Posted on Sep 4, 2015
Best advice on preparing for retirement? 23 months out
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I am 23 months out from retirement, currently deployed and saving up money/paying stuff off. As I get closer to retirement when is the best time to actually start looking for and applying for jobs? I know I will not be able to enjoy all 60 days of terminal leave on the beach somewhere as I will need to start working shortly thereafter so there are no pay gaps. As far as getting the most out of disabilty does anyone have any words of wisdom and any other advice on this subject feel free to give me some knowledge. Thanks!
Advice
Retirement
Transition
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 15
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SFC (Join to see)
Take your medical record and any records that may not be in your Army medical jacket (I know that in the Navy if you go to a Naval hospital some of that stuff will not make it to your record) to a DAV (Disabled American Vets) or even a VA rep (most of these offices have representatives on base, at least in the Navy) and have them look through it and file your disability claim for you. Make sure you do this while you're still on active duty. Don't wait until after you're retired.
If you do it while still active your claim will be expedited and supposedly you will start getting paid (and thus eligible for VA medical) the same day you officially retire.
Take your medical record and any records that may not be in your Army medical jacket (I know that in the Navy if you go to a Naval hospital some of that stuff will not make it to your record) to a DAV (Disabled American Vets) or even a VA rep (most of these offices have representatives on base, at least in the Navy) and have them look through it and file your disability claim for you. Make sure you do this while you're still on active duty. Don't wait until after you're retired.
If you do it while still active your claim will be expedited and supposedly you will start getting paid (and thus eligible for VA medical) the same day you officially retire.
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SSG Robert Webster
SFC (Join to see), I would also suggest that you also make sure that you get and make copies of the medical records of any and all family members as possible. This will greatly help when enrolling at any medical practice especially if crossing Tricare boundaries.
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It is never too early to start looking for the next job - especially if you cannot weather six months or more with no paycheck. The sooner you know the employment market in the area you would like to live the better. Also, it helps to be prepared to relocate to wherever the work is.
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SFC (Join to see)
That is why I'm saving now. I will be able to have at least half years of pay saved if I planned it right. I am planning on 2-3 weeks of good family time and R&R before starting a new job but it would be nice to get paid from 2 employers for a month or two before my leave ends. I am also very flexible when it comes to relocation!
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Capt Seid Waddell
SFC (Join to see), sounds like you are going about it right. It is always easier to find a job when you already have a job. Good luck and happy hunting!
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1. Get copies of ALL your medical and military records. Make extra copies.
2. Your DD214 may take a little while, so get a letter from personnel office.
3. File your VA disability claim as soon as possible.
4. Take the Transition Assistance Program class.
5. Save up between 6 to 12 months of pay. Yes, it can take that long to find your next job.
6. Ask yourself, What do you want to do? Be realistic.
7. Ask yourself, Where do you want to live? Be realistic, consider multiple locations, and do research.
8. Do research on the job market in the areas you want to live.
9. Start networking now.
10. Tight up your resume.
11. USAjobs and Indeed.com are great resources for job searching.
2. Your DD214 may take a little while, so get a letter from personnel office.
3. File your VA disability claim as soon as possible.
4. Take the Transition Assistance Program class.
5. Save up between 6 to 12 months of pay. Yes, it can take that long to find your next job.
6. Ask yourself, What do you want to do? Be realistic.
7. Ask yourself, Where do you want to live? Be realistic, consider multiple locations, and do research.
8. Do research on the job market in the areas you want to live.
9. Start networking now.
10. Tight up your resume.
11. USAjobs and Indeed.com are great resources for job searching.
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SSG Robert Webster
Good standard advice for all transitioning service members. It is also excellent advice for those that have already transitioned. One additional piece of advice - Make sure that you keep and reutilize the materials and information that you gained while participating in TAP, it may even assist you 5, 10, 15 or even 20 years later when you have to transition again. Believe me when I tell you that having that information available, even 20 years later can keep you grounded when unexpected changes occur.
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