Posted on Feb 20, 2020
1px xxx
Suspended Profile
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I would like to hear some insight and advice for preparing ahead of time for transitioning out of the Army. A pet peeve of mine is always thinking well ahead of time to ensure I am prepared for whatever happens, and have a plan for the "what if" moments for any possible outcomes. What are some pointers or things to consider when planning on a transition? My ETS is February 11th 2022 and later this year I will be participating in SFLTAP to sort out the best alternatives for my transition. One big step I've already been working toward is my bachelors degree. Outside of that, I'm just curious to whatever else I could consider to be ahead and have piece of mind that I'll be squared away when I do ETS. What are some suggestions to consider?
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Responses: 13
Lt Col Charlie Brown
Get copies of everything in your medical record and make sure any problem you have is documented.
SFC Retention Operations Nco
First, figure out what you want to do for money afterwards. Everything else is simple. Once you know where you want to be in five years, it's just backwards planning. If you're a year out and you don't know yet, extend another year and revamp your plan.

Also, pay off all your debts before you separate and save a few thousand for the inevitable break that will usually come in your employment. Most people don't walk directly into a job, so be prepared in case that's you.

Don't count on BAH from the VA as a solid income source when you're budgeting. They're known for being late and you only get full BAH when you're in school full time for that whole month.
SFC Senior Civil Engineer/Annuitant
SFC (Join to see)
4 y
Good common sense advise.
1SG Retired
Continue to establish continuity of care for any medical conditions. Review CFR 38 Part 4 for any medical conditions to ensure you properly articulate your symptoms.
For Resumes: obtain electronic copies of duties and responsibilities for your positions.
Create a Word document and copy and paste the description of every course you've attended (Army Formal Schools Catalog), college/university catalog course description, and syllabi. Use these for resume building. It'll save time trying to best capture your skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Volunteer. Resume, and applications for leadership training/developmental programs. Chaplain, and other agencies provide opportunities. Don't limit yourself to post.
Be prepared to apply for 50 jobs, and to manage which version of your resume you used for specific jobs (I added the announcement number to the resume file name, and tailored every resume for rhe specific job.
Research, practice, and develop your interview skills.
Learn how to dress like a civilian. Purchase, and tailor clothes for positions you seek.
If you're staying in your field, take advantage of certifications through Army programs.
Find a way to crossover all of your knowledge, skills, and abilities. (e.g. I was CBRN= Sr Defense Analyst, Emergency Manager, Continuity of Operations (COOP) program manager Safety Specialist, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staff analyst.
Take every FEMA, NIMS/ICS, and COOP course you can. Apply for certificate available for completion of a specific series of courses.
Be overqualified.
1px xxx
Suspended Profile
4 y
Thanks. That is a lot of good info!

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