-related health conditions that may not have been captured during otherphysical exams.
If applying for VA disability, VA will require a Separation Health Assessment (SHA). To reducethe burden on the Service member, the DoD will accept the SHA conducted by the VA provider
in lieu of the SHPE.
The SHPE and SHA facilitates:Documentation of the health status of separating Service members.
Transfer of care from the DoD to the VA.
Support for the evaluation of VA disability claims.
Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 37 -The purpose of the SHPE or SHA examination is to ensure that medical conditions the Service
member developed during Service that require ongoing care or that may require care in the
future are identified and documented in their military medical file or Service Treatment Record(STR). Prior to the DoD physical exam, every Service member will need to complete a Mental
Health Assessment (MHA) DD Form 2978 and a Medical History Form DD Form 2807-1.
Mental Health Assessment (MHA):MHA is an online mental health assessment which is required to be completed prior to the
SHPE or SHA. The results of this online self-assessment will be addressed during the SHPE or
SHA. The assessment can be accessed through the Tricare online portal.
Medical History Form, DD form 2807-1
The Medical History Form is used during medical examinations for multiple purposes, one ofthose purposes is due to separation, retirement, and release from active duty. Failure to fullycomplete the forms according to the instructions will delay the medical clearance. The form
will be provided to the Service member prior to your SHPE or SHA to complete.
Forms are also available at https://dcp.psc.gov/ccmis/forms/FORMS_medical_m.aspx.
Service Treatment Record (STR)
It is essential that the STR is up to date prior to any medical exam. The STR is a chronologicalrecord documenting the medical and dental care and treatment received while in the service.
The Military Health System (MHS) maintains all Service member STR per DoD policy and U.S.
health care laws. When a Service member files a claim for benefits, a copy of the STR, alongwith any other medical documentation will be provided to VA.
Convenient, online access to Service member’s medical records is available through the
TRICARE Online Patient Portal and the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal. The system provides accessto notes written in the electronic health record as well as all of the documents stored in the“electronic filing cabinet” including scanned copies of the old paper STR. As Service members
prepare for the SHPE or SHA, it is strongly encouraged they review the “Problem List” within
the STR to make sure that important conditions are listed. It is also necessary to review the“Documents” section to make sure that health care documentation and any material fromother health care systems are included in the STR. The Primary Care Manager (PCM) or Military
Treatment Facility (MTF) can assist with missing information.

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In addition to health record access, TRICARE Online has a Service Separation page with
instructions, forms, and links to VA sites to help prepare for the SHPE or SHA. The site can bereached at https://www.tricareonline.com/.
After a Service member separates or retires from the military, personal medical records are
digitized, validated, and archived. After being digitized, the hard copies will be destroyed andno longer available.
Learn how to access your medical records at:https://www.tricare.mil/Resources/MedicalRecords.

Service members are required to complete a SHPE and MHA prior to separation.
The requirement can be completed:

During Service member’s scheduled DoD-performed SHPE and MHA.
As part of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) process.
During a VA disability exam (SHA) as part of the BDD process.

DoD inTransition
DoD’s inTransition is a free, confidential program thatoffers specialized coaching and resources for Service
members who are transitioning between
mental/behavioral health care providers and health caresystems or for those who wish to initiate mental
health/behavioral care for the first time.
DoD’s inTransition coaches work with the Service members to identify available treatment
options in their new area, help secure appointments with a mental health provider, and provide
information about transition-related resources.
All Service members who have had mental/behavioral health contact within one year of
separation from active duty are automatically enrolled in inTransition. Service members may
opt-out of the program when contacted by inTransition or at any point during the coachingprocess. For more information, visit www.health.mil/intransition.

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Suicide Prevention Resources
If you, or anyone you know, are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help
immediately.
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 988. Within
this hotline, the Veteran and Military Crisis Line isavailable by pressing 1. This confidential resource, with
24/7 support, that connects veterans, Service members,
including members of the National Guard and Reserve,
and their family members in crisis with qualified, caring
responders.
The Veterans and Military Crisis Line, text-messaging service, and online chat, provide free
support for all Service members and veterans, even if they are not registered with the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or enrolled in VA health care.
Service members and their family members can:Call 988 and Press 1
Chat online at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat
Send a text message to 838255

The Veterans and Military Crisis Line is staffed by caring, qualified responders from VA. Manyare veterans themselves. They understand what Service members have been through and thechallenges members of the military and their loved ones face.
The following overseas locations have direct crisis line numbers:In Europe: Call 00800 1273 8255 or DSN 118
In Korea: Call 0808 555 118 or DSN 118
In Afghanistan: Call 00 1 800 273 8255 or DSN 111
Chat online at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chatIn case of an emergency, dial 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
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Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program Office (SAPRO)The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office(SAPRO) serves as the single point of authority,
accountability, and oversight of the DoD SAPR program.
The Department’s programmatic approach is preventionfocused with an uncompromising commitment to victim
assistance.
SAPRO works closely with the Services to standardize victim response programs and resources
across the Department. It promotes military readiness by reducing sexual assault throughprevention, advocacy, and execution of SAPR Program policy, planning, and oversight acrossthe DoD Community. DoD’s approach ensures that Service members receive the protections towhich they are entitled and support through an integrated victim services network of care.
If you have been a victim of sexual assault and need assistance, more information, or additional
resources:

Contact your unit or installation Sexual Assault Response Coordinator or SAPR Victim
Advocate.
Contact the DoD Safe Helpline: 1-877-995-5247, http://safehelpline.org/
Visit https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/military-sexual-trauma/
for VA’s MST-related services which are offered regardless of disability rating

State and Local Health Care and Mental Health Services
In addition to mental health services provided by the military Service, each State’s Department
of Health promotes public health through policy initiatives, research, and service programs.
Often, a State's public health administration is combined with the provision of Social Services.
"Health" generally encompasses behavioral and environmental health as well as physical wellbeing, illness, and communicable diseases.
Social service websites may include information and programs dealing with healthcare, mental
health, suicide prevention, sexual assault, welfare, poverty, juvenile delinquency, sex offenders,aging, public assistance, and rehabilitation. There may also be listings of private social service
agencies.
A resource for what is available in your State is www.statelocalgov.net.

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TRICARE
When separating or retiring, a Service member and theirfamily may no longer be eligible for TRICARE as it covers
active-duty Service members and their families. It will benecessary for transitioning Service members to findhealth care either through an employer or on their own.
TRICARE is one option, which may still be available
depending upon the type of discharge or if the Service member retired from military Service.
TRICARE provides many different types of insurance plans which vary in their coverage ofmental health, substance abuse, dental, and medical services.
TRICARE program options can be found at www.tricare.mil.

Generally, changes to a health care plan can only be made during the annual Open Enrollment
season held from the Monday of the second full week in November to the Monday of the second
full week in December of each calendar year. Outside of Open Enrollment, starting or changing
plans can only occur after a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) such as birth, marriage, etc. Separating or
retiring from the military qualifies as a QLE. Changes must occur within 90 days after a QLE totake action. For more information, use the links below:
Separating: https://www.tricare.mil/LifeEvents/Separating
Retiring: https://www.tricare.mil/LifeEvents/Retiring
Deactivating: https://www.tricare.mil/LifeEvents/Deactivating

TRICARE Mental Health Care
Active-duty family members may seek mental health care if needed during transition. If eligible,
treatment may be sought for outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment
without first obtaining a referral and preauthorization. Referral and preauthorization are notrequired if the family member seeks care within the network from a mental health provider. If
mental health treatment will need to continue after transition, it is necessary to makeprovisions to continue care as TRICARE medical insurance may no longer be an option.

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TRICARE Health Plans
If eligible for and seeking TRICARE coverage after transition, the Service member or family
member can visit www.tricare.mil to go over the available benefits and health plans. In
addition, the TRICARE website has a Plan Finder to learn about health plans based on theService member’s status. The Plan Finder allows for specific information to be entered,answers questions, and explains possible options.
Service members who are retiring may be eligible for the health plans listed below. For more
information on any of the health plans listed below, visit
https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility/RSMandFamilies.

If retiring from military service, it is important you make an
appointment to speak with a Tricare representative to fully
understand TRICARE eligibility, options, availability, and cost.

TRICARE Prime and Select (for Retirees until age 65)
TRICARE Prime or Select coverage requires a beneficiary toenroll and pay applicable enrollment fees or premiums, costshares or copays, and annual deductible.
This option is available to retirees who have retired from themilitary, but have not yet reached 65 years of age.
If living overseas, TRICARE Select for Retirees is the only
option available.

Members who fail toenroll in TRICARE Primeor TRICARE Select willlose all TRICARE coverageand default to directcare, space available only
coverage, provided in a
military hospital or clinic.

TRICARE for Life (TFL) and Medicare (after age 65)
Retirees 65 and above are no longer eligible for TRICARE for Retirees. After age 65, Medicare
becomes their primary healthcare insurance. Retirees must enroll in Medicare Part A & B to beeligible for TFL as supplemental coverage beyond Medicare. Medicare and TFL together
provide comprehensive health care coverage, to include prescription coverage through TFL
under the TRICARE Pharmacy Program.

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When Medicare Part A and B coverage begins, the change from Tricare for Retirees to TFL
occurs automatically, with no enrollment required.
TRICARE Retired Reserve
TRICARE Retired Reserve may be the right healthcare plan for retired reservists who qualify(i.e., those not eligible for or enrolled in a Federal Employees Health Benefit plan and are underage 60). The plan provides comprehensive health care coverage under TRICARE Select.
US Family Health Plan (USFHP)USFHP is an additional TRICARE Prime option available through networks of community-based,
not-for-profit health care systems in six areas of the United States. A retiree must enroll, pay
the annual enrollment fee and co-payments, and use doctors in the network. This is only
available in certain locations.
TRICARE Young Adult (TYA)
TRICARE Young Adult is an option for unmarried, adult children of active duty and retired
Service members who have "aged out" of regular TRICARE coverage. The plan provides
comprehensive medical and pharmacy benefits. Enrollment requires payment of monthly
premiums and network co-payments. TYA is available with TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Selectplans.

