When and how do you start the ETS process?

Normally you can start the transition seminars within 24 months; NORMALLY! Keep in mind you are still a service member and your unit has a series of tasks/requirements to accomplish, therefore you need to work it out with your leadership. However the sooner the better in order to take advantage of all of the services available for transitioning Soldiers. Word of advice: have a plan for when you get out! Don’t just ETS and expect to swing it since it will probably won’t work!

It is a call away. Contact the Garrison in and out processing center, they will have all hat is offered and when they are recommended. Keep in mind that nothing overrides the unit calendar. It is your responsibility to work your requirements in with your unit responsibilities. Thank you for your service.

1. YOU do not start the Process. The Service does- normally 3-6 months, unless you have made arrangement for some kind of schooling. You need to check with the Soldier for Life Center/Education Center for cut-offs of special classes for those ETSing.

You will start the process with TAPS and the Soldier for life program. I did it at the Education Center on Fort Belvoir when I left active duty. You will also start scheduling your medical appointments. Making sure that you have all your records. This will help when you go to the VA if you have issues. For me, it was my knee and sleep apnea, plus hearing. When it gets closer to you leaving you will get your unit clearing papers and off you go. You can start a year out, but the real stuff doesn't start moving until about 24 months like MAJ Javier Rivera stated.

Depending on your career interests outside the military. For example, if you have an interest in public service, such as law enforcement or the fire service, you’ll start months to a year in advance in testing for the positions. If this is your interest, you’ll start your research even before this. This research will depend on qualifications, such as residency. Most positions require a minimum age, generally 21 and residency of 6-12 months. Generally, possession of your home state driver license is sufficient proof in that state. Also consider your state of last stateside assignment (Colorado in the case of a last assignment in Colorado). What proof will the agency accept to prove residency. For example, will the Denver Police Department or state patrol, accept your assignment orders and discharge orders to prove the residency span. You may test and be placed on the availability list before discharge. They may even start your background Investigation. These decisions will also determine if you will stay in the reserves or national guard. For example, a second paycheck as a reserve CID Warrant Officer Agent may be nice for your own budget and this pay will increase over the span of your reserve career and ultimate retirement. Over my career with the CID, I served with many fine members of the individual ready reserve who were full-time police officers and troopers. Your agency will also benefit from you military law enforcement training in the reserves (hostage negotiations, protective services, crime scene processing).

It depends on when and where you are in your career.

A SFC with 20 years is going to start longer out than a SPC with 4 years. Keep in mind that you are planning YOUR future. Therefore, reverse plan. Figure out where you need to be on your EAS date, and work backwards from there.

Most of the military related items for a first termer can be completed within 6-9 months. The non-military related stuff is the hard part. Making sure that things like medical, dental, resume, etc are all lined up. The more things and the more complex those things are, the longer you will need.

Let me start with humor. During Vietnam I served with a guy that was drafted (for 2 years). He began a short timer's calendar immediately and maintained it until the last day her served on active duty. In your case, if you had or will have a competent Personnel NCO at your ARNG unit I would reach out to them and see what you need to do. You will have re-employment rights (see USERRA - short fuse on this one) and may have the opportunity to join back with a ARNG or Reserve unit. If you are going back to school do not wait until the last 30 to 90 days to contact the school you are planning on attending. You have been working in an environment that most of the administrative details happen without you knowing about them. In academia, there are as many different enrollment processes as there are colleges - some admissions processes are not flexible. Go to your education center to see about taking the SAT or ACAT, etc. Get all medical and dental appointments scheduled at least six months before your ETS.
Bottom line is be proactive. Keep a copy of all of your military records: promotions, orders, awards, medical records, etc. You may not see the importance of those copies now but as you age you will realized your word will not support a claim with the government.
In my opinion, I would start my on ETS Program at the 180-day mark.