Transitioning from active duty in the military to civilian life as a veteran can be understandably challenging. In order to help this adjustment go as smoothly as possible and help ensure that you are prepared for the future, please keep the following tips in mind.
Go to a Transition Assistance Program Workshop
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) can be an outstanding resource to help people prepare to be a veteran. As Military.com notes, TAP offers employment and training information to members of the armed forces, within 180 days of separation or retirement. The three-day TAP workshop will cover career exploration, strategies for job searching and how to write a resume, cover letter and prepare for an interview. This training will give you the tools you need to hit the ground running as a civilian and help secure a good job.
Get Your Financial Ducks in a Row
To help give you as many options as possible post-military service, you will need a nice nest egg as well as a retirement fund. For example, a savings account will give you some freedom to move to a different city if you would like and pursue a specific type of career and/or schooling. If at all possible, try to start putting money away before you leave the military; this will give you a financial cushion as you transition to civilian life. In addition, inquire about any military retirement funds you may have earned during your time in the service and understand your options for the money; you might be able to roll them over into a 401K.
Shop for Car, Health and Other Insurance
To set yourself up for a smooth transition and a successful future as a veteran, you should also work on getting different types of insurance policies in place as quickly as you can. For instance, if you will be driving again, you will need a good car insurance policy in place. You might want to start off by getting a quote from USAA; they offer a number of benefits and affordable policies for their clients and new members who are veterans — this includes the length of your membership with USAA, being a safe driver with an excellent driving record and taking an approved defensive driving course.
In addition, having health insurance in place as soon as possible will allow you to stay current with important health checkups and get medical care when needed, both now and years down the road. As CNBC notes, if you retired after two decades of active service, you will be eligible for health insurance through Tricare, which might have also covered you during your time in the military. You can also look into care through the Veterans Affairs for coverage for conditions related to your time in the military.
Focus on Your Skills and Experience
In order to find a job that will help provide for you and your family for the next five to 10 years and beyond, strive to play up the many skills you learned during your time in the military with potential employers. These can include individual accountability, leadership experience, a sense of responsibility and the ability to communicate clearly. Also, think about any transferable skills; for example, time you spent training 100 other people on how to use military equipment, and/or experience you had in charge of a specific department. This experience can translate into being well prepared for a teaching position or managerial role.
Preparation Equals Success
While there may be some understandable bumps in the road during your journey from enlisted member of the military to veteran life, it can also be a successful and rewarding time. By taking the TAP course and honing in on the many skills you learned in the service, getting insurance in place as well as a savings account and retirement fund, your transition to life as a veteran will go much smoother — both now and in the future.