How many months out did you start your transition process, 12-24 months is the recommended?

Lt Col John Eliopolo Cpc, Eli Mp — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 10:13:03 -0400

I'm doing volunteer work with the Airman and Family Readiness Center at Robins AFB. I'm finding that many members are waiting until they are inside of six months to begin the transition process.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 4 at 2015 10:16 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 10:16:45 -0400

I started the process roughly 18 months out.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Aug 4 at 2015 10:21 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 10:21:34 -0400

6 mo is minimum for retirement - I started mine 12 months out and it went pretty smooth. Transition to IRR can be much shorter! :-)

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 10:23 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 10:23:17 -0400

I did TAPS twice so started little more than 18 months out. Problems is most places and not like where I was an manned 8/4 slots for MSgt(s) so folks have a hard time getting time to go TAPS and outprocess. Hell I know folks who were just starting their checklist the week before they leave.

Had one friend whose finally out was the week of a ORI....big mistake....unit would not let them go because they were the SME and all of the shops on base were closed.

Guess what i'm getting at is apart from the Family Readiness Center out processing or helping to transition folks to civilian is not a priority for anyone else....often even the member.

Response by SrA Jonathan Carbonaro made Aug 4 at 2015 10:27 AM

SrA Jonathan Carbonaro — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 10:27:51 -0400

I'm Currently 30 months for separating (I just signed an extension for a new job). Its never to early to start the process, I know I'm more then likely separating. My Wife and I are putting as much money as we can away, and I'm hoping to have a degree done in less then 24 months. Giving me 5 months to find a job, and 1 month to collect two paychecks (terminal).

Even if I can't finish my degree in time, I'm confident I can find something in Security or LE especially in the big cities of Texas. Life is to short to not constantly be working towards goals.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 4 at 2015 10:42 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 10:42:57 -0400

It really depends on on how many years you had in. For someone who is just doing 4 years, 6-12 was about the norm when I was in. I did 8 years, and I started at 18 month and was in full prep at 12 months out. I know the retirees usually started when they checked in at their final station (24-36 months out).

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Aug 4 at 2015 10:44 AM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 10:44:03 -0400

Well I'm TDY until November, so I can't start until 6 months out.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 4 at 2015 10:57 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 10:57:06 -0400

I think that for 4 and out....6 months is enough time, especially if plans for college etc. For more than 4 but not retiring, 12 months would be an ok timeline. For those with 20+, I STRONGLY encourage TAPS at roughly 18-24 months out, then again 8-12 months out. The individual should already be working on a civilianized resume by the 24 months out time frame....I have been working my resume since the 24-30 month out timeframe (had actually worked it over even earlier for some part time work, but got serious with it at that time). My unit kinda screwed me...my plan was TAPS at 22 months out (got that), then taps at the 10 month out mark....had to cancel due to inspections and staffing (their problem turned into my problem). 2nd TAPS will be done at the 4.5-5.5 months out point (hope I don't miss any deadlines/windows that are 6 months!!).

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 11:58 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 11:58:34 -0400

Two years, not counting time to update education, etc.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Aug 4 at 2015 12:15 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 12:15:14 -0400

I started about 15 months out, but I didn't submit my retirement paperwork until six months out (once I had secured my follow-on job).

Response by SSgt Khanh Pham made Aug 4 at 2015 12:57 PM

SSgt Khanh Pham — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 12:57:12 -0400

Military training for commercial side have been ineffective. THe motivation behind training is largely another check box, just as everything else. I am 2 years unemployed. I currently work as a nail technician, and this is only possible via vietnamese friend lending a hand. (USAF=nothing, AFRC=nothing, vetconnection=nothing, topsecret job fair=nothing, WorkforceCenter=nothing)

If you want a job after the military, you need a different type of network. As a worker you often associate with members of your peers (worker). To find employment you need "friends" that have hiring decisions power.

People with power you may want to associate with-
Congressman office staff usually visit high profile community business / event in the local area get involved get to know who is who
Chamber of commerce, where business owner, decision maker, mover and shaker are gathered
Toastmaster international, hit and miss, some are full of entrepreneurs some are full of people needing your guidance. overall, I think it is a good transition for military professional to associate with. (VFW, Legion tend to focus more on drinking)

FBO.gov list many of the goverment contracts, if you go into interested vendors, you can hunt down companies pursuing contracts that you may pursue for a job. Talk, make friends, ask about what they need on their team. Use your years left in the military to obtain the competitive edge (be it certification, job title, experiences).