Federal Insurance
Certain types of federal insurance are available to veterans. These programs are also offered toother federal government employees and retirees.
Dental and Vision Coverage for Retirees
Upon retirement, the DoD no longer offers dental insurance under TRICARE. However, retired
uniformed Service members, their eligible family members and survivors are eligible to obtain
both dental and vision insurance through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance
Program (FEDVIP). FEDVIP offers a choice of 12 dental and 5 vision insurance carriers. Retirees
may choose a dental or vision plan that best meets their families’ needs. If eligible, theenrollment requests can be made 31 days prior to, or within 60 days following the retirement
date to prevent a gap in dental coverage.

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Changes in FEDVIP plans can only occur during Federal Benefits Open Season coincides with
TRICARE open season from mid-November to the second full week in December or if you
experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). Please note that QLEs for FEDVIP differ slightly fromQLEs for TRICARE.
Further information about FEDVIP plan options, eligibility, and QLEs can be found:

Online at www.benefeds.com
By calling 1-877-888-FEDS (1-877-888-3337).

Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)
The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program is sponsored by the U.S. Office of Personnel
Management (OPM), insured by John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company under a group
long-term care insurance policy, and administered by Long Term Care Partners, LLC.
FLTCIP is available to eligible federal employees, to include active and retired uniformed Service
members, and certain qualified relatives. This includes:Active members of the uniformed services on active duty or full-time National Guard
duty for more than 30 days.
Active members of the Selected Reserve (i.e., members of the IRR are not eligible).
Retired members of the uniformed services entitled to retired or retainer pay; thisincludes gray area reservists, even if not yet receiving retired pay.

Eligible individuals must have their medical history reviewed as part of the application process.
Certain medical conditions or combinations of conditions will prevent some people from being
approved for coverage.
For more information, go to www.LTCFEDS.com.
Transitional/Temporary Health Care Coverage
Transitional health care coverage is available if you
separate from the military and meet the eligibility
requirements. Two such programs are listed below.

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 45 -Continued Health Care Benefits Program (CHCBP)The Continued Health Care Benefits Program or CHCBP is available for those who are noteligible for VA health care benefits, or TRICARE options and do not yet qualify for an employerbased program or who need coverage for a family after separating or are losing TAMP
coverage.
CHCBP:


Provides temporary health coverage for 18-36 months for former Service members andfamily members.
Reserve Component members, adult children, and un-remarried former spouses arealso eligible for CHCBP.
Acts as a bridge between military health benefits and new civilian health plan tomaintain health care coverage in a time of transition.
Provides similar coverage as TRICARE Select (including prescriptions, coverage for preexisting conditions, and pregnancy).
CHCBP is a temporary solution for health care coverage, during which it is necessary toactively consider options for when CHCBP ends.

To obtain CHCBP, an applicant must submit a request to enroll within 60 days after loss ofeligibility for military health care, (i.e., TRICARE Prime/Select or TAMP) and pay quarterly
premiums. In addition to premiums, there are additional copays and cost-shares for somecovered services.
CHCBP is managed by Humana Military, which provides services for enrollment, authorization,
claims processing, and customer service. For more information about CHCBP or to see if you
qualify, visit https://www.humanamilitary.com/beneficiary/benefit-guidance/specialprograms/chcbp/.
Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP)
If separating from active duty or deactivating/demobilizing, a Service member may be eligible
for TAMP. TAMP provides 180 days of premium-free TRICARE transitional health care benefits
after regular TRICARE benefits end.
To be eligible for TAMP, a Service member must be:Involuntarily separated from active duty.
A Reserve Component member separated from active duty after serving more than 30days on orders for a pre-planned mission or in support of a contingency operation.
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




Separated from active duty after being involuntarily retained on active duty in support
of a contingency operation.
Separated from active duty following a voluntary agreement to remain on active duty
for a period of less than one year in support of a contingency operation.
A member who receives a sole survivorship discharge.
Separated from active duty and agree to become a member (affiliate) of the Selected
Reserve of the Ready Reserve of a Reserve Component the day immediately following
last day of active duty. If there is a gap in affiliation, the member will not qualify for
TAMP.

TAMP eligibility is determined by the Services and documented in DEERS. To qualify, a Service
member must meet one of the eligibility requirements listed above, ensure enrollment of self
and family in Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), and that eligibility statusis reflected in DEERS. Members should review status in MilConnect.
Once DEERS is updated to authorize the 180-day TAMP coverage, the Service member and theireligible family members may be automatically enrolled in TRICARE Select and may choose toenroll or re-enroll in TRICARE Prime (if eligible), within 90 days of the start of their eligibility for
TAMP. Coverage is effective the day TAMP eligibility begins.
During TAMP, Service members and family members are eligible to use one of the following
health plan options in addition to military hospitals and clinics:






TRICARE Prime
TRICARE SelectUS Family Health Plan (if you live in a designated location, enrollment required)
TRICARE Overseas Prime
TRICARE Overseas SelectFor those who qualify, TAMP offers 180 days of premium-free health care to theService member and eligible family members after separation from active duty. If
eligible, TAMP starts the day after separation from active duty. TAMP eligibility is not
automatic, as individuals must meet one of the six qualifying criteria.

For additional information on TAMP coverage, contact your regional contractor or visit
https://www.tricare.mil/TAMP. For questions on TAMP eligibility, contact the Service
member’s personnel office.
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Dental Coverage During TAMP
During TAMP, the Service member is covered under the Active Duty Dental Program and may
be seen in military dental treatment facilities on a space-available basis.
Family members are still eligible for the TRICARE Dental plan during TAMP and must continue
to pay premiums.
Health Insurance Marketplace
Veterans and their family members who are not enrolled in VA benefits or other veteran’shealth coverage can get coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. View Health carecoverage options for military veterans at www.healthcare.gov/veterans.
A Service member separating or retiring from the Service qualifies for a Special Enrollment
Period (SEP), which allows enrollment in a Marketplace plan outside of the annual Open
Enrollment Period. The transition from the Service qualifies as SEP due to a “loss of qualifying
health coverage” as the coverage provided in the Service is no longer available. Documentationis required to utilize SEP, by which the DD 214 qualifies, as do other options.
To apply or learn more, visit:Online at: www.healthcare.gov/veteransCall the eMarketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596

TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325

Find someone nearby to help you apply at https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/#

DON’T FORGET to take a minute to review the information
presented in STEP 4 and add your action items to the “To Do” listin the back of the Resource Guide. (Use a separate sheet of paper
if the Resource Guide is not available.) Below are some actions to
consider:

Determine eligibility for TRICARE healthcare.
Explore healthcare options.
Research mental health resources.

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STEP 5: Plan for Civilian Employment/Vocational Training
Effects of Career Change
Transitioning from the Service is the ultimate careerchange. For many, finding employment or a new career
path is the first and most important area of concern.
DOL takes the lead for this topic providing information
on employment, vocational training, certifications,licensure, and various other avenues by which you canfind your next employment or career. The topics
covered in this section will be covered in depth during one of the three DOL modules. For more
information, use the links provided and download the Participant Guides for the DOL modules
at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/tap.
DOL Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) Curricula
The DOL TAP curricula helps translate military skills and experience into civilian terms, build aresume, search for jobs, and provides essential interview tips and resources which link to job
search websites and databases. You can access the TAP Training Resources from the DOL
website at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/tap.
The DOL provides access to the tools and best practices that will help in the transition frommilitary service to a civilian career. This includes helping evaluate career options, prepare forsuccess in the employment process, and apply, interview, and evaluate a job offer. The Veteranand Military Transition Center, located at www.careeronestop.org/veterans is a one-stop
website for employment, training, and financial help after military service.

DOL TAP Curriculum includes:

DOL One-Day, Employment Fundamentals for Career Transition (EFCT)DOL One-Day, DOL Employment Workshop (WWCEW EFCT) for wounded, ill, or injured
DOL Employment Workshop (DOLEW) – a 2-day track
DOL Career and Credential Exploration (C2E) Workshop – a 2-day track
Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 49 -The DOL One-Day EFCT or the WWCEW EFCT for wounded, ill, or injured is mandatory with afew qualifying exemptions. This workshop will provide a greater understanding of thefundamentals to consider for your transition to a civilian career. The DOLEW provides greater
detail on transitioning to a civilian career to include identifying career goals and skills,
developing and building a personal brand, exploring federal hiring, preparing for interviews,
receiving a job offer, and negotiating that offer. The C2E workshop is for those who want to
explore the interests, values, and aptitudes to make an informed career decision. C2E is ideal
for those seeking to identify credentials and qualifications needed for occupations of interestand understand the opportunities and benefits of apprenticeships.
REMEMBER, spouses or caregivers of eligible transitioning Service members may be eligible toreceive job assistance through their local transition office. They should contact the installation
Military and Family Support Center, Spouse Employment Program Office, which has an
employment program. Spouses are strongly encouraged to participate in the DOL TAP
Curriculum workshops.
Transition Employment Assistance for Military Spouses and Caregivers (TEAMS)In addition to the DOL TAP curricula, DOL is now hosting
virtual instructor-led workshops for former and current
military spouses, known as Transition Employment
Assistance for Military Spouses and Caregivers(TEAMS). These workshops are focused on empowering
military spouses to tackle their special employment
needs such as unemployment and underemployment, frequent moves, lack of education, andlicensure and credential portability. These workshops include:Your Next Move: This 2-hour workshop provides the opportunity to use DOL online
resources to define and explore career opportunities. Labor market information
research is used as a basis for selecting a career path or developing a job search plan.

Marketing Me: This 2-hour workshop is focused on using marketing techniques for a
job search, exploring networking opportunities and using multiple resources to develop
an action plan for the job hunt.

Career Credentials: This 2-hour workshop defines professional credentials and theirimportance, illustrates pathways for credentialing, and identifies license and credential
portability resources.

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 50 -Resume Essentials: This 4.5-hour workshop is designed to create a participant’s mosteffective resume. Trained facilitators will provide guidance and teach participants toevaluate their resume and understand job application techniques.



Federal Hiring: This 2-hour workshop provides an introduction to the federal hiring
process, reviewing federal employment opportunities, the availability of special hiring
authorities for military spouses, and differences between federal and private sector
resumes. Additionally, participants set up accounts on USAJOBS and review features toassist in identifying and applying for federal jobs.

Interview Skills: This 2-hour workshop provides tips and coaching for job interviews andhandling those hard-to-answer questions.



Salary Negotiations: This 2-hour workshop explains basic knowledge of salary,compensation, job offers, and negotiation skills. Included are exercises and resources tohelp participants understand and explain their worth to their next employer.

