Life After the MiLitAry

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Li 7e A 7ter the MiLitAry MiLitAry The mission o1 The USAA Educational Foundation is to help consumers make in1ormed decisions by providing in1ormation on fnancial management, sa1ety concerns and signifcant li1e events. our Mission This publication is not medical, sa 1ety, legal, tax or investment advice. It is only a general overview o 1 the subject presente d.

The USAA Educational Foundation, a nonproft organization, does not provide pro 1essional services 1or fnancial, accounting or legal matters. Consult your tax and legal advisers regarding your specifc situation. In 1ormation in this publication could be time sensitive and may be outdated.

The Foundation d oes not endorse or promote any commercial supplier, product or service. W1a; y7< s17more. less.

armed services and have grown accustomed to the military 9s unique li1estyle. Whether you are separating a1ter 4 years o1 service or retiring a1ter 20 years, you will need to plan personally and pro1essionally 1or the up- coming transition. This publication o11ers practical suggestions 1or managing your transition. It contains in1ormation, tips and tools to help you with the 1ollowing. Prepare mentally and emotionally 1or change. " Choose a career and plan your job search. " Enhance your education. " Manage relocation. " Develop a fnancial strategy 1or the 1uture. " Plan ahead 1or civilian li1e. " Leaving the military involves many decisions and activities. With preparation, you can enjoy a smooth transition and many rewarding years as a civilian. WhAt you shouLd KnoW to 7urther heLp you through this trAnsition in your Li 7e, Consider ordering Any o 7 our 7ree pubLiCAtions Listed on the inside bACK Cover o 7 this pubLiCAtion. 3 out o 7 uni 7orM Transitioning to civilian li1e can be an exciting time. However, some- times it can cause stress and uncertainty in the 1ollowing areas. Job search. " New career. " Finances. " Living situation. " Social relationships. " Family and household patterns. " Upon leaving the military, some individuals experience a sense o1 instability, a lack o1 confdence or sel1-esteem and loneliness. I1 you experience these 1eelings, the 1ollowing can help alleviate these symptoms. talk t7 o;1.9: You will 1ace numerous decisions and emotions throughout your tran- sition. Remember that you are not alone. Contact 1ormer servicemem- bers who are pursuing civilian careers and ask about their experiences. They can become help1ul sources o1 support and advice during and a1ter your transition. p9.8a9. M.6;all? Think about the di11erences between military and civilian li1e. Consider how the change will a11ect you, your spouse and your children. As ap- propriate, include 1amily members in exploring the 1ollowing questions. What aspects o1 military li1e will you miss? " What aspects o1 civilian li1e are most exciting to you? " A1ter the discipline o1 military li1e, how will you respond " to civilian li1e 9s less structured conditions? ContACt 7orMer serviCeMeMbers Who Are pursuing CiviLiAn CAreers And AsK About their experienCes. 4 I1 you have lived on military bases, how will you adjust to apart- " ment or neighborhood living? How will you stay in touch with military 1riends? " Will your spouse need to fnd or change jobs? " Will your children need to change schools? " b. h.al;1? To help maintain emotional balance throughout your transition, you and your 1amily should establish and stick with healthy routines. Get plenty o1 rest. Maintain a regular sleep schedule. " Exercise regularly. Continue to stay physically ft. " Eat well. It is important to eat regular, nutritious meals. " Continue social and 1amily activities. Friends and 1amily " can provide needed encouragement, advice and support. Schedule personal time. Each 1amily member needs time " 1or something just 1or them. s..k h.l8 I1 stress becomes unmanageable during your transition out o1 the military, seek help 1rom the 1ollowing sources. Military Family Support Services. Active military bases o11er an " Army Community Service Center, Marine Corps Community Ser- vice Center, Navy Fleet and Family Support Center or Air Force Family Service Center 4 all o1 which o11er similar services. Military clergy members and enlisted religious support personnel. " Your state 9s Department o1 Social Services or Department o1 " Public Health. Community resources such as United Way 1unded agencies, " The Salvation Army or the YMCA/YWCA. A local place o1 worship. " The sel1-help section o1 a nearby library or bookstore. " the usAA eduCAtionAL 7oundAtion pubLiCAtion, Choosing A heALthy Li 7e- styLe , o 7 7ers More in 7or- MAtion. see cresourCes d on the inside bACK Cover o 7 this pubLiCAtion to order A 7ree Copy. 5 A neW CAreer Even though you have gained knowledge, training and skills that civilian employers value, it may take some time to fnd the job or career that is right 1or you. The Department o1 