How does transitioning out of the military set me up for success?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 00:20:11 -0400

I know a fair amount about SFL-TAP but I'm curious as to what other resources are available to Soldiers who are getting out. I'm nowhere near ETS'ing at the moment (About 3 1/2 years out), but I'm trying to do my research long before I reach that point. I'll be finishing my Bachelor's in Natural sciences soon and I'm interested in going for the Respiratory Therapy A.A.S at my local community college back at home. The problem is that my ETS date is Feb 2024 and they only take admissions for the fall. I'm aware of the 90-day window in which a Soldier can get out early if they have school lined-up, but my ETS date extends beyond that. This means that i'll have to wait 6 months to get into school, which will put me in a position to figure out how to support my family without assistance from the Post 9/11 GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance. Enough rambling, MY QUESTION IS, how well does SFL-TAP set up Soldiers with decent jobs and what other resources would be available to me during that 6 month waiting period?

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Jun 8 at 2020 12:25 AM

SSG Steven Borders — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 00:25:52 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Honestly I thought SFL-TAP was a joke when I left Active Duty. Of course I was a civilian for 30 years before coming into the Army at 31. So, I already knew how to make a resume, I had been working since I was 16. I felt it really it was laking, and did not prepare soldiers at all for Civilian life, especially those who went straight into the Military and that's all they knew. But that was my point of view others may have different experiances.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2020 2:08 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 02:08:32 -0400

In November 2022 reenlist for 2 years, making your ETS November 2024 then take your 90 days early so you can enter school in August 2024.

The BAH for the GI Bill is prorated so you won’t get full BAH every month of college. STLTAP does not set people up for part time jobs or temporary jobs while you wait to got to school, the purpose is to help you transition into full time jobs or trades. If you are set on waiting six months, those will be six months on unemployed.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 8 at 2020 8:56 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 08:56:17 -0400

I am all for pre-planning and preparation but 3 and 1/2 years is too far out when you are making plans about school registration. Course offerings at schools literally change, shrink and expand every school year. The biggest thing you can do is soak up as much education as you can while using active duty TA. That will in turn make your GIBill go further once you are out. I would focus less on whether or not you can start in the fall and more on just filling up your bucket with skills and training to make you better. TAP class isn't a magic pill that fixes all of your issues or sets you up 100% for your civilian life. It provides information which is great but knowledge without action is nothing. Being a veteran makes you look good among your peers but employers are looking for qualified people which means certifications, job experience and degrees when applicable. So this means you need to be focusing on what job you want and what boxes need to be checked to get said job. With you being 3 1/2 years out I would recommend just focus on making the most of TA and reengage this in 2 years when you are 18 months out. The world, your situation and your life goals will probably be a lot different in two years and 18 months is more than enough time to maximize your preparation towards ETS.

Response by Sgt Jordan Foster made Jun 8 at 2020 9:23 AM

Sgt Jordan Foster — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 09:23:46 -0400

If you are able to...Re-enlist as much as you might not want to, Go to school while collecting your regular check. Obtain your degree if possible. Market yourself on LinkedIn and other job platforms get a job offer and explain to them how you have 2-3 months left on contract keep looking for better offers eas early with saved up leave days and never miss a beat. Or you can go to school rely on BAH and other programs where you have to jump through hoops to receive benefits and continue your life that way what ever you choose to do you will figure it out...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2020 9:36 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 09:36:39 -0400

Also look at options in the reserves to get some income and training such as 68V respiratory therapist or other medical MOSs. I worked FT and used the USAR for extra money and help with college expenses when I got out the first time as an NCO.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2020 6:57 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 06:57:17 -0400

My experience was to give AD enough time to finish your undergraduate studies on TA before transitioning. If you still have 3 years left that's plenty of time to finish your bachelor's outright if you're willing to burn a little midnight oil.

Transition Assistance is a little out of touch. I'd say the portion on federal resume writing is the most useful, but if you don't want to be a fed, you might need to lean on some of your own research to prepare for the entering the civilian workforce.

If you plan it right, you can ETA with your bachelor's degree, go directly into the workforce earning more than you would on BAH alone, and then pursue graduate studies online or in the evenings for a nice supplement to your pay during your first 2-years out. This path has you looking for a civilian promotion with a graduate degree and 2 years of experience in the same timeframe you'd otherwise be finishing your AAS.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2020 9:37 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 09:37:55 -0400

Well, you will be out of the military...