LinkedIn Profiles: This 2-hour workshop walks participants through building theirLinkedIn profiles. Participants learn how to create a profile that markets theirprofessional brand and uses keywords to attract recruiters and how to utilize LinkedIn
for skill endorsements and recommendations from their networks. This workshop is aprerequisite for the LinkedIn Job Search Workshop.



LinkedIn Job Search: This 2-hour workshop offers insider knowledge to utilize
LinkedIn’s job search features. Participants learn how to set job alerts, connect withnew people, and grow their networks by joining groups and following organizations.
This workshop also shares a rare sneak peek into the recruiter’s view on LinkedIn,
providing invaluable insight into LinkedIn job searches.

These free workshops are available to both current and former military spouses. The courses
are provided virtually by trained facilitators at a variety of times to increase accessibility to
military spouses no matter where they are located throughout the world. Some local transition
offices provide TEAMS in their local classrooms. Participants can take these workshops in any
order (except for the LinkedIn modules) and as many times as they would like. For more
information on the workshops, to access participant guides, or to register for a workshop,
please visit https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/tap/teams-workshops. Contact yourlocal transition office for classroom options.

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DOL Resources
DOL provides a multitude of resources for use during
and after transition. Services provided by theseresources include online websites, local job centers, andlocal or state level job banks.
Career One Stop
DOL sponsors the Career One Stop website as part of its partnership with the American Job
Center (AJC) network. Utilize the Career One Stop website, as it is a beneficial resource forfinding career information. Its resources and information can help identify potential careers
using current military occupation, explore training opportunities for certifications and licenses,
examine typical job-related duties, and search employers and jobs, in addition to providing
tools to research labor market information and explore civilian careers.
Visit Career One Stop at www.CareerOneStop.org.
America Job Centers - Priority of Service
While on Active Duty and after separation, retirement, or released employment assistance isavailable through the DOL American Job Center (AJC) in most local communities. It provides afull array of employment- and training-related resources and services.
AJCs are connected to employment, education, and training services provided through local,
State, and Federal programs. Each of these centers serves as a one-stop resource that links
Service members to the national network.
Veterans receive Priority of Service (POS) in all DOL funded employment and training programs
and services provided through the AJC. This means a Veteran seeking employment assistance atan AJC or other employment service within DOL will go to the head of the line. If the resources
are limited, the Veteran will receive access ahead of other applicants. The Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 requires all States to develop policies for the deliveryof POS in their State workforce plan. To receive POS, a Veteran must identify as a veteran whenseeking assistance.
AJC networks partner with DOL; however, each State manages their AJCs. Therefore, the nameof the local AJC may be slightly different.
To locate you nearest AJC, visit www.careeronestop.org.

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State Job Banks
As part of the State Workforce Agency or AJC, each State has its own job banks. These jobbanks have postings for jobs within a specific city and/or state. A Veteran can search for job
openings, post resumes for employers to find, and request to be notified when positions thatmeet their criteria are posted. As employers post jobs at no charge to their state’s job bank,job banks are a good local research tool. The state job banks serve as a place where individuals
seeking employment and businesses seeking employees can connect based on each other’s
needs. These job banks are free resources for both employers and job seekers.
To explore State job banks, go to https://www.careeronestop.org/JobSearch/FindJobs/statejob-banks.aspx and select the state to search by job type or location.

Unemployment Compensation
Service members who are retiring, separating, or being released from active duty, may qualify
for Unemployment Compensation (UCX). The UCX program provides unemployment
compensation benefits to eligible individuals transitioning from military service to the civilian
labor market. The program is administered by the States as agents of the Federal government.
If on active duty with a branch of the U.S. military, a Veteran may be entitled to benefits basedon that service, but must meet the state eligibility requirements, to include having been
separated under honorable conditions. The law of the State (under which the claim is filed)determines benefit amounts, number of weeks benefits can be paid, and other eligibility
conditions. Access the Unemployment Benefits Finder for the state under which a claim will be
filed at www.careeronestop.org/veterans/toolkit/find-unemployment-benefits.aspx.

O*NET Online and My Next Move for Veterans
Another useful resource developed under thesponsorship of the DOL Employment and Training
Administration (ETA) is O*NET. It is the Nation's primarysource of civilian occupational information.
The O*Net database contains hundreds of standardized
and occupation-specific descriptors on almost 1,000
occupations covering the entire U.S. economy. The database is continually updated with input
from a broad range of employers and workers in each occupation.
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O*Net information is used by millions of individuals every year, including those taking
advantage of O*Net Online, My Next Move, and other publicly and privately developed
applications.
The O*NET database contains:Information on hundreds of different occupations
Job descriptions and functions
Lists of tools used in specific jobs
Knowledge, skills, abilities, training, and education required for the positions

During MOC Crosswalk, a Service member will take the Interest Profiler within O*NET, which
will provide an understanding of the skills, abilities, and interests and indicate which careers
best match those skills and abilities. In addition, O*NET helps with identifying industry
standard keywords to use when writing a resume.
For more information, go to https://www.onetonline.org/.
My Next Move for Veterans (www.mynextmove.org/vets/) is a site within O*NET specifically
geared toward aligning military occupation codes with the civilian equivalents. This resource
can be a useful tool to assist in researching potential occupations similar to current military
specialty, suggest possible skills attained while in the military, and identify industry standard
keywords to assist when writing a resume along with identifying occupations that have a brightoutlook and are expected to grow rapidly in the next few years. My Next Move also allows theuser to browse careers by keywords, branch of Service, and the military occupational code
(MOC).

Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET), DD Form 2586
A useful document to have during transition is the Verification of Military Experience andTraining (VMET), DD Form 2586. This provides documentation and verifies military experienceand training. The VMET is a useful tool that will help:






Determining skills
Identifying possible career paths
Writing resume
Discussing civilian occupations related to military Service
Translating military terminology and training into civilian terms

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 54 -The VMET form is available to all eligible transitioning Service members including eligible
National Guard and Reservists.
Access the VMET by signing on to MilConnect using CAC or DS Logon athttps://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/.
Select the "Correspondence/Documentation" banner
Click on "DoD Transition Assistance Program (DoDTAP)”
Locate the "VMET" tabSelect the VMET Document (DD-2586) option to retrieve and save your copy.

Verify the personal information on the VMET is accurate at least 120 days prior to separation.
This will allow time to have the information corrected or to add missing information.
To correct errors on the VMET, visit the local personnel office, or call DMDC at 1-800-538-9552.
Credentialing Information
Credentialing is the “umbrella term” for licenses andcertifications. Some Federal, State, or local laws may
require specific credentials to legally perform some jobs.
Some employers may choose to hire only employees who
have certain credentials or offer a higher salary to thosecurrently holding the credential. In addition, having
credentials may improve prospects for promotion with acivilian employer. Having a credential demonstrates to prospective civilian employers thattechnical skills are on par with their civilian employees.
Licenses
Governmental agencies (Federal, State, or local) grant licenses to individuals to practice a
specific occupation, such as a medical license for doctors, or State license requirements forschool teachers. State or Federal laws or regulations define the standards that individuals mustmeet to become licensed.
Certifications
Unlike a license, a certification is issued by a non-governmental agency, associations, and evenprivate sector companies. These organizations or companies may grant certifications to
individuals who meet predetermined qualifications. These qualifications are generally set by

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professional associations (e.g., the National Commission for the Certification of Crane
Operators), or by industry and product-related organizations (e.g., Certified Information
Systems Security Professional (CISSP)). Certification is typically optional; however, some
employers may require them.
A certification may be required by the employer, city, or state to work professionally in a field.
Research the desired certification to ensure the correct version for location and occupation.
Even with all the military training, experience, and/or military licenses earned by Service
members, many civilian jobs require the transition of military credentials to civilian ones. Check
with the credentialing authorities as some may grant credit for military training or experience.
Obtaining a civilian license or certification will provide a clear advantage in applying for jobs
especially when the experience and knowledge gained in the military is considered.
To explore credentialing requirements for various career opportunities, visit American Job
Centers at www.careeronestop.org/FindTraining/.
In addition, DOL VETS can assist in understanding, finding, and obtaining credentials for military
spouses at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/veterans/military-spouses/license-recognition.

Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL)
Another online resource which can assist with industry certifications and licensure is theServices’ COOL websites. The COOL websites consolidate information from numerous sourcesat the federal, state, and local levels on certifications, licenses, apprenticeships, and growth
opportunities that correspond with each military occupation, several collateral duties, andleadership/management roles. Armed with that information, COOL provides the means for aService member to learn about and obtain civilian licenses and certifications that are closelyaligned with current or former military occupations, academic degrees, or civilian jobs forReservists.
On the COOL website provides:Background information about civilian certifications and licensure
Identify certifications and licenses relevant to military MOS, AFSC, or Rating
Learn how to fill gaps between military training and experience and civilian credentialing
requirements associated with MOS, AFSC, or Rating
Learn about resources available to help gain civilian job credentials

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If a certification or license is required for employment, or a certification or license can increasechances of being hired, explore how military training and/or experience prepared you for thecertification or state/federal license. Industry-recognized certifications and licenses can be key
to success in transition to civilian employment.
Each branch of the military has a COOL website geared toward their Service members.







Dept. of Defense Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (DoD COOL)o https://www.cool.osd.mil
U.S. Army Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (Army COOL)o https://www.cool.osd.mil/army/index.htm
U.S. Marine Corps Credentialing On-Line (Marine Corps COOL)o https://www.cool.osd.mil/usmc/
U.S. Navy Credentialing On-Line (Navy COOL)o https://www.cool.osd.mil/usn/
U.S. Air Force Credentialing On-Line (AF COOL)o https://afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/Public/COOL/
U.S. Coast Guard Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (Coast Guard COOL)o https://www.cool.osd.mil/uscg/
MilGears

MilGears is a one-stop-shop for career and credentialing pathways and is powered by COOL.
While COOL provides the information, MILGEARS provides the path. This online suite of tools
can help identify and produce career pathways based on the unique career inputs or by using
the quick search tools.
MilGears guides the user through a series of questions regarding military training, duty
assignments, on- and off-duty education, credentialing, and in-Service and post-Service goals.
The results provide a personalized assessment of the civilian credentials and career
opportunities that may be immediately achievable or achieved quickly. The results also provide
details on how to fill any gaps and next steps to accomplish credentialing or career goals.
Similar to O*NET, MilGears also shows “best-fit” post-Service occupations and resources to
explore them.
For more information, go to https://milgears.osd.mil/.