Looking at your rank, you can transition out as Business development of some sort. You will be short on experience, so maybe get some of that be working for free to make some useful friend. Useful in term of being able to hand you a job. If you have to send in an application, it is very competitive generally speaking. If you have a niche expertise it is easier.

Security clearance may expire 2 years after your discharge.

You can test your network right now. How many phone call do you have to make to have an appropriate job for your level? The measurement of a powerful network, one that produce result.

Response by Maj Matt Hylton made Aug 4 at 2015 1:38 PM

Maj Matt Hylton — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 13:38:43 -0400

6 months - because I was notified I was RIF'd in November 2014 and had to be out by 30 April 2015. If I had my preference, it would have been 1 year out (had I gotten to retirement instead of being RIF'd).

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Aug 4 at 2015 1:44 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 13:44:36 -0400

I think the trend is for service members to wait until 180 days out; some wait even longer. It can be for all sorts of reasons but I think it is important that the service member takes his/her transition seriously and give it the time it needs. While your chain of command may not always allow you to take duty time for things, you should go home and start working on your resume, make contacts and build your network, look at the current job market in the area you are looking at moving to and start getting your stuff inline once you hit your 24 month window.

Response by CW3 Stephen Bacon made Aug 4 at 2015 1:54 PM

CW3 Stephen Bacon — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 13:54:24 -0400

My ruled was for every 10K you want to make on the outside, allow 1 month to find the job. It works.

Response by SSG Ray Strenkowski made Aug 4 at 2015 2:02 PM

SSG Ray Strenkowski — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 14:02:30 -0400

I learned that my MOS was going to be deleted while PCS'd to Korea with about 3.5 years remaining on my enlistment. I originally had a follow on to Ft. Campbell (by request) but since I decided I would get out rather than reclass at the needs of the Army I asked my branch manager to try to get me to the D.C. area which she did...

So while I didn't actually start my transition process (like it was my job) until i was 12-15 months out.. My first decision for my transition was actually made 3.5 years prior to ETS.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Aug 4 at 2015 2:06 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 14:06:00 -0400

Sir, Here are some insightful responses in this similar thread regarding transition timing https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-early-is-too-early-when-communicating-with-a-potential-employer-or-applying-for-the-job-is-a-year-out-too-far-out

How early is too early when communicating with a potential employer or applying for the job? Is a...

Response by TSgt Julie Miller made Aug 4 at 2015 4:20 PM

TSgt Julie Miller — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 16:20:22 -0400

I found that when I was retiring from 20 yrs, I had very little time to worry about transitioning out. I had Airmen and young NCO's to train, I had tasks that had to be handed over or fully completed. Even up to my last day of active duty I was bouncing around trying to finish out. I would have liked to have had specific days just for me and transitioning out.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Aug 4 at 2015 5:41 PM

TSgt Gwen Walcott — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:41:51 -0400

about 1 day???
WHAT transition period?
(new fangled idea)

Response by CPL Eric Allen made Aug 4 at 2015 5:47 PM

CPL Eric Allen — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:47:34 -0400

My COC had a day you could start anything I forgot what it was I think 90 but they would try and push it out if they had plans for the field or try and put you on staff duty

Response by Maj Benjamin Beadles made Aug 4 at 2015 6:09 PM

Maj Benjamin Beadles — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 18:09:23 -0400

Mapped out a time line at 18mos out. Started transition planning and networking at one year out. Biggest issue was available start date and where I could work while on terminal leave.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 9:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 21:17:17 -0400

I have just begun my process... My ETS date is 20150419, and will take less than 60 days for terminal leave and maybe 10 days for permissive TDY. I am behind the power curve, but I have been assisting other soldiers with their process because no one has time or care that they do not know how the process should go. They also do not have a plan for when they get out of the service. I have a plan, and I know how to process myself out of the service.

Response by GySgt Moses Lozano made Aug 4 at 2015 10:12 PM

GySgt Moses Lozano — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 22:12:48 -0400

I think the biggest factor for any service member when getting out is location/duty station. When I retired, I was in a location that I knew I did not want to stay. The bad thing about that is that I had a lot a contacts and sources for that area if I wanted a decent job. It is really hard to apply for any solid job in other states while your in. Especially now that everything is electronic! Lastly, don't waste too much time at all with the USA JOBS website. Unless you know someone who will hand pick you, your chances of getting a job you qualify for are at almost zero. Lastly, it is also an unwritten fact that most employers will not ever look at you until you are able to produce your DD-214. Good luck and don't give up no matter what happens. Someone will pick you up.

