By Amanda Huffman
Air Force Veteran and Military Spouse
Host of the Women of the Military Podcast
Leaving the military is challenging for multiple reasons. Not only are many servicemembers leaving what could be considered their first full-time job, but they have also undergone dramatic changes while serving and may find it difficult to start a new career in the civilian sector. Many Veterans move to a new location after leaving the service and have to start over, but, this time, without the support of the military. There are ways to prepare for this transition, and while it likely won’t be easy, these tips can make the process go more smoothly.
Prepare Early for Your Next Career
One of the biggest mistakes servicemembers make when preparing for transition is not planning early enough. Leaving the military can feel so far off in the future that it can be hard to start thinking about it while you are still serving. However, you never know when your last day of service will be, so it’s wise to start preparing early: Stay current on professional and other certifications; start working on your degree if you don’t have one; and start thinking about the career you would like to have after military service.
Sometimes you will have sufficient time to plan to leave the military. Ideally, you should start planning two to five years before you leave the service. You might start thinking about where you want to be for your final assignment by either requesting a PCS there or just starting to consider what you need to do to get there.
Also, you should be thinking about your career. Many servicemembers stay in the same career field, but some choose to pursue a different career path. Start researching what your current job looks like in a civilian setting, or if there isn’t a civilian equivalent, assess which skills you have that can transfer into a new career field. There are many companies and nonprofit organizations that can assist with obtaining certifications and licenses, building your resume, searching for jobs and even with mentoring and job-shadowing or fellowships. Research and connect with those organizations before you leave service to ensure you benefit from all that they offer.
Save for the Gap
It’s important to start saving for the future now. Financial challenges can happen when you leave the military and it could take time to find a new career. A great rule of thumb at all times but especially in planning for military transition is to have three to six months of living expenses in your savings account before you leave the military.
If you’re eligible for retirement benefits from Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS), your final active-duty paycheck may be held pending an accounting review and you may have to wait 30 to 45 days before your first retiree payment is processed — and that’s if all of your forms and applications are in order and have been received. Plan for this gap in income, and don’t presume your first payment will arrive exactly 30 days after your official retirement.
Even VA disability payments may be delayed once you’ve received your disability rating. This is why it’s always better to have money saved up before you retire.
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your family, especially during uncertain times, is to protect what their future could look like. And one of the best ways to provide that protection is to ensure you have enough life insurance coverage. As you are likely aware, your Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) will end 120 days after you leave service. Be sure to supplement it as soon as you can with coverage that will stay with you beyond your military transition, and while you’re able to secure lower rates. It will give you peace of mind while other parts of your life are up in the air.
Be Ready for Unexpected Emotions
Veterans experience a range of emotions when they leave the military. According to research, the final stages of brain development happen between the ages of 18 and 24, which is when many people serve in the military. Because the military helps shape the final stage of brain development, many Veterans have trouble relating with their peers after leaving the service. You should be aware of these psychological differences and know you may experience unexpected emotions either toward your military service or others you interact with outside of the military.
Keep an Open Mind
Your future is wide open after your military service. Don’t be afraid to try something new and different from the work you did in the military. There are so many tools you learned from military service that you can use in your next phase of life, as long as you keep an open mind. I remember feeling that my greatest accomplishments would only be connected to my military service. Life as a civilian seemed dull and without the potential for great things. However, I have learned that the tools I acquired from my military career led me to accomplish amazing things in my life. I am grateful for my time in the military, but I am also glad that the journey didn’t end there.
So if you’re ready to leave the military, don’t be afraid to jump into the unknown. There will be many open doors and opportunities for you that you may not even be able to imagine right now.
Download AAFMAA’s Military Transition Timeline, a month-by-month checklist to follow, starting three years out, until your final separation. It will help ensure you’ve got all your bases covered throughout your transition.