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Gaining Experience
Having experience in your chosen career area is very
important. There are multiple ways to gain experience
including apprenticeships, job training through USMAPS,
DoD SkillBridge, and volunteering.
ApprenticeshipApprenticeship is an industry-driven career pathway where employers can develop and prepare
future employees by providing paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a nationallyrecognized portable credential. Combining paid work experience, training, and a portable
credential is a powerful and proven recipe for employment success.
Apprenticeships are available in hundreds of occupations such as IT, cybersecurity, healthcare,energy, transportation, hospitality, financial services, and many others. Gaining experience inthese high-growing and emergent industries can lead to meaningful employment.
Apprenticeships are “earn-while-you-learn” opportunities where the apprentice earn apaycheck from day one as they develop new skills working with an employer. A DOL Registered
Apprenticeship typically lasts one to five years depending on the occupation chosen, andaccording to DOL, apprenticeship graduates earn on average $72,000 a year. There are over
25,000 programs available nationwide. Ninety-three percent of apprentices retain employment
after program completion, and graduates earn $300,000+ more over their lifetime compared totheir peers who do not complete a program.
All high-quality apprenticeship programs include virtual or in-person classroom instruction, andmany apprentices earn academic credit towards a college degree for the skills they learn while
avoiding college debt. Some apprenticeship programs are approved for GI Bill benefits whichallow the participant to receive a tax-free, monthly housing stipend and a stipend for books andsupplies in addition to their wages.
For information on using your GI Bill for an apprenticeship, visit
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/on-the-job-trainingapprenticeships/.
For more information on or to locate an apprenticeship, visit www.apprenticeship.gov.

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United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP)The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) is an apprenticeship program
registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, Department of Labor. The program
enables Active, Reserve, and Guard members to earn national certifications as Journey Workers
in specific occupational fields. The program’s major purpose is to document training and skills
learned while performing military jobs. Completion of the program can qualify the Service
member for employment in a recognized civilian trade.
The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) is provided at no cost andrequires no additional time or obligation. This formal military on-the-job training programprovides an opportunity to demonstrate and improve job skills. Completion of the registeredapprenticeship results in a DOL credential that is recognized by industry and labor employers.
The USMAP helps streamline and formalize different types of training in the military and civilian
workforce, and also helps to bridge the gap between the two.
For more information about apprenticeships, please visit https://usmap.osd.mil.
DoD SkillBridge
The DoD SkillBridge is a job skills training program that offers opportunities in civilian
apprenticeships, internships, job training, and job counseling. Program guidelines requires theService member to be within 180 days of separation and have gained approval from the first
field-grade level Commander. In addition, each Service has individual guidelines andrequirements for participation. Local transition or education offices have more information
about the Service SkillBridge program.
Currently, more than 700 programs are offered via SkillBridge, with more being added eachyear.
For more information, visit https://skillbridge.osd.mil.
Volunteering
Volunteering can be valuable for transition into civilian life. Volunteering has proven to assist
with finding employment prospects, learning new skills, and becoming engaged in local
communities. Research shows that volunteering increases a person’s likelihood of finding a job
by 27% nationwide, and volunteers in rural communities have a 55% higher chance of finding ajob.
Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 59 -Volunteering also helps with building a resume, by providing experience and job networking
which can lead to employment opportunities. Choose a volunteer opportunity based on skills,
experience, and employment objectives. Volunteering can provide the experience or network
connections when seeking employment opportunities in a new field.
Find volunteer opportunities in the local community through the State’s Service Commission or
through local organizations. To locate volunteer opportunities in the local area, visit
www.VolunteerMatch.org.
AmeriCorps
One opportunity for volunteering is with AmeriCorps, which is a national service program thatenables people of all ages to help solve tough community challenges while building skills for
future careers and connecting with their community. AmeriCorps provides an opportunity togain hands-on experience, learn new skills, and build connections that can improve a resume,
job, or school applications. AmeriCorps is a way to continue serving and make a real differencein peoples’ lives.
AmeriCorps members provide peer-to-peer support to other veterans and military families;
fight wildfires on public lands and other ecological conservation; help communities struck by
disasters; teach, tutor, and mentor disadvantaged youth; build and weatherize houses; serve inthe healthcare field with doctors, nurses, counselors, and social workers; and meet many otherurgent community needs.
Volunteering with AmeriCorps members can be a full-time job. Full-time volunteers receive amodest living allowance, health care benefits, and childcare assistance, while all volunteers
receive a flexible education award that compliments your GI Bill benefits. After completingyour contract with AmeriCorps, volunteers are eligible for hiring by employers that prioritize
hiring AmeriCorps alumni including the federal government.
For more information, visit https://www.americorps.gov/members-volunteers to find an
AmeriCorps position in your community and see profiles of veterans who served in AmeriCorps.

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Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment
Rights Act (USERRA) is a federal law. It was passed in
1994 and protects military service members andveterans from employment discrimination on the basis of
their service. It allows them to regain their civilian jobs
following a period of uniformed service. If you choose to
become a member of the Reserve Components (National Guard or Reserve member) after
transitioning from active-duty service, you will likely be introduced to the USERRA protections
related to service in the Reserve components.
USERRA provides the following:







Protects civilian job rights and benefits for eligible veterans and members of the active
and Reserve components of the U.S. armed forces.
Provides protection for veterans injured during a period of service upon returning to a
position, requiring employers to make reasonable efforts to accommodate the disability.
Provides eligible service members recovering from injuries received during service ortraining up to two years from the date of completion of service to return to their jobs orapply for reemployment.
Protects job rights of veterans and members of the Reserve components but thisprotection does not extend to spouses or family members.
Applies to ALL employers, regardless of size.

For more information and to determine whether your USERRA rights have been violated, accessthe USERRA Advisor at https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/vets/userra/.
All the details on your rights, including How to File a complaint are on the VETS website atwww.dol.gov/agencies/VETS/programs/USERRA.
An interactive online USERRA Advisor can be viewed athttps://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/vets/userra/.

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DON’T FORGET to take a minute to review the information
presented in STEP 5 and add your action items to the “ToDo” list in the back of the Resource Guide. (Use a separate
sheet of paper if the Resource Guide is not available.) Below
are some actions to considerReview DOL resources.
Research current occupations and possible career
choices.
Download and review VMET for accuracy.
Consider volunteering after transition.

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STEP 6: Learn about Federal Employment
Effects of Career Change
Many who transition from the military may findemployment in federal, state, or local government. Thismay occur for various reasons such as familiarity with thejob, area, or position; wanting to remain within the
military space without being in the military; or to support
those serving in the military. Finding employment in thefederal government can be a time-consuming process with multiple steps. Service members areencouraged to take advantage of the available resources provided in this section if seeking
employment within the federal government.
Federal Employment Opportunities
USAJOBS is the official job site of the U.S. Federal Government. While agencies can advertise
positions on their agency portals, USAJOBS provides the best path to search for Federal jobs
that match an individual’s skills, education, and experience. It has the tools to narrow results
and find job opportunities and includes helpful instructions on how to submit application
packets.
To begin, access USAJOBS website by creating a login.gov
account. Once an account is established, it is possible tosearch for Federal jobs and upload a resume and otherdocuments to a USAJOBS.gov profile.
Check with the local installation to see if there is afederal hiring course or federal resume writing
workshops. Another option is to utilize the online course “Transitioning to Federal
Employment” at https://TAPevents.mil/courses. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
also offers workshops on federal hiring, resume writing, interviewing, and navigating USAJOBS
at www.usajobs.gov/notification/events.
For more information, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/.

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 63 -Feds Hire Vets
When searching for federal employment, Feds Hire Vets is the single website for Federal
employment information for Veterans, transitioning military service members, their families,
and Federal hiring officials.
On this site, 24 federal agencies that are interested in hiring veterans provide a directory of
their Veteran representatives. This allows job seekers to locate the veteran recruiter, obtainhelpful tips on getting hired, and request an informational interview through the Veteranrepresentative to obtain insight into the agency.
For more information, visit https://www.fedshirevets.gov/.

Veterans Preference
Veterans Preference gives eligible veterans preference in appointment over many otherapplicants. Veterans Preference applies to all new appointments in the Competitive Service
and many in the Excepted Service. Veterans Preference does not guarantee employment, andit does not apply to internal agency actions such as promotions, transfers, reassignments, andreinstatements.
To be considered preference eligible, a veteran must meet the requirements detailed in Title 5
U.S.C. 2108(3) and discharged under honorable or general conditions:On active-duty Service during specified dates
Be in receipt of a campaign badge
Have a service-connected disability

Note: Not all active-duty Service members qualify for Veterans Preference. Service members
retiring at the rank of O4 or above are not eligible for Veterans Preference unless they have adisability rating.
Acceptable documentation to provide proof of preference or appointment eligibility is required,e.g., a copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows
dates of Service and character of discharge under honorable conditions.