Response by MSgt Robert Slagle made Aug 5 at 2015 12:00 AM

MSgt Robert Slagle — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 00:00:44 -0400

I was about 15 months out when I got really serious about my transition. Things went very well. I miss the people but not the politics.

Response by SSgt David Swart made Aug 5 at 2015 10:20 AM

SSgt David Swart — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 10:20:17 -0400

Hell back in the 70's there was no transition preparation! You either re-enlisted or got out, I got out even though we were in a major recession in 1975 finding a job was tough but I managed. I did consider re-enlisting but that thought didn't last long.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 12:14 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 12:14:22 -0400

I started about a year out. I did TAMP twice, the first one on no shit TAD orders (12 months out) and the second sitting in the back of the classroom, without orders (90 days out). I also did the retiree TAMP at NASNI on orders. Checkout began 30 days out and my final physical was 25 days out and the VA physical ran concurrently.

Response by Sgt William Biggs made Aug 6 at 2015 2:30 PM

Sgt William Biggs — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 14:30:22 -0400

I started about 18 months out. That was the earliest I knew that my career was coming to an end. I made sure to enroll in courses, practice job searching, refine my resume, and network. By the time I got out, I had finished a Bachelor's, had job offers, and my LinkedIn was swelling from networking. I always recommend doing whatever you can, as early as you can, to prepare for transition. It is what infuriated me about my peers. They seemed content to live off of VA compensation and the GI Bill with no real direction. I am wondering how many of them will still be doing that decades from now, but the military can only do so much to help the transition. Thanks for the question!

Response by SGT Bradley L. made Aug 6 at 2015 3:11 PM

SGT Bradley L. — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 15:11:13 -0400

I think the transition process needs to start around the 18 month mark; however, in the Army it wasn't for the lack of a soldier wanting to start the process, but command not allowing the soldier time to do it until they absolutely had to get it done. I understand we signed a contract for a specific period of service; however, there needs to be better flexibility for service members when it comes to transition. In my personal experience this is why it's often so hard for a service member to find employment immediately after exiting.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Aug 6 at 2015 3:44 PM

MSgt Stephen Council — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 15:44:32 -0400

I started almost a year out. I took TAP twice and started preliminary job searches. I also started the habit of learning and pruchasing "Business Casual" clothes. This is NOT a natural thing for most enlisted people. After all, I was told what to wear very day since I was 17 years old in basic training.

Response by MSG Marcel Guaring made Aug 6 at 2015 4:39 PM

MSG Marcel Guaring — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 16:39:45 -0400

Worked till the very end! Put it my retirement packet ILO PCS in Jan 08 for a target date of retirement 1 Nov 08. On the last week of March received my approved retirement with a retirement date of 1 May 08. Piked up my clearing papers that following monday and out-process by that friday morning. Took my alloted permisive TDY and I was lucky to find a job before the end of my permissive TDY. Ideally would have loved to had at least 90 days to transition but I was the Ops NCO for a BSB just standing up.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 8:03 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 08:03:06 -0400

6 months out. Then went on terminal leave 75 days out. The whole process can be done in 2 months if you are diligent.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 8:05 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 08:05:24 -0400

At my organization, at 6 months, the service member is expected to be relieved of all duties and be focused only on transitioning from the service. This means no PT, no duty roster, no training, nothing but accountability. This is the time to get travel, transportation, future employment, etc. together.
At the 24 month mark they are expected to start the medical process. At 12 months: ACAP.

Response by Lt Col Stephen Petzold made Aug 7 at 2015 11:00 AM

Lt Col Stephen Petzold — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 11:00:24 -0400

I think that answer varies depending on the situation, which is why I liked that they were going to the three tracked TAP process. Some folks will just not have a lot of notice, such as in the case of a RIF, so with them it will be just start as soon as you can. For others that have more pre-planned departure (separation or retirement) then how soon to start would depend on what you want to do. If you are looking at starting a business (Like I did) then starting at least 2 years out would be good. If you are looking at going to school than 1-2 years depending on how much you need to do to get ready (applying to schools, taking tests like the ACT, GRE, Etc, arranging for financial aid, etc). If you are going to be working for someone else then 6 months out might be OK, generally.