De1ense o11ers a Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to help guide you through this process. TAP services include comprehensive coaching and instruction in the 1ollowing areas: Transition planning. " Career assessment. " Resumé, cover letter and job application preparation. " Job interview techniques. " Job search techniques. " Contact a Military Transition Center at least 12 to 18 months be1ore your separation or retirement date. To locate a Transition Center near you, visit www.turbotap.org. Do not hesitate to ask questions or consult your Transition Center as o1ten as necessary. For detailed TAP in1ormation, visit the U.S. Depart- ment o1 Labor at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/tap/main.htm. C177:. A Ca9..9 Determine the type o1 job or career you want to pursue and the level o1 income you need. You should select something that is a good ft based on your military experience, education level, skills and personality. Con- sider your strengths and what type o1 work most interests you. What do I want to do? " What are my skills? " What industry or type o1 employer interests me? " Where do I want to live and work? " To better understand your talents and interests and the types o1 jobs that match them, you may wish to consult career guides, complete online career assessments or work with a career counselor. They can help as you defne goals and narrow your choices. deterMine the type o 7 job or CAreer you WAnt to pursue And the LeveL o 7 in- CoMe you need. 6 C9.a;. A r.:<mC A resumé is o1ten your frst introduction to a prospective employer. Create one that clearly demonstrates how your experience and abilities apply to the job you are seeking. Sometimes it can be di1fcult to communicate military job skills in terms a civilian employer can appreciate. Avoid using military service titles, jargon and acronyms. I1 some aspects o1 your military experience are classifed, ask your transition o1fce 1or appropriate ways to convey that experience. n.;w79k Because many positions are flled without employer advertising, you should ask people you know 1or help in your job search. Make a list o1 1riends, 1amily members, 1ellow servicemembers and other individuals who might be able to help you with the 1ollowing. Advise you about a company or industry. " Introduce you to others in a company or an industry. " Help you fnd job leads. " To broaden your network, join appropriate pro1essional organizations and get to know individuals who work in your chosen feld. The 1ol- lowing military support and veteran 9s service organizations also o11er opportunities to network. Military O1fcers Association o1 America, www.moaa.org. " The Retired Enlisted Association, www.trea.org. " Non-Commissioned O1fcers Association, www.ncoausa.org. " Marine 1or Li1e, www.m4l.usmc.mil. " Army Career and Alumni Program, www.acap.army.mil. " resuMé tips Keep it short, pre1er- " ably no more than two pages. Use action words to " describe your skills and abilities. List your experience in " chronological order. Make sure there are no " typos or grammatical errors. 7 C76-<c; A j7+ s.a9c1 Approach your job search as i1 it were a work project. Maintain a weekly schedule that includes the 1ollowing activities. Searching the Internet or classifed ads 1or opportunities. " Researching companies o1 interest. Do not overlook employment opportunities at nonproft " organizations, schools, hospitals and small businesses. Making phone calls or personal visits to prospective employers. " Participating in pro1essional associations related to your desired feld. " Writing letters and completing job applications. " Interviewing. " Follow-up and administrative activities. " t9ack y7<9 p9709.:: Once you begin distributing your resumé and going on interviews, you can use the 1ollowing track- ing sheet to monitor your progress. resuMé And intervieW trACKing sheet MAiLed to response intervieW tiMe, thAnK you dAte (CoMpAny/ContACt nAMe) reCeived dAte, pLACe Letter sent 8 o;1.9 C76:2-.9a;276: I1 you start your own business, you should develop a solid " business plan. Contact the U.S. Small Business Association at www.sba.gov 1or loan assistance. I1 you apply to work with the 1ederal government, you may " receive pre1erences and benefts associated with your military service. Consult your transition o1fce 1or specifc application instructions. I1 you are unable to fnd a job a1ter your separation date, you " may quali1y 1or Unemployment Compensation 1or Ex-service- members (UCS). For in1ormation visit the U.S. Department o1 Labor at www.work1orcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/ucx.asp. b. C76f-.6; Many companies value military experience and seek opportunities to hire 1ormer servicemembers. You have been held to high standards o1 per1ormance and " behavior throughout your military career. You have been trained to succeed in stress1ul, high-pressure " situations. You understand time and task management and customer " satis1action. You may have acquired security clearances essential 1or many " government- and de1ense-industry jobs. You have much to o11er as a civilian employee. " use the internet Provides current " in1ormation whenever you need it. O11ers many Web sites " 1or researching compa- nies, locating jobs and posting resumés. Allows you to target " or broaden your job search as needed. 