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 64 -Special Appointing Authority for Veterans
In addition to Veterans Preference, there are Special Appointing Authorities for Veterans, which
provide veterans with a noncompetitive appointment. Eligibility under these types of special
authorities gives the veterans advantage over non-veterans because there is no need tocompete outside the special authority category.
The three authorities that are for veterans exclusively are:

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)
Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA)
Thirty Percent or More Disabled Veteran
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)

VEOA permits eligible veterans the ability to compete for jobs that otherwise only would havebeen available to status employees. Eligible veterans can apply to a merit promotion
announcement that is open to candidates outside the agency, but not open to the generalpublic. When agencies recruit from outside their own workforce under merit promotion
procedures, their announcements must state VEOA is applicable. The veteran competes
against current and former Federal civil-service candidates only. A veteran with a VEOA
appointment will be given a career or career conditional appointment in the Competitive
Service.
When applying under VEOA, veterans must rate and rank among the best qualified whencompared to other applicants to be considered for appointment. Veterans’ Preference placing
a veteran in a quality category is not applicable under this hiring authority.
Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA)
VRA is a special authority that allows agencies to appoint an eligible veteran without open
competition. Veterans may be appointed to any position up to GS-11 or equivalent if they are
qualified.
Upon satisfactory completion of two years of continuous service, the veteran is converted tothe competitive service. However, if hired into a noncompetitive temporary or term
appointment based on VRA eligibility, the veteran will not be converted to the competitive
service after two years.
Once hired, VRAs are treated like any other employee within the organization and may bepromoted, reassigned, or transferred.
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Thirty Percent or More Disabled Veterans
Veterans who are thirty percent or more disabled may be granted a temporary or term position
for which they are qualified. The agency would first place the veteran on a time limited
appointment of at least 60 days and could then convert that appointment to a permanent
appointment at management's discretion. If the authority is used to meet a time-limited need,
the position will not be converted to a permanent appointment. Unlike VRA, there is no grade
limitation for 30% or more disabled.
Veteran Employment Program Offices (VEPO)
For more information on special hiring authorities and Veterans Preference, contact the VEPO
at the agency of interest. The VEPOs are responsible for promoting veterans' recruitment,
employment, training and development, and retention within their respective agencies. A
directory of VEPOs can be found at https://www.fedshirevets.gov/veterans-council/agencydirectory/.
For agencies not listed on the Feds Hire Vets website, locate the human resources office within
the agency as an alternate source of information on veteran hiring.
180-Day Restriction on Department of Defense Employment of Military Retirees

REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF A RETIRED MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES TO A
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE POSITION WITHIN 180 DAYS OF RETIREMENT (AUTHORITY:
Section 1111, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017).
The FY17 NDAA placed a restriction on retiring membersof the military being hired in the DoD. This restriction
requires a 180-day waiting period before a military
retiree may be hired into the DoD. This ONLY applies tocivilian employment in the DoD, not civilian employment
in other government agencies.
There are exceptions to this restriction as stated in Section 3326(b) of the title 5, United States
Code. A retired member of the Armed Forces may be appointed to a position in the civil Service
in or under the DoD (including a non-appropriated fund instrumentality under the jurisdictionof the Armed Forces) during the period of 180-days immediately after retirement if:

Pre-Separation Counseling RESOURCE Guide - October 2022 | - 66 -The proposed appointment is authorized by the Secretary concerned or his designee
and, if the position is in the Competitive Service, after approval by the Office of
Personnel Management; orThe minimum rate of basic pay for the position was increased under section 5305 of thistitle.

NOTE: Reservists and Guardsmen who retire but are not yet receiving retirement pay are
excluded from the 180-day rule.
If interested in a position within the DoD, consult with the Human Resources office of the hiring
agency to answer any questions.
For more information, go to www.fedshirevets.gov/ for on-line assistance and contact
information.
Post-Government (Military) Service Employment Restriction Counseling
Military Components are required to provide counseling on relevant Federal and DoD
Government service employment restrictions to military members who are leaving active-duty
Service. The guidance provides information on restrictions for employment after leaving themilitary and the bans that occur if restrictions are violated.
A summary of the most common post-government employment restrictions includes:Personal: Lifetime ban on representing another individual or company to thegovernment regarding particular matters the veteran worked on while in government
service.



Official Responsibility: Two-year ban on representing someone else to the government
regarding particular matters that were pending under the veteran’s responsibility during
the last year of government service.

Trade or Treaty: One-year ban to not aid, advise, or represent someone else regarding
trade or treaty negotiations that the veteran worked on during the last year ofgovernment service.

Seeking or Negotiating for Post-Government Employment.

Compensation for representation to the government by others.

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Declining this mandatory counseling is not allowed. Contact the installation legal office (Staff
Judge Advocate or legal counselor’s office) to ensure receipt of the post-military employment
restriction briefing or counseling from an ethics official.
Section 847 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 requires military
officers who have a tentative offer of employment or compensation from a defense contractor
to perform specific duties for that contractor within 2 years of leaving DoD to obtain written
advice from their component ethics counselor regarding the proposed employment if thefollowing criteria are met:

Military Officers serving in the grade of O-7 or above who participated personally andsubstantially in an acquisition valued more than $10M.
Military member in any grade who served as a program manager or deputy program
manager for an acquisition program, procuring contracting officer, administrative
contracting officer, source selection authority, member of the source selection
evaluation board, or chief of a financial or technical evaluation team for a contract morethan $10M.

For 0-7 and Higher:
In addition, NDAA 2018, Section 1045 imposes certain prohibitions on DoD lobbying activities
by officers of the Armed Forces in the grade of O-7 or higher following separation from MilitaryService. A Service member currently serving in this grade band should contact the servicing
component ethics office for specific post-government employment advice.

NOTE: Written acknowledgment of the restrictions are
required by all Service members.

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DON’T FORGET to take a minute to review the information
presented in STEP 6 and add your action items to the “To Do” listin the back of the Resource Guide. (Use a separate sheet of paper
if the Resource Guide is not available.) Below are some actions to
consider:

Visit the Feds Hire Vets website.
Review special hiring authorities to determine eligibility.
Receive counseling on government restrictions toemployment.

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STEP 7: Plan for Further Education
Effects of Career Change
If you are seeking a complete career change, you may
need to complete the educational requirements prior toseeking employment. Explore the vast resources
available to you as you transition to an institution ofhigher learning.
Managing Your (MY) Education Track
If a Service member is seeking to attend a college oruniversity post-transition, they should attend the DoD
Education Track: Managing Your (MY) Education as partof the TAP course selection. This 2-day course will
provide an understanding of higher education including
how to be successful, the application process, funding
options beyond the GI Bill, and the admissions process.
This course is available in-person through TAP office or through the online portal athttps://TAPevents.mil/courses.
Education Assistance Resources
Service/Installation Education Assistance
Each military Service has Education Services Specialists(ESS), Education Services Officers (ESO), or professionalcounselors who can provide a Service member
information and guidance on the educational
opportunities available and how to proceed along thispath.
Those resources can include learning about the different undergraduate, graduate, or
certificate programs available and the options available through military programs. These
programs include a variety of services, such as:College-level testing
Professional military education
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





Veterans benefits
Tuition assistance
Financial aid
Deferments
Distance learning

Speaking to an ESS / ESO about an educational path is an important part of preparing totransition from active military Service. Take advantage of the subject matter expertise andknowledge at the base education office while still on active duty.
Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)DANTES provides no-cost education and career-planning programs for all “actively-serving” U.S.
Service members including the National Guard, Reserve components, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
DANTES-sponsored programs have helped Service members navigate the post-secondary
learning experience and attain academic achievement throughout their military careers andbeyond.
During every step of a Service member’s military career, education programs and services help
foster personal and professional growth through learning.
DANTES:

Provides opportunities to prepare a Service member for college entrance and a
successful learning experience.
Equips education counselors with tools and resources to assist Service members withindividualized guidance and face-to-face interaction.
Expands the opportunities for obtaining college credits and completing degree
requirements leading to success in higher education.

DANTES programs ensure that Service members have the support necessary to identify postsecondary education goals, attain degree completion, and ultimately transfer valuableknowledge and skill sets to civilian life. DANTES’ mission is to manage a portfolio of education
programs that help Service members achieve their education and career goals. These no-costprograms include the following:
Kuder Journey for Career & Education Planning
By taking a few assessments, Kuder will identify an individual’s skills, interests, and aptitude fordifferent career areas. This program will then identify career areas that fit with areas ofinterest and recommend an education and/or career path.
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Academic Skills Training for College Preparation
Academic Skills Training consists of the Online Academic Skills Course (OASC) and the College
Placement Skills Training (CPST). OASC is a good place to start for those unsure if they are
academically prepared for college. OASC can help improve basic math, science, reading
comprehension, and vocabulary skills. CPST prepares a member for college entrance andplacement exams with interactive games and activities. CPST targets college-level English,
math, science, and writing skills.
College Credit-by-Examination: CLEP and DSST
College Credit-by-Examination includes the College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) and thePrometric DSST Exam Series. Both offer the opportunity to earn college credit for priorknowledge including knowledge acquired during on-the-job training and outside of a traditionalclassroom.
To learn more about what DANTES offers or more information on education benefits, visit
www.dantes.doded.mil or the websites listed below.








College Credit for Military Training on your Joint Services Transcript (JST)https://www.dantes.doded.mil/EducationPrograms/get-credit/creditmilitary.html
College Credit by Examination (CLEP & DSST)
https://www.dantes.doded.mil/EducationPrograms/get-credit/creditexam.html
Troops to Teachers
https://www.dantes.doded.mil/EducationPrograms/become-ateacher/troopstoteachers.html
MilEd Benefits mobile app
https://www.dantes.doded.mil/Resources/MilEdBenefits.html
Social Media
https://www.dantes.doded.mil/Resources/Connect.html
FAQs
https://dantes.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

Joint Services Transcript (JST)The JST details a list of completed military education and training and provides credit
recommendations, course hours, and descriptions. If Tuition Assistance (TA) is being used foroff-duty education, the school is required to provide information on courses and grades to theService who in turn will supply the information for the JST. If the Service member paid for their
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classes or have previous college courses and wish to have them added to the JST, an official
copy of the college transcript must be sent to the Service’s JST or education office. Access the
JST at https://jst.doded.mil/jst/.
Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)
The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) is a regionally accredited college, sharing in Air
University’s accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools –Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). For more information, go to
http://www.airuniversity.af.mil/Barnes/CCAF/.
State and Local Education Benefits for Veterans
If pursuing an educational goal post-transition, understand that r additional education benefits
or assistance may be available from the state or local area. To find state or local education
benefits, research the area or state.
One website that provides information on State education benefits for veterans:
https://www.military.com/education/money-for-school/state-veteran-benefits.html.
Department of Education Federal Aid Programs
The Federal Student Aid Programs are administered by
the U.S. Department of Education and include grants,
loans, and work-study programs. These Federally funded
programs help provide money for college through thestudent’s post-secondary institution and can be used inaddition to the GI Bill.
To learn more about these programs, visit the Department’s website at https://studentaid.gov/.
Veterans Upward Bound
The Department of Education also provides the Veterans Upward Bound Program. This
program is available to help refresh academic skills to ensure success in completing a college
program. For more information, visit https://www2.ed.gov/programs/triovub/index.html.

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DON’T FORGET to take a minute to review the information presented in STEP 7 and add youraction items to the “To Do” list in the back of the Resource Guide. (Use a separate sheet ofpaper if the Resource Guide is not available.) Below are some actions to consider:Consider taking the DoD Education Track:
Managing Your Education.
Visit your Education Counselor.
Utilize DANTES resources (Kuder Journey, CLEP,
College placement exam practice).
Access your JST.

