What preparation is essential to successfully transition to the civilian world?

I have recently done JUST THIS. a few of the things I did and found out with transition that are helpful:
1. I knew that I was going to retire out about 2 years out... DoD (and the AF, can't verify any other branches) allow you to take the TAPS (Transition Assistance Program for the AF, others may call it something else) up to 2 times. I took it at the 2 year mark, then again at the 4 month out mark (tried for the 1 year mark, but could not due to mission).
2. Start working on civilianizing your resume NOW. I worked on mine 2 years before I hit the job market. Take out all military jargon. Try to explain what you can do in terms the average non-military person can understand.
3. You can start the VA Medical process 180 days out from your ACTUAL Separation date....(this is not your terminal leave date....it is the FINAL date).
4. Start trying to figure out where you will live and what the job market is at that location.
5. Consider putting your resume out on LinkedIn, Indeed, and others. Also start networking.

TAPS will provide additional feedback into what you should be doing and how far out....DO NOT wait until you are 30 days out to take TAPS. TRY to take it at least 1x a year out if possible.... Lots of good info, but if you are taking it 30 days out or less, you have already missed important windows for some items such as VA.

Good luck!!

The 1st step in any successful transition is preparing the mind with the "Optimal Mindset" for success. As a counselor for veterans in transition, I found this is a critical starting point. I actually co-authored a book about it. "The Prior-Service Entrepreneur - The Fundamentals Of Veteran Entrepreneurship." You can get your copy here. https://squareup.com/market/phase-2-advantage/the-prior-service-entrepreneur-the-fundamentals-of-veteran-entrepreneurship.

The worst thing one can do is rely on that buddy on the outside, or the old family friend or relative for that "guaranteed job"! I can't tell you how many times I hear Veterans tell me that as soon as their go-faster hit the pavement back on Main Street, USA, that job no longer exists for some reason or another. NETWORK, NETWOrk, NETWORK. Having a good baseline resume is the second step, a good social media profile here and on Linkedin, and then; yes, connecting with people (also cleverly known as NETWORKING). As soon as you get done networking, you're wrong. I don't care if you just became the CEO of the Top 100, keep NETWORKING. Not that I'm a big fan, but don't forget to network with Sgt Jeff Decker, or myself, or COL Mikel Burroughs.

If you want to schedule one-on-one time, reach out to me at http://www.gunnyret.appointy.com. I'm here for you, and anyone else. It will only cost you some time.

The time to leave the military is for one when you have a very good paying job waiting for you, or two retire at 20 yrs and make sure you have a degree BA or higher, and when the chain of command is off the hook and doing and saying stupid things.....

I joined a Toastmasters club outside of base to clean my Army language. Also to Network and connect. Bonus, it improves public speaking and interview skills. I see the professional value beyond transitioning. I plan to stay in Toastmasters for a long time.

I hired a financial planner to help me plan the path all the way until I turn 100 years old (just in case I live that long). It made a difference as I'm building a house. Someone knows something I don't. But finding someone to trust takes time. If you don't have or want a planner, know where all your money is being spent. Don't be money blind.

Professional Organizations. I joined Project Management Institute and I volunteer with the local chapter. It is networking, learning and helping the organization.

Swimming. Very little talking during swim team practice but the fitness aspect is a must. It reduces stress, builds strength and endurance. It keeps me in shape. When you feel good you look good. Everyone should have fitness plan for after the military.

Career Coach. I had the opportunity to have a great friendship with a transition coach. Opportunities arise from here. From participating at conferences as a presenter, special projects and other networking events. Career coaches are well connected. It all starts with a cup of coffee.

Social media. Take advantage of it to brand yourself and to network beyond your town.

Research. I read 5 to 10 articles a day from websites like: Undercover Recruiter, the Muse, The Ladders, Career HMO, Chameleon Resumes, Career Sherpa & Business Insider to name a few. I did this to gather intell on what is the current trend and expectations. Bonus, I've been able to mutually connect with career experts on LinkedIn and Twitter with career experts.

Having a professional network is key.

Ensure all you medical is complete before you retired, then take 30 days to relax, do the honey do list! Then talk with the people already in the field you want to get into and see what their resume says. But don't forget that you have things to offer and you might have to get some that you didn't know about. But the main thing is NEVER GIVE UP!!!!

Line up a job before you get out.

Oh yeah, get rid of the military jargon and acrcronyms, no matter how military friendly they are they may not speak you branch of service!!!

Proper planning, where your gonna live, money. I see a lot of homeless vets who are in their 20s because they didn't see far enough into the future, they only saw getting out. and screwed themselves.