Posted on Nov 26, 2021
What are the pros and cons of transitioning out to retirement from a different location than your current duty assignment?
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Question for those Army retirees out there who have selected a different transition point than where you were assigned (i.e. transition center-station of choice).
In my case, I'm assigned to fort rucker, alabama, and will be requesting my transition point be fort carson, colorado (because this is the area I will be relocating to and likely doing an internship (dod skillbridge/career skills program) there.
Before I meet with my retirement services officer next week, to do my DA 2339, I'm interested in hearing from those folks who have gone this route where you outprocess/transition at a different location.
What were the pros/cons for you? Was there more to it than just clearing at another installation?
In my case, I'm assigned to fort rucker, alabama, and will be requesting my transition point be fort carson, colorado (because this is the area I will be relocating to and likely doing an internship (dod skillbridge/career skills program) there.
Before I meet with my retirement services officer next week, to do my DA 2339, I'm interested in hearing from those folks who have gone this route where you outprocess/transition at a different location.
What were the pros/cons for you? Was there more to it than just clearing at another installation?
Posted in these groups: 
Retirement
Transition
Retirement Transition
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 11
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You know you could have the Army pay you PTDY to go there, perform your internship, and then pay for you to move there. If you do the SOC you have to pay for your move to Carson from Rucker.
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LTC Jason Mackay
SFC (Join to see) - say you and thousands of others. This was the number one relocation move destination (not just military) las the year. The real estate market is cut throat. Get a realtor and decide if sight unseen works for you. I retired in 2016 and we've been in our forever house for almost three years. You'll have to kiss some frogs before you find your prince here. We had to move fast and assume some risk.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
Negative ghost rider. The Skillbridge/CSP internships are very upfront that you will NOT receive any funds for PTDY or any reimbursement whatsoever for any costs incurred for travel.
Source: I'm participating in the program and just went through the process.
Source: I'm participating in the program and just went through the process.
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SFC (Join to see)
SFC Michael Hasbun I pulled it up and looked at it. I realize the source of my confusion is that CSP programs will charge your GI Bill in order to pay for training or training at a different location.
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I transitioned through Ft Carson, I was stationed there so I cant speak to going to a different transition point. I can say
- they did a reasonably good job
- you get out what you put in
- take all the different tracks you can
- put in a JROTC packet even if you don’t plan on doing that. 3 years and some life experiences can change your mind drastically….then you’re out of luck unless you have an approved packet.
- understand the Colo Spgs economy. If you want contractor jobs, get space qualified on AD if you can those are the big contractor jobs. Now that would be a good PTDY ask....
- big 4 tourism, healthcare, defense and IT.
- they did a reasonably good job
- you get out what you put in
- take all the different tracks you can
- put in a JROTC packet even if you don’t plan on doing that. 3 years and some life experiences can change your mind drastically….then you’re out of luck unless you have an approved packet.
- understand the Colo Spgs economy. If you want contractor jobs, get space qualified on AD if you can those are the big contractor jobs. Now that would be a good PTDY ask....
- big 4 tourism, healthcare, defense and IT.
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Suspended Profile
The VA offers Peer Support for transitioning from active to civilian life. Just call your nearest VA and ask for Peer Support. For many, it can be a culture shock. Location is important, so very good query. Keep your skill specialties in mind when determining location. Job placement assistance is also available. Good luck on your transition and thank you for your service.
LTC Jason Mackay
SFC (Join to see) - the single largest impediment to career searches and changes for veterans is the lack of a local personal network. 80% of job seekers get jobs based on personal and professional networks. So the only question might be, do you know enough people in the Springs to make this work?
If you don't have a network, you can build one but it takes time. Join professional and community organizations. Particularly in professions you are trying to break into.
I'd also recommend signing up with the Mt Carmel Veterans Center, a public-private partnership. They had monthly hiring events that had HR folks from companies looking to hire and veterans. No tables. Just people standing around talking. I did not get hired that way, but I went and got feedback on my resume, the HR people talk to each other, so if one can't help you, they take your networking card (go to vistaprint.com and esome made for cheap), and shop you around. Sign up with the USO 360, they will also help you network and tear down/rebuild your resume. These two groups are Colorado Springs specific.