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STEP 8: Consider Starting a Business
Effects of Career Change
Starting or running your own business may be all or partof your post-transition plan. To understand how to begin
this process, the Small Business Administration (SBA) isthe best possible resource.

Small Business Administration (SBA) Entrepreneurship Track
Boots to Business (B2B)
For those considering starting a business after transition,
the SBA conducts a 2-day course that provides an
overview of entrepreneurship.

The B2B program guides Service members through the benefits and challenges ofentrepreneurship, identifies the optimal business skills required to operate a business, andprovides access to the numerous tools and resources available to launch and maintain asuccessful business.
In addition to B2B, SBA provides follow on services and online courses offered byentrepreneurship professors and practitioners and individualized SBA resources found atwww.sba.gov/vboc.
To locate class schedules and more information on all of SBA’s Entrepreneur Training Programs(ETP) visit www.sba.gov/bootstobusiness, and https://sbavets.force.com/s/.
B2B is also available in-person through the installation TAP office and at TAP Transition Online
Learning at https://tapevents.mil/courses.

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Veterans Federal Procurement Opportunities and Assistance
Small Business Administration
The Small Business Development Act sets an annual
government-wide goal that 3% of all prime
contracts/subcontracts should be awarded to small
businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled
veterans each fiscal year.
Executive Order 13360 requires Federal procurement officials and prime contractors to provide
small businesses owned and controlled by veterans or service-disabled veterans with the
maximum possible opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts awarded by any
Federal agency including subcontracts.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small businesses may be awarded government contracts
through a sole-source or a set-aside award. To find the competitive procurement
announcements, visit the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov.
Before the award of a contract, the veteran-owned company must be registered in SAM.
A Mentor-Protégé Program offers substantial assistance to small businesses. Be sure to checkout what is available through the SBA at https://www.sba.gov/.
VA Small and Veteran Business Program
VA Small and Veteran Business Programs implement the requirements to aid, counsel, assist,and protect the interests of small and veteran business concerns. This and other program
information can also be found at https://www.va.gov/osdbu/programs.
DoD Procurement Technical Assistance Center Program (PTACs)
The Procurement Technical Assistance Program was established to expand the number ofbusinesses capable of participating in government contracts. DoD administers the program incooperation with states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. PTACs help businesses
pursue and perform contracts with the DoD, other federal/state/local agencies, andgovernment prime contractors. Most of the assistance is free. Support to businesses includes
registration in systems such as SAM, identification of contract opportunities, help inunderstanding requirements, and preparing and submitting bids. Locate a local PTAC here:
https://www.aptac-us.org.

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DON’T FORGET to take a minute to review the information presented in STEP 8 and add youraction items to the “To Do” list in the back of the Resource Guide. (Use a separate sheet ofpaper if the Resource Guide is not available.) Below are some actions to consider:Consider taking the SBA Entrepreneurship Track:
Boots 2 Business.
Research the SBA website.
Contact the VA Small and Veteran Business
Programs.

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STEP 9: Explore Additional Information and Benefits
Effects of Career Change
As you transition and change careers, it is beneficial to
explore additional information, benefits, and resources
provided to support you.

Extremism Post-Transition
When beginning military service, you took an oath tosupport and defend the Constitution of the United Statesagainst all enemies, foreign and domestic. You havebeen trained to avoid and report extremist groups andactivities that go against the fundamental principles ofthat oath. As you leave military service, guard against
attempts to be radicalized, continue to take a standagainst extremism organizations, and report suspicious activities to the proper authorities.
Reporting MethodsFor an emergency that requires an immediate law enforcement response:o Call 911 or your local Police Department or Sheriff’s Department
FBI-Tips Electronic Tip Form: https://tips.fbi.gov/
Local FBI offices: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices

Resources

Department of Defense Instructions (DoDI): Handling Dissident and Protest Activities
Among Members of the Armed Forces
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/132506p.pdf?ver=2019-07-01-101152-143.

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Immigration Status
The DD eForm 2648 allows a Service member to opt in torequest additional information regarding immigration
status and expedited naturalization. If using the printed
form, the option must annotate an “opt in” election in
Section XI - REMARKS, item 48. This indicates the Service
member would like to receive additional resources on
immigration and expedited naturalization.
For additional information, contact the local legal office on the installation or the U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Service at https://www.uscis.gov/.

Opt-In for State Information
On the DD 2648, there is an option to share a personal
email with the state or states you are considering forrelocation.
After opting in, a state representative will send
information relating to that state. Information may varyfrom state to state.
Additional information may include, but is not limited to:

Employment opportunities, such as state job boards
Educational opportunities, such as state grants and scholarships
Housing information for the stateSpecial exemptions or discounts on fees and taxes

VA.gov provides a website with a link for each individual state veterans’ page. From there,choose a state and review the benefits provided by the state. Take advantage of the benefits
earned due to military service.
To find a listing of state veteran benefits, visit https://www.va.gov/statedva.htm.

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Separation Pay
If being involuntarily separated or released from active
duty, a Service member may be eligible for separation
pay.
Separating
Separation pay eligibility and amounts are determined by
the type of separation. The specifics on eligibility vary greatly from person to person based on
the specific reasons for separation. The local personnel office can provide more details on
pertaining to eligibility.
Medically Separating
Personnel medically separated for a disability incurred in a combat zone or from combatrelated operations may be entitled to an enhanced disability separation pay. For more
information, contact the administration/personnel office.
Final Pay
A Service member may be eligible for final pay at separation that would include any earned
entitlements and pay for accumulated leave. Final pay amount will be reduced by any
outstanding balances on advance pay received, along with unearned bonus recoupment andother debts incurred throughout time in the Service.
Understand that some transactions already in process could result in an over payments being
received after separation, additional payments, even overpayment, may create a debt. Service
members are responsible for repayment of all debts, to include overpayment, owed theFederal Government. Specific questions about separation pay issues should be directed to themilitary personnel office. The actual amount of separation pay is computed by the local financeoffice.
For Retirees, be aware that the final pay will be delayed. DFAS holds the final pay to verify andclear any possible debts; therefore, it is necessary to plan for the final paycheck to be delayed,
generally by one week, but possibly more.
For additional details on separation pay, review Title 10, Chapter 59, Section 1174, Separation
Pay Upon Involuntary Discharge or Release from Active Duty or Department of Defense
Instruction 1332.29, Involuntary Separation Pay (Non- Disability).

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IMPORTANT TO NOTE WHEN RECEIVING SEPARATION PAY:
If receiving separation pay, it is necessary to understand there is a possibility the entire
amount of separation pay will need to be repaid, using VA disability payment, should theService member become eligible for disability retired pay. Per 10 U.S. Code §1174 (h)which covers offset for retired pay and offset for disability compensation and policy
governing Separation Pay.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
A Uniformed Services Thrift Savings Plan or TSP account, is a defined contribution
retirement/savings plan similar to a civilian 401(k) plan for the purpose of providing retirement
income. Therefore, Service member contributions, the earnings from contributions, along withvested government contributions are retained by the Service member, regardless of type ofdischarge or separation.
Your TSP account is always yours to keep. However, at separation or retirement, you do havechoices. You can leave your money in TSP, roll it into another eligible retirement account, orwithdraw the money (there may be some potential IRS penalties). To better understand those
options and their impact, contact the installation Personal Financial Management staff, visit
https://www.tsp.gov/changes-in-your-career/leaving-the-federal-government/ and call the TSP
ThriftLine at 1-877-968-3778.
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
If retiring, it is necessary to understand the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), as a decision will need
to be made regarding SBP.
SBP is a benefit of retirement for an identified recipient. This program will continue to pay amonthly annuity to a surviving spouse, or other designated beneficiary, after the death of theveteran. While on active duty, this was a covered benefit; in retirement requires a premium tobe paid.
At the time of retirement, a decision to either utilize this benefit and agree to make thepayment, or decline is required. By choosing to continue SBP, the premium will be deductedfrom the monthly retirement pay. Choosing not to enroll in SBP, and married or divorced or
depended upon the stipulations of the divorce decree will require the notarized consent of the
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spouse. This is also true for any amount taken less than the full amount. Doing nothing inregard to this program will cause automatically enrolled to the full amount.
Depending on your branch of service, you may be required to attend an SBP class or have a
one-on-one SBP briefing.
To help make this important decision, find more information to include costs and benefits, fact
sheets, calculators, and more by visiting: https://militarypay.defense.gov/Benefits/SurvivorBenefit-Program/.
Legal Assistance
Military installations have legal assistance offices available to assist with legal matters, such as: Will preparation
 Powers of attorney Review of most contracts
 Debit/credit problems
 Landlord/tenant issues
 Family law, tax law, and estate planning
All these services are a no-cost benefit while on active-duty service. For Service members who
separate or are released, access to these services post-transition may no longer be available.
While retirees can use the installation legal office, it is on space-available basis.
Be sure to visit the local legal office prior to separation, retirement, or release from active duty
to tend to any legal matters that may incur a cost post-transition.
Military Protections and Tax Benefits
When transitioning from the military, carefully compare current benefits to what is available inthe civilian sector. Military benefits may include paid leave, paid holidays, enlistment/reenlistment bonuses, tax-free portions of pay, pension plans, health care and retirement healthcare plans. In the military, the Federal Government taxes base pay. Military pay such as
housing allowances, combat pay, or cost-of-living allowances are not taxed, and many states
waive state income tax. In contrast, as a civilian, the entire pay amount is taxed.
After transition, certain consumer protections such as the Military Lending Act (MLA) andServicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA) are no longer available. Be sure to carefully review the

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terms of new credit or loans for a car or other large purchase. The installation PFM and Base
Legal can assist with questions about MLA or SCRA protections.
Learn more about these protections at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/practitionerresources/servicemembers/.
Learn more about these protections at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/practitionerresources/servicemembers/.
Travel and Transportation Allowances
The move accompanying separation/retirement is different from the other moves in the
military.
Separating Service members are authorized travel and transportation allowances from their last
duty station to their home of record (HOR) or place entered active duty (PLEAD).
For retirees, travel and transportation allowances are authorized from the last duty station to ahome of selection (HOS) anywhere in the United States, to a home of record, or to the place
they entered active duty outside the United States.
To clarify, HOR is the place recorded as the individual’s home when commissioned, appointed,
enlisted, inducted, or ordered into a tour of active duty. The HOS is any destination within the
United States.
Eligible retirees and certain involuntary separatees (e.g., with separation pay and at least eight
years of continuous active duty) are authorized for storage and shipment of household goods
for up to a full year. Household goods may be shipped to:

Any destination within the United States
HOR outside the United States: HOR is the place lived when they entered the military
The place outside the United States from which they were initially called to active duty

All other separatees are authorized storage and shipment of household goods up to six months.
Items may be shipped to the location in which they collected separation travel pay.
Separated members must begin travel within 180 days. Retirees must begin travel within one
year after separation/retirement. In limited circumstances, an extension of the time limit tomove may be allowed. To request an extension, visit the transportation office for more
information.

