Retiring from the military is an exciting time in your life. But this transition can be intimidating as you move to a civilian lifestyle when the military is all you have ever known. It’s understandable, and expected, that you may have some questions about the process and potential outcomes of the choices you make while you’re planning your retirement.

There will be several important decisions you’ll need to make as you transition from Active Duty to civilian life — and AAFMAA can assist you with each of them. You can start here with our series of articles highlighting the following seven topics to help guide you through the retirement process.

Things to Think About When You're Retiring

The 7 decisions you need to make before you retire include considering:

1. Survivor Benefit Plan from Defense Finance and Accounting Services
2. VA (Veterans Affairs) Disability Determination
3. Life Insurance to replace SGLI (Servicemembers Group Life Insurance)
4. Social Security Retirement Benefit
5. TRICARE
6. FEDVIP (Federal Employees Dental and Vision Program) to replace military dental and vision coverage
7. Medicare and TRICARE for Life
8. BONUS: Financial Independence, Part 1
9. BONUS: Financial Independence, Part 2

You’ll also want to download our Military Transition Timeline to assist you in planning for your transition to civilian life. As always, we’re here to assist you throughout your military journey. If you have any questions or need our assistance with your military benefits, an AAFMAA Member Benefits Representative can help. Call 888-481-4927, select option 2, then option 2 again; or email [email protected].