Also go to SFL TAP at Carson and find out when the next mock interviews are. They bring in Pikes Peak Work Force Center, community and business leaders for mock interviews. Sometimes they ask guys for their resume and offer them something on the spot, even though it was just a practice/feedback activity.
If you don't have a network, you can build one but it takes time. Join professional and community organizations. Particularly in professions you are trying to break into.
I'd also recommend signing up with the Mt Carmel Veterans Center, a public-private partnership. They had monthly hiring events that had HR folks from companies looking to hire and veterans. No tables. Just people standing around talking. I did not get hired that way, but I went and got feedback on my resume, the HR people talk to each other, so if one can't help you, they take your networking card (go to vistaprint.com and esome made for cheap), and shop you around. Sign up with the USO 360, they will also help you network and tear down/rebuild your resume. These two groups are Colorado Springs specific.
Also go to SFL TAP at Carson and find out when the next mock interviews are. They bring in Pikes Peak Work Force Center, community and business leaders for mock interviews. Sometimes they ask guys for their resume and offer them something on the spot, even though it was just a practice/feedback activity.
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SFC (Join to see)
LTC Jason Mackay Roger sir, I agree with and have done all of the above. Thanks for your detail. I appreciate that sir.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
I can sure understand the attraction to Colorado, I had considered staying there after My experience at Lowry AFB, CO and I loved that area and Colorado in general. Except for seashore they had most every type of country I liked. lots of things to see and do. I considered going onto a Police Department in CO including Englewood, Aurora or Lakewood. Most of what entered into it though was most my family connections and History were from Massachusetts though going back to 1637 when it was still a British Colony.
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If you know where you want to put down roots, it works exactly as planned. I utilized the very same type of CG Program (can't remember what the CG called it) when I retired. I was able to transfer to USCG Sector Columbia River (old Group Astoria, Astoria, OR) from USCG Group Long Island Sound, New Haven, CT. approx. 1.5 months prior to retiring. I had a house rented, my wife had a job at the Hospital, and the kids enrolled in HS prior to getting back to Astoria. I used my proscribed 10 days travel time, 3 days proceed time and 17 days of personal leave for a full 30 days off while moving back to the PNW. Once there and after my leave was up, I reported in to the Operations Center a cool 5 minutes from the house, worked for them for 2 weeks and that was it. Easy peasy with zero negreps.
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A very long time ago when I retired they paid my way back to what I chose was my home of record, is that different?
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SFC (Join to see)
Thank you for your reply MSG William Wold. Yes, that is different. Either way the Army will let me choose one last move within 1 yr after retiring.
I'm looking to outprocess from a different installation than where I'm stationed.
I'm looking to outprocess from a different installation than where I'm stationed.
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Suspended Profile
The VA offers Peer Support for transitioning from active to civilian life. Just call your nearest VA and ask for Peer Support. For many, it can be a culture shock. Location is important, so very good query. Keep your skill specialties in mind when determining location. Job placement assistance is also available. Good luck on your transition and thank you for your service.
Suspended Profile
The VA offers Peer Support for transitioning from active to civilian life. Just call your nearest VA and ask for Peer Support. For many, it can be a culture shock. Location is important, so very good query. Keep your skill specialties in mind when determining location. Job placement assistance is also available. Good luck on your transition and thank you for your service.
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I'm really interested in hearing from those who have actually done this. Thanks so much.
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Suspended Profile
The VA offers Peer Support for transitioning from active to civilian life. Just call your nearest VA and ask for Peer Support. For many, it can be a culture shock. Location is important, so very good query. Keep your skill specialties in mind when determining location. Job placement assistance is also available. Good luck on your transition and thank you for your service.
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Robert,
Thank you for your service! That is an open-ended question, but here are some things to consider:
- once you move your network will be greatly reduced. this includes your knowledge of how to get from point-to-point, people with whom you know, etc.
- how you the move impact you financially? Check the cost-of-living index between the two locations
- how will the move impact your family (e.g., school, spouse's employment, etc.)?
- where do you want to end-up living long term?
