LEARN
Transition Knowledge
The process, the programs, the rules, and the terms you’ll hear along the way.
Start early. The people who transition well begin before they have to.
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Attend a pre-separation brief
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Use Tuition Assistance & free credentials while you still can
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Start a transition savings cushion
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Begin thinking about location and career direction
Set your direction and lock in the things you can only do while serving.
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Transfer the GI Bill to family (TEB) — only possible while in
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Draft your civilian resume
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Start networking in your target field
Line up the pieces so the final months are execution, not scramble.
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Schedule your separation health assessment
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Gather medical evidence for your VA claim
Make it real — this is the window for your VA claim and firm offers.
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File your VA claim (BDD window: 180–90 days out)
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Interview and work toward an offer
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Plan terminal leave / PTDY
Close it out cleanly — the paperwork you skip now is the headache you inherit.
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Convert SGLI → VGLI (within 240 days)
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Enroll in VA health care
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Get multiple certified DD-214s (Member 4)
Settle in, follow through, and take care of yourself.
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Track your VA claim; use a VSO for appeals
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Keep networking and using education benefits
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Protect your mental health — Veterans Crisis Line: 988, press 1