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Storage time frames are similar to moving timeframes. Household Goods (HHG) may be moved
to the HOR/HOS. The HHG must be turned over to the transportation officer within the 180
days/1-year time limit. HHG may be stored for up to 180 days for separatees and one year for
retirees.
There are additional guidelines on transportation and allowances. For more information,
contact the Personal Property or Transportation Office to schedule a personalizedappointment.
Permissive Temporary Duty (PTDY) and Excess Leave (EL)
Permissive Temporary Duty (PTDY) or Excess Leave (EL) may be authorized for the purpose ofjob search and house hunting activities relating to transition to civilian life, but authorization isdependent upon the separation program designator (SPD) code. It is possible to request EL or
PTDY/Temporary Additional Duty (TAD), but not both. The granting of either is subject tomission requirements and approval of the Unit Commander.
The PTDY and transition leave of absence may be taken in a series of trips prior to separation,
but the total number of days of combined permissive absence and transition leave of absence
may not exceed 30 days.
To be eligible for PTDY, a Service member must have been honorably discharged under aseparation that provides transition benefits.
Individuals who are eligible for PTDY include:Members who involuntarily separated under honorable conditions
Members retiring from active duty
Members voluntarily separating through a military department force reduction or force
shaping program
Members who are being discharged for medical reasons, under certain conditions.

Service members voluntarily separating at the end of a normal term of service or involuntarily
separating under conditions other than honorable are NOT eligible for PTDY.
There are some rules to be aware of when it comes to PTDY:Cannot combine it with liberty weekends, special liberty, or holidays to extend theperiod of actual job/house hunting activities beyond the days authorized.
It can also be taken in conjunction with chargeable leave at no cost to the government.

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It may be taken in conjunction with transition leave (immediately upon completion of all
separation processing), but the total number of days of combined permissive absence
and transition leave may not exceed 30 days.
Can be taken all at once or in increments except in cases of disability, retirement, or
separation in which time constraints dictate that it must be taken all at once or not at
all.

Contact the personnel office for additional information regarding PTDY/EL and the Unit
Commander who provides approval.
Housing Assistance Information
Military Housing
If living in government quarters, it is necessary to contact the housing office to determine thesteps necessary and requirements to vacate government housing.
In some circumstances, if the Service member meets the eligibility requirements and if space isavailable, it may be possible to extend the stay in military housing for up to 180 days after
separation. However, staying in military housing past date of separation will require rental
payment at the current rental rate. Contact the Base Housing Office for more information.
Rental Property
If living in a rental property, notify the landlord as soon as possible. The housing office or legal
office can assist with any problems which arise in conjunction with a military separation.
Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD is a valuable resource for housing. The HUD Veteran Resource Center (HUDVET) has awide variety of HUD programs and services for veterans and those facing the possibility ofhomelessness. HUDVET also helps with some of the tougher issues veterans can encounter,such as combat-related domestic violence, runaway youth, and affordable housing forindividuals with disabilities.
The HUD website lists State resources and a variety of program offices for assistance. There isinformation on:

Avoiding foreclosure
Financing home improvements
Buying and selling a home
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If you want to explore some options and information from HUD, visit
https://www.hud.gov/topics/veteran_information/Veterans_and_HUD.
Homelessness
Homelessness means an individual or family does not have a permanent place to live. If you are
not sure where you will live after separation and concerned or have any thoughts about thepossibility of experiencing homelessness, schedule a one-on-one assistance session with a VA
Benefits Advisor or express this concern during the Capstone event.
Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness are strongly encouraged tocontact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3638) for
assistance. If access to a phone or the internet is not available, visit the closest VA medical
center.

Voting Assistance
While on active duty, Service members are covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens
Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
After transition back to civilian life, coverage by UOCAVA is no longer applicable. Notify the
local election official of the change in voter registration status and update information to votelocally.
When staying in the same voting residence after separation:
Notify election official of change in status. This can be done by locating the local online
voter registration and making the necessary changes.

When moving to a new State or County after separation:

Notify the current voting locale election official of the change in status to be removed
from voter registration for the current jurisdiction.
Complete a National Voter Registration Form (www.eac.gov/nvra/) to register as acivilian.
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Additional information about registering to vote locally can be found on the State/Territory
Election websites, www.fvap.gov/links.
If remaining or moving abroad after separation from the military, coverage by UOCAVA will be
provided as an overseas citizen instead of as military personnel. Find additional information on
voting assistance for Service members, their families, and overseas citizens at
www.fvap.gov/military-voter/transition.
Adaptive Tools for Service Members
For active-duty Service members with disabilities or limitations, the DoD Computer/Electronic
Accommodations Program (CAP) can assist with a needs assessment evaluation and/or provide
the assistive technology or devices to support mission accomplishments. CAP provides assistive
technologies to transitioning Service members with disabilities or limitations to assist Service
members in doing work or school-related tasks.
Transitioning Service members who are injured on active duty and acquire a disability,
limitation, or impairment in the following categories may qualify to receive tools from CAP:

Dexterity (limited use of the upper extremities, debilities, or restrictive movements tothe neck/shoulders/back) or vision (such as low vision or blindness)
Hearing (such as tinnitus or hearing loss)
Cognitive functions (such as memory or literacy deficits due to injury, learning
disabilities, ADHD)

Communication difficulties (such as word finding or vocal cord damage) CAP provides theseassistive technology tools at no cost to you or your agency. Those who medically separate
from active duty under DoD’s Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) are entitled toretain these tools as their personal property under certain conditions per the John Warner
Defense Authorization Act of 2007.
For more information to determine if you qualify, visit CAP’s website, https://www.cap.mil/.
Commissary, Exchange, and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Benefits
Military commissary, exchange, and MWR facilities is an essential benefit for those serving in
the military. Upon separation, those receiving an honorable or general discharge, may be
eligible for access to some or all of these services post-transition.

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Separatees or retirees who elect to live in a foreign country post-transition may not be eligible
to use commissary, exchange, or MWR facilities due to limitations imposed by international
agreements or host-nation laws.
Full Commissary, Exchange, and MWR Privileges
The following groups of honorably discharged veterans and their eligible dependents areauthorized full commissary, exchange, and MWR privileges. MWR privileges include oninstallation MWR facilities and the online MWR travel-booking engine at
www.AmericanForcesTravel.com.


Uniformed services retirees, including voluntary, temporary, and permanent disability
retirees of the Active and Reserve Components.
Former uniformed services members eligible to receive retired pay at age 60 for nonregular service.
Medal of Honor recipients who are not eligible under another separation status.
Veterans with service-connected, to include total disabled, disability rating from the VA.

Two-year Commissary, Exchange, and MWR Access
Active duty members and members of the Selected Reserve who are involuntarily separated,
and are eligible for transitional health care, along with their eligible dependents, are authorized
two years of commissary, exchange, and MWR access beginning on the date of the involuntary
separation. MWR access includes on-installation MWR facilities and the online MWR travelbooking engine at www.AmericanForcesTravel.com.
Full Commissary and Exchange, plus Limited MWR Privileges
The following groups of honorably discharged veterans are authorized full commissary andexchange privileges. MWR privileges include on-installation MWR facilities and the online
MWR travel-booking engine at www.AmericanForcesTravel.com. These benefits do not extend
to family members of these authorized veterans.
Disabled veterans with a VA-documented disability rating between 0-100 percent(excluding permanent and total).
Purple Heart recipients.
Former prisoners of war.

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Veterans Military Exchange Online Shopping Benefit and Military Star Card
All honorably discharged veterans have lifelong online access to military exchange shopping
benefits.
Veterans can go to ShopMyExchange.com, mynavyexchange.com, mymcx.com, shopcgx.com or
VetVerify.org to verify their eligibility and establish an online account. Documentation, such
asDD214, may be requested to verify eligibility.

DON’T FORGET to take a minute to review the information presented in STEP 9 and add youraction items to the “To Do” list in the back of the Resource Guide. (Use a separate sheet ofpaper if the Resource Guide is not available.) Below are some actions to consider:









Ask about expedited immigration status, if
applicable.
Research state benefits for veterans.
Determine if you are eligible for Separation Pay.
If retiring, speak with the financial counselor
about SBP.
Update legal documents.
If eligible, plan for PTDY/EL.
Change your voting registration.
Visit CAP website, if needed.

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STEP 10: Know Where to Go for Assistance
Effects of Career Change
As you transition, the most important thing to know iswhere to go when you have a question. The best place
to start for any question relating to transition is yourinstallation Transition Office. The Transition Counselors
and Managers have knowledge and resources to assist in
your transition. Next, use the resources and agencies ofyour transition team identified in Step 2. And don’t
forget about online resources.
Transition Online Learning (TOL)
TAP curriculum courses are available at any time
during and after transition in the TAP Transition
Online Learning (TOL) virtual environment. A Service
member must use a CAC to access the courses inorder to receive a certificate of completion for TAP.
Veterans, family members, or caregivers, are able to access these courses and theaccompanying Participant Guides and handouts without a CAC. The full TAP curriculum isavailable at: https://TAPevents.mil/courses. Available courses include:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Managing Your Transition
MOC Crosswalk
Financial Planning for Transition
VA Benefits and Services
Employment Fundamentals for Career Transition
DOL Employment Track: Employment Workshop
DOL Vocational Track: Career and Credential Exploration
DOD Education Track: Managing Your Education
SBA Entrepreneurship Track: Boots to BusinessParticipant Guides for TAP modules can be downloaded athttps://www.TAPevents.mil/resources.