9 enhAnCing your eduCAtion As you transition 1rom a military to a civilian career, you may need additional education or training to reach your work goals. The job market is highly competitive, so college, vocational training or a specialized course can help you earn your job o1 choice. v2:2; y7<9 e-<ca;276 o/fc. Be1ore leaving the military, visit your installation 9s Education O1fce 1or in1ormation on your aca- demic or vocational needs and how to 1ulfll them. An education counselor can help you with the 1ollowing. Determine i1 you quali1y 1or any education benefts. " Select an appropriate academic institution. " Complete necessary enrollment paperwork. " Determine whether portions o1 your military training may count 1or academic credit. " Consider non-traditional educational opportunities, such as distance learning or vocational " training. t.:;260 o8879;<62;2.: While you remain on active duty, you may take the 1ollowing exams and tests 1ree o1 charge through your Education O1fce. Academic entrance exams, such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test " (SAT), American College Testing (ACT) Assessment Program or Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Exams 1or earning college credits, such as the College Level " Examination Program (CLEP) or DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). Licensing or certifcation examinations 1or occupational specialties. " 726a6c2al A2- Military veterans and their dependents may be eligible 1or one o1 the 1ollowing assistance programs. The Montgomery GI Bill 4 Active Duty. " The Montgomery GI Bill 4 Selected Reserve. " Veterans Educational Assistance Program. " Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program. " For details o1 these programs, visit www.gibill.va.gov or call (888) 442-4551. 7or More in 7orMAtion For additional educational counseling and in1orma- tion, you may consult: The veterans coun- " selor at the admis- sions o1fce o1 most colleges and univer- sities. The Department o1 " De1ense Voluntary Education Program Web site, at www. voled.doded.mil. 10 Whether you are relocating 1rom overseas or across town, this move is unique. You are moving out o1 the military into civilian li1e and it is especially important to understand the services available. Your near- est 1amily support center will be your best source o1 in1ormation and advice. r.l7ca;276 A::2:;a6c. p9709am Take advantage o1 the military 9s Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) to begin planning your move to a new home. The program o11ers coun- seling and detailed in1ormation to help you choose a destination, fnd and purchase a home and settle into a new community. RAP specialists can provide the 1ollowing. In1ormation on your chosen location. " An assessment o1 what you will need to make this move " a smooth one. Help in developing a relocation plan 1or your situation. " Re1errals to other programs or services as appropriate. " Workshops and counseling on managing relocation stress. " W1.9. t7 L2=. When considering locations, ask these questions. Do I have nearby 1amily or 1riends? " Does it o11er job opportunities that match my interests and " abilities? Is this location a11ordable? " Is this location a good ft 1or my 1amily? " Contact your installation 9s RAP o1fce 1or chamber o1 commerce pack- ages, housing materials, local newspapers, in1ormation on child care 1acilities and school listings and other in1ormation to help you evaluate options. 7or More in 7orMAtion Take advantage o1 the military 9s Relocation As- sistance Program (RAP) to begin planning your move to a new home. reLoCAtion 11 t9a6:879;a;276 s<8879; As soon as you have chosen your new hometown, schedule an appointment with your installation 9s Transportation O1fce. Depending on your years o1 service and type o1 separation, you may receive support 1or the 1ollowing: Job- and house-hunting travel expenses. " Shipping and storage o1 household goods. " Transportation to your new home. " b<?260 A h7m. I1 you are buying a home, consider a Veterans Administration (VA) loan. The Department o1 Veterans A11airs (VA) o11ers loans to individuals with quali1ying lengths o1 military service, which generally require a 1unding 1ee, but no down payment. VA-fnanced homes must pass rigid prop- erty valuations and be your primary residence. Consult your lender or the VA at www.homeloans. va.gov 1or more in1ormation. Some states also have their own veteran home purchase programs. Your fnancial institution can work with you to apply 1or a mortgage. The USAA Educational Foundation publications, Planning Your PCS, Separating From The National Guard And Reserves and Buying Or Refnancing A Home , o11er more in1ormation. See cResources d on the inside back cover o1 this publication to order 1ree copies. 