If you have any other questions regarding transitioning, job hunting, etc. I would be happy to help. I wish you well in your explorations!
R/s,
Kurtis
Thank you for your service! That is an open-ended question, but here are some things to consider:
- once you move your network will be greatly reduced. this includes your knowledge of how to get from point-to-point, people with whom you know, etc.
- how you the move impact you financially? Check the cost-of-living index between the two locations
- how will the move impact your family (e.g., school, spouse's employment, etc.)?
- where do you want to end-up living long term?
If you have any other questions regarding transitioning, job hunting, etc. I would be happy to help. I wish you well in your explorations!
R/s,
Kurtis
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SFC (Join to see)
Thanks for your reply Kurtis. I'm way ahead of you on all that, but appreciate it. Sucks I couldn't get Carson as my final assignment (man did I try like hell too).
My primary inquiry was the benefit of choosing a different installation as your transition point (essentially where you clear from), but as I said in my follow up post, until the Army updates their policy to be used in conjunction with the CSP/DOD Skillbridge intern program, it's not worth while at all.
My primary inquiry was the benefit of choosing a different installation as your transition point (essentially where you clear from), but as I said in my follow up post, until the Army updates their policy to be used in conjunction with the CSP/DOD Skillbridge intern program, it's not worth while at all.
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SSgt Kurtis Bock
that is unfortunate. If needed I can review your resume and get it posted to whatever area (region) you will be retiring in. I can also, through a network, run your resume and/or skill sets through a few companies. I own a staffing firm and work with an affiliated network of independent recruiters throughout the country. My desire is to help transitioning services members. It is a big transition to make.
R/s,
Kurtis
R/s,
Kurtis
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A quick update on my post/question...
I just spoke with the retirement office at carson and they explained to me that being assigned to Ft Rucker & choosing Ft Carson as my transition point (station of choice) just means that I would do my final couple of steps of clearing at Carson (vs all at Rucker) which would include finance and final DD214. Sounds like it's definitely not worth while in my case.
If only the Army could get this option to coincide/compliment the CSP/DoD Skillbridge program, for those of us that will be near another installation for our internship, we could elect that installation as our station of choice for transition, and just clear from there afterwards (i.e. carson), and not have to go all the way back to our installation (i.e. rucker) just to clear.
Perhaps those who read this can pass it on to those people with the influence to make these changes, at least for our future transitioning military.
Thanks again to all those who replied.
I just spoke with the retirement office at carson and they explained to me that being assigned to Ft Rucker & choosing Ft Carson as my transition point (station of choice) just means that I would do my final couple of steps of clearing at Carson (vs all at Rucker) which would include finance and final DD214. Sounds like it's definitely not worth while in my case.
If only the Army could get this option to coincide/compliment the CSP/DoD Skillbridge program, for those of us that will be near another installation for our internship, we could elect that installation as our station of choice for transition, and just clear from there afterwards (i.e. carson), and not have to go all the way back to our installation (i.e. rucker) just to clear.
Perhaps those who read this can pass it on to those people with the influence to make these changes, at least for our future transitioning military.
Thanks again to all those who replied.
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In my mind (which is why im seeking out others who have done this) the primary benefit would be if im doing a dod skillbridge in co springs, I would not need to travel back to rucker afterwards to clear. In theory I would be done at rucker before I left to do my CSP/DOD skillbridge (internship) in co springs. I could also change my medical facility to ft carson to complete physical, appts, etc. Then clear at ft carson after my skillbridge ends. I'll already be there to begin full time employment, and can then buy a home there.
Again, this is just how I foresee it working, ideally.
Also, at what point does rucker hand me off to carson? A question for my retirement and transitions office no doubt.
Again, this is just how I foresee it working, ideally.
Also, at what point does rucker hand me off to carson? A question for my retirement and transitions office no doubt.
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Suspended Profile
The VA offers Peer Support for transitioning from active to civilian life. Just call your nearest VA and ask for Peer Support. For many, it can be a culture shock. Location is important, so very good query. Keep your skill specialties in mind when determining location. Job placement assistance is also available. Good luck on your transition and thank you for your service.
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