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Military Life Cycle (MLC) Modules
MLC Modules provide Service members (active
duty and Reserve), Veterans, families, caregivers,
and survivors with information on planning for the
future. MLC modules can be taken at any timethroughout the Service member’s career and coverimportant topics such as education benefits, homeloans, and life insurance and offer connections to
VA. To access MLC modules, visit TAPevents.mil/courses. Available courses include:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Transitioning to Federal Employment
Reserve Component Dual Payments
Social and Emotional Health Resources
Survivor and Casualty Assistance Resources
Community Integrated Resources
VA Benefits 101
VA Education Benefits
VA Education Benefits for Spouses and Dependent Children
Mental Health for Families
VA Home Loan Guaranty Program
VA Life Insurance Benefits
VA Vet Centers

TAP Post-Transition
Every veteran, family member, or caregiver has access to the TAP curriculum, to include thecourses and participant guides, through the Transition Online Learning (TOL) platform.
TOL does not require a CAC for access. By using an email address register, the user can savecourse progress and return to the same point at a later time.
To access TOL and participant guides, visit, https://www.TAPevents.mil.

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DON’T FORGET to take a minute to review the information presented in STEP 10 and add youraction items to the “To Do” list in the back of the Resource
Guide. (Use a separate sheet of paper if the Resource Guide is
not available.) Below are some actions to consider:Note courses to review online.
Review installation resources and determine which
would be beneficial.
Review the Quick Guide for Websites in the Resource
Guide.

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Quick Guide for Websites
Benefit

Website/Link

STEP 1: Plan for Your Transition
DoD Curriculum ParticipantGuidesDoD TAP
VA Benefits and Services
Participant Guide
DOL Curriculum ParticipantGuidesDMDC myAccesshttps://www.TAPevents.mil/resources
www.divdshub/net/DoDTAP.mil
www.DoDTAP.mil
https://benefits.va.gov/transition/tap.asp
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/tap
https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/

STEP 2: Build Your Transition Team
Army – Transition Assistance
Program Centers
Navy – Fleet and Family
Support Centers
Air Force – Airman/Military
and Family Readiness Centers
Marine Corps – Career
Resource Centers
Coast Guard – Health, Safety
and Work-Life Services Center

American Job Centers (AJC)
VA Vet Centers
Military OneSource
MSO/VSO
National Resource Directory
DoDTAP
DOL Vets
VA Veterans Resources
VA - Healthcare
VA – Disability
VA - Education
VA - Records

www.armytap.army.mil
https://www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_fa
mily_support_program/work-and-familylife/transition_assistance.html
https://www.afpc.af.mil/Airman-and-Family/TransitionAssistance-Program/
https://www.usmc-mccs.org/services/career/transitionreadiness
https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/AssistantCommandant-for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Health-Safetyand-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-of-Work-Life-CG-111/Work-LifeField-Offices/
https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCent
ers/american-job-centers.aspx
www.vetcenter.va.gov
www.militaryonesource.mil
https://benefits.va.gov/vso/index.asp
https://nrd.gov
www.dodtap.mil
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets
https://www.va.gov
https://www.va.gov/health-care/https://www.va.gov/disability/
https://www.va.gov/education/
https://www.va.gov/records/
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Benefit

Website/Link

https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sbaSBA Office of Veteran Businesslocations/headquarters-offices/office-veterans-businessDevelopment
development
STEP 3: Know Your VA Benefits
VA Benefits and Services
Participant Guide
VA Disability Benefits
Benefits Delivery at Discharge(BDD)
VA Health Care
Women’s Health Care
Women’s Health Transition
Training
VA Mental Health Care
VA Dental Care
Transfer Post 9-11 GI Bill
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
Montgomery GI Bill Selected
Reserves (MGIB-SR)
Veteran Readiness andEmployment (VR&E)
VA Home Loan Program
VA Life InsuranceState VA Benefits
VA Vet Centers
VA Solid Start

https://benefits.va.gov/transition/tap.asp
https://www.va.gov/disability/
https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/when-tofile/pre-discharge-claim/
https://www.va.gov/health-care/https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needsconditions/womens-health-needs/
https://www.va.gov/womenvet/whtt/https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/
https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-healthbenefits/dental-care/https://www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-billbenefits/
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-billbenefits/montgomery-active-duty/
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits
https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocationalrehabilitation/
https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/
https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/
https://www.va.gov/statedva.htm
https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/
https://benefits.va.gov/transition/solid-start.asp

STEP 4: Plan for Health/Mental Care and Health Insurance
SHPE/SHA with TRICARE
Access Medical Records
Medical History Form, 2807-1
DoD InTransition
Suicide Prevention Resources

https://www.tricareonline.com/
https://www.tricare.mil/Resources/MedicalRecords
https://dcp.psc.gov/ccmis/forms/FORMS_medical_m.aspx
www.health.mil/intransition
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

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Benefit

Website/Link

Suicide Crisis Line Chat
DoD Safe – Sexual Assault
Resources
State/Local HealthCare/Mental Health Services
Qualifying Life Event (QLE) Separating
Qualifying Life Event (QLE) Retiring
Qualifying Life Event (QLE) Deactivating
TRICARETRICARE Plan Finder
Retired Veteran Under 65
Federal Insurance (FEDVIP)
Federal Long Term Care
Insurance Program (FLTCIP)
Continued Health Care
Benefits Program (CHCBP)Transition AssistanceManagement Program (TAMP)
Health Insurance Marketplace
Local Healthcare Assistancehttps://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat
http://safehelpline.org/
www.statelocalgov.net
https://www.tricare.mil/LifeEvents/Separating
https://www.tricare.mil/LifeEvents/Retiring
https://www.tricare.mil/LifeEvents/Deactivating
www.tricare.mil
www.tricare.mil/planfinder
https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility/RSMandFamilies
www.benefeds.com
www.LTCFEDS.com
https://www.humanamilitary.com/beneficiary/benefitguidance/special-programs/chcbp/
https://www.tricare.mil/TAMP
www.healthcare.gov/veteranshttps://localhelp.healthcare.gov/#

STEP 5: Plan for Civilian Employment/Vocational Training
DOL Participant Guides
DOL Vets
Veteran and MilitaryTransition CenterTransition Employment
Assistance for Military Spouses(TEAMS)
Career One Stop/American Job
Centers
State Job Banks
Unemployment Compensation
O*NET Online

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/tap
www.veterans.gov
www.careeronestop.org/veteranshttps://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/tap/teamsworkshops
www.CareerOneStop.org
https://www.careeronestop.org/JobSearch/FindJobs/statejob-banks.aspx
www.careeronestop.org/veterans/toolkit/findunemployment-benefits.aspx
https://www.onetonline.org/
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Benefit

Website/Link

My Next Move for Veterans
Verification of MilitaryExperience and Training(VMET)
Licensing/Certification
Training
Apprenticeships
COOL - DoD
COOL - Armywww.mynextmove.org/vets/
https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/

COOL – Marine Corps

www.careeronestop.org/FindTraining/https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets
www.apprenticeship.gov
https://www.cool.osd.mil
https://www.cool.osd.mil/army/index.htm
https://www.cool.osd.mil/usmc/

COOL - Navy

https://www.cool.osd.mil/usn/

COOL – Air Force
COOL – Coast Guard
MilGears

https://afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/Public/COOL/
https://www.cool.osd.mil/uscg/
https://milgears.osd.mil/
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/howto-use-benefits/on-the-job-training-apprenticeships/
www.apprenticeship.gov

GI Bill and Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship
United States Military
Apprenticeship Program(USMAP)
DoD SkillBridge
Volunteering
AmeriCorps
Uniformed Services
Employment andReemployment Rights Act(USERRA)https://usmap.netc.navy.mil/usmaps/static/index.htm
https://dodskillbridge.usalearning.gov
www.VolunteerMatch.org
https://www.americorps.gov/members-volunteers
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/userra
www.esgr.mil
www.benefits.va.gov/guardreserve

STEP 6: Learn about Federal Employment
Transition to Federal Hiring
CourseOPM Federal Hiring Course
USA Jobs
Feds Hire Vets
Veteran Employment Program
Offices (VEPO)

https://TAPevents.mil/courses
www.usajobs.gov/notification/events
www.usajobs.gov
https://www.fedshirevets.gov/
https://www.fedshirevets.gov/veterans-council/agencydirectory/

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Benefit

Website/Link

STEP 7: Plan for Future Education
Managing Your (MY)
Education
Defense Activity for NonTraditional Education Support(DANTES)
Joint Service Transcript (JST)CCAFState/Local Education Benefits
for Veterans
Department of Education
Federal Aid
Upward Bound Program

https://TAPevents.mil/courses
www.dantes.doded.mil
https://jst.doded.mil/jst/
http://www.airuniversity.af.mil/Barnes/CCAF/
https://www.military.com/education/money-forschool/state-veteran-benefits.html
https://studentaid.gov/
https://www2.ed.gov/programs/triovub/index.html

STEP 8: Consider Starting a Business
SBA - Boots 2 Business- Online
Version
Veterans Business OutreachCenter (VBOC)
System for AwardManagement (SAM)
Mentor-Protégé Program
VA Small and Veterans
Business Program
DoD Procurement Technical
Assistance Center Program(PTACs)https://TAPEvents.mil/courses
www.sba.gov/vboc
https://www.sam.gov
https://www.sba.gov/
https://www.va.gov/osdbu/programs
https://www.aptac-us.org

STEP 9: Explore Additional Information and Benefits
FBI Extremism Tip Line
Immigration Status
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Survivor Benefit Plan (SPB)
Military Protections and Tax
Benefits (MLA and SCRA)

https://tips.fbi.gov/
https://www.uscis.gov/
https://www.tsp.gov/changes-in-your-career/leaving-thefederal-government/
https://militarypay.defense.gov/Benefits/Survivor-BenefitProgram/
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/practitionerresources/servicemembers/

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Benefit

Website/Link

Office of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD)

https://www.hud.gov/topics/veteran_information/Veterans_and_HUD
www.fvap.gov/links
www.fvap.gov/military-voter/transition

Voting Assistance
Adaptive Tools for Service
Members
American Travel Forces

https://www.cap.mil/
www.AmericanForcesTravel.com

STEP 10: Know Where to Go for AssistanceTransition Online Learning
Military Life Cycle Modules
TAP Participant Guides

https://TAPevents.mil/courses
https://TAPevents.mil/courses
https://TAPevents.mil/resources

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My Transition “To Do” List
Task
Complete?



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NOTES for My Transition



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