12 Financial planning is essential to a smooth transition. Take time to review your fnancial status and 1uture needs so you can develop a fnancial strategy to reach your goals. The 1ollowing steps can keep your personal fnances on track through your transition and beyond. d.=.l78 A s;9a;.0? As soon as you know where you will live and have a sense o1 what your civilian income will be, complete the 1ollowing steps. Estimate your 1uture monthly income and expenses and update your budget and fnancial " plan as appropriate. Build an emergency 1und o1 3 to 6 months o1 basic living expenses. " Calculate your separation and/or retirement pay. " Review your options with the Thri1t Savings Plan (TSP) at www.tsp.gov. " Plan now to establish and contribute to a retirement plan, such as your new employer 9s " 401(k), 403(b) or an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Most plans will accept a direct rollover o1 1unds 1rom the TSP. Consider working with a C " ertified F inancial P lanner " (CFP) pro1essional. These planners must pass rigorous tests, meet high standards o1 pro1essionalism and abide by a strict code o1 ethics. C ertified F inancial P lanner " is a certifcation mark owned by the Certifed Financial Planner Board o1 Standards, Inc. This mark is awarded to individuals who success1ully complete the CFP Board 9s initial and ongoing certifcation requirements. Assessing 7inAnCes 13 r.=2.w b.6.f;: A6- i6:<9a6c. C7=.9a0.: Review your insurance coverages to make sure your 1amily, your assets and your earning potential will be protected 1rom possible loss. Dwelling and personal property coverage is not provided by the " military. Look 1or an insurance provider that understands the unique li1estyle o1 the military community. Li1e insurance. You should have enough li1e insurance to allow " your survivors to invest the principal and use the interest gen- erated as an additional income source a1ter debts and fnal expenses are paid. Servicemember 9s Group Li1e Insurance (SGLI) will continue to " provide coverage 1or 120 days a1ter your separation or retire- ment date. A1ter that, you must arrange your own li1e insurance coverage. You can convert your SGLI to Veterans 9 Group Li1e Insurance " (VGLI), o11ered by the VA. Visit www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/ VGLI/VGLI.htm 1or more in1ormation. Health insurance. Consult your Transition O1fce or visit www. " tricare.osd.mil to learn about health insurance plan options during and a1ter separation or retirement. Disability insurance. I1 you will have higher earning potential in " your civilian job, you may need to purchase or increase dis- ability coverage. Auto insurance. Requirements vary by state. Most states require " you to carry a minimum amount o1 liability coverage, and many require uninsured motorist coverage. To fnd a trustworthy insurer, consult your state 9s department o1 insur- ance and industry analyst companies. Look 1or a record o1 1air claims handling and review rankings on customer satis1action and fnancial security. the usAA eduCAtionAL 7oundAtion pubLiCAtions, hoMeoWners insurAnCe, Li 7e insurAnCe, heALth insur- AnCe And Auto insurAnCe , o 7 7er More in 7orMAtion. see cresourCes d on the inside bACK Cover o 7 this pubLiCAtion to order 7ree Copies. 14 When you become a ccivilian d again, stay in touch with your military 1riends and connected with the military community. Showing support 1or those serving in the military will continue to provide you with a great sense o1 patriotism and keep you connected to the li1e you once led. You should also open yoursel1 up to your new li1e and get involved in activities and organizations within your new community. This will pro- vide a valuable opportunity to make 1riends and establish new support systems as you transition into civilian li1e. Once your transition is complete and you are settled into civilian li1e, think about your transition experiences. Write down what you learned, and set your notes aside 1or 1uture re1erence. Re1er to them when you start planning your transition into civilian retirement. Although this transition will di11er in many ways 1rom your military separation or retirement, there will be important similarities. C76;26<260 t7 s.9=. Upon leaving the military, you may miss the sense o1 1ulfllment you gained 1rom serving your country. Consider volunteering 1or charitable, religious, educational or other organizations that may provide opportuni- ties to give o1 yoursel1 in other ways. The leadership, discipline, honor and commitment you have gained through military service will be valued by many. the usAA eduCAtionAL 7oundAtion pubLiCAtion, pLAnning 7or retireMent , o 7 7ers More in 7orMAtion. see cresourCes d on the inside