MANAGING YOUR TRANSITION TIMELINE (MYTT)

18 - 24

Months

• Make an appt. with your local TAP Counselor to begin the TAP process
• If retiring, schedule and attend Individualized Initial Counseling and Pre-Separation Counseling (can occur before 365 days, but no later than 365 days prior to separation or retirement)
• Identify a mentor
• Create a LinkedIn account and start to build your network
• Secure your Joint Service Transcript (JST) or CCAF Transcript and Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET)

12-18

Months

• If separating schedule and attend Individualized Initial Counseling and Pre-Separation Counseling (can occur before 365 days, but no later than 365 days)
• Explore SkillBridge or career skills opportunities
• Review finances to ensure you are financially ready for civilian life. Schedule a meeting with a personal financial counselor
• Register for/attend TAP workshops and additional tracks
• Create a master resume
• Consider taking CLEP exams

6 - 12

Months

• Begin and refine your job search
• Use your master resume to begin drafting targeted resumes
• Arrange for household goods (HHG) transportation counseling if you plan to relocate upon separation
• Review and update your will, and other legal documents
• Decide if you want to register VA health benefits
• If retiring, meet with your Service Retirement Office
• Sign up for a free year of the LinkedIn Premium Subscription
• Start attending career fairs

4-6

Months

• Start your SHPE and SHA, visit TRICARE online for information
• Obtain copies of your medical records
• Schedule your physical and dental checkups
• Consider whether to take terminal leave or sell back your leave balance
• Determine if you are eligible for separation pay or early retirement
• Submit a pre-discharge disability claim under the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD), if applicable
• Connect with an American Job Center (AJC) near you
• Schedule Capstone with a TAP Counselor and Commander or their designee

3

Months

• Review your DD 2648 and DD 214
• Research your health insurance options; register for TRICARE (if you are retiring)
• Contact your medical treatment facility to get copies of your health and dental records
• Complete VA Healthcare registration
• Set up a one-on-one session with a VA Benefits Advisor
• Obtain a Veterans’ Preference letter from VA.gov
• Apply for Personalized Career Planning and Guidance
• Update your voter registration

90 Days

OR LESS

• If seeking employment, begin applying and interviewing for positions
• Finalize relocation appointments and review your benefits
• Begin to prepare your Disability claim with your local VSO (if not completed previously)
• If retiring and married, make a Survivor Benefit Plan election decision with your spouse
• If retiring, complete DD 2656 with a retirement services office or counselor
• Contact Military OneSource to learn about no-cost resources available to you for your first year posttransition

DAY OF SEPARATION + 365

• Ensure you have multiple certified copies of your DD 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) in a fireproof place
• Ensure your VA benefits contact information is updated with your current phone number, email, and address
• Continue to network and stay involved on LinkedIn and other social media sites
• Register for the VA burial pre-need program
• Apply for VA Dental Insurance (if applicable)
• Apply for Veterans ID card, Veteran’s Health Identification Card
• Utilize Military OneSource (up to 365 days posttransition)