bACK Cover o 7 this pubLiCAtion to order A 7ree Copy. CiviLiAn Li 7e 15 trAnsition CountdoWn 5 t7 6 M76;1: b./79. s.8a9a;276 Schedule a Preseparation Counseling appointment. " Attend a TAP workshop. I1 disabled, attend the Disabled TAP workshop. " Develop an Individual Transition Plan with the assistance o1 your Transition O1fce or " Command Career Counselor. Review the Preseparation Counseling Checklist (DD Form 2648), provided by your Transi- " tion O1fce. Begin developing a career plan and researching career options. " Contact your installation 9s Education O1fce 1or help assessing your job skills and interests. " Complete a frst dra1t o1 your resumé. " Review and copy your personnel records. " Start networking 1or job opportunities and begin attending job 1airs. " Begin researching specifc job opportunities in the areas you want to live. " Take appropriate academic entry exams or other tests i1 you are going to continue your " education. Create a fnancial strategy 1or your transition to civilian li1e. Estimate your monthly income " and expenses and establish a budget and fnancial plan 1or your transition. 4 t7 5 M76;1: b./79. s.8a9a;276 Begin saving to pay 1or non-reimbursable expenses you may incur during your move. " Seek assistance with transition-related stress, i1 necessary. " Receive your Verifcation o1 Military Experience and Training (DD Form 2586). " Explore special 1ederal programs and 1ederal government hiring opportunities 1or veterans. " I1 considering 1ederal employment, consult your Transition O1fce 1or application instructions. Visit your RAP o1fce 1or in1ormation on relocation options, entitlements and assistance. " As soon as you know your departure date, contact the Housing O1fce to ensure a smooth " move out o1 government housing, i1 applicable. Learn about education benefts under the Montgomery GI Bill. " Schedule your separation physical examination. " Learn about your medical care and health insurance options. " 16 3 t7 4 M76;1: b./79. s.8a9a;276 Start a subscription to a major newspaper where you plan to live. Begin replying to classi- " fed ads regarding employment opportunities. Send out resumés, and continue to network. " Contact the Transportation O1fce to learn about options 1or shipping and storing household " goods. Find out how much o1 your personal property will be insured by the moving company. A temporary renters insurance policy is a convenient way to cover the di11erence. Obtain and make duplicate copies o1 your personnel records. " Schedule medical and dental examinations. Review and copy your medical and dental " records. Determine whether you are eligible 1or separation pay, and consider saving unused leave " time and ccashing it in d to help 1und your transition. Obtain 1ree legal advice through your Transition O1fce i1 you would like to prepare and " execute a will or have other legal questions. 2 t7 3 M76;1: b./79. s.8a9a;276 Visit the area to which you plan to relocate. Schedule job interviews. Visit a private " employment agency or executive recruiter. Review your Certifcate o1 Release or Discharge 1rom Active Duty (DD Form 214). " Ask your local VA o1fce about special loans and programs 1or veterans. " Ask your local state employment o1fce whether you will quali1y 1or unemployment " compensation once you are a civilian. Decide whether to sign up 1or optional CHCBC medical coverage. " Ask your local Transition O1fce about completing your Veteran 9s A11airs Disability " Application (VA Form 21-526). Review insurance needs and make appropriate changes. " 1 M76;1 b./79. s.8a9a;276 Revisit your monthly income and expenses and update your budget and fnancial plan " accordingly. Continue your job search i1 necessary. " Review your transition countdown cto do d list to ensure everything is in order. " resourCes The USAA Educational Foundation o11ers the 1ollowing publications. pLAnning your pCs (#598) sepArAting 7roM the nAtionAL guArd And reserves (#581) buiLding And MAintAining good Credit (#536) 7inAnCiAL pLAnning And goAL setting (#511) MAKing Money WorK 7or you (#523) pLAnning 7or retireMent (#508) Auto insurAnCe (#526) hoMeoWners insurAnCe (#558) heALth insurAnCe (#545) Li 7e insurAnCe (#507) buying or re 7inAnCing A hoMe (#502) seLLing A hoMe (#519) pLAnning A Move (#509) Choosing A heALthy Li 7estyLe (#546) bALAnCing 7AMiLy And CAreer (#529) ChAnging jobs (#532) t7 79-.9 a /9.. c78? 7/ a6? 7/ ;1.:. a6- 7;1.9 8<+l2ca;276:, =2:2; www.<:aa.-/7<6-a;276.790 79 call (800) 531-6196. 70539-0 909 The USAA Educational Foundation www.usaaed1oundation.org is a registered trademark o1 The USAA Educational Foundation. © The USAA Educational Foundation 2009. All rights reserved. No part o1 this publication may be copied, reprinted or reproduced without the express written consent o1 The USAA Educational Foundation, a nonproft organization. USAA is the sponsor o1 The USAA Educational Foundation.

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