When does the transition from service member to civilian end?

That is COMPLETELY dependent upon what the end game is.  I myself had the goal of my current position.  I retired in 2006 and there were no such positions available.  Took a job within my skill set KNOWING that it wasn't The Prize.  Did good work and bided my time until an opportunity presented itself.  I was able to take advantage of that opportunity and I'm currently doing EXACTLY what I want to do for the foreseeable future.  That took four years.  Up until accepting this position I'd have been happy to admit that I was still 'transitioning'

Hmm, I know it's ongoing. I'm 2 months retired and my ABU's are still hanging in the closet. I think when I start a new job, maybe? When I have a well-established routine outside of the Air Force? Hardest part is losing my daily support group at work!

I agree with you Stephen, going on 3 years retirement and still going through changes and pangs about what I still need to do or regroup on. I think it is a long process, especially depending on how many years you put into service as well, I did 27, so I don't expect it to change overnight or within a few years. Good question.

I'm close to 28 years retired from a 25 year career. You never leave many of the standards you lived by in the military behind, and they have served me well in my civilian positions.

I have been out for 6 years now and I find it hard to go to work to a civilian job! Hard to grow a beard and hard to let my hair grow! I feel like I'm failing to adapt to civilian life!

I retired in 1999. Still find myself with one foot in. I don't think you ever really "check out for good".. Otherwise this Website and others would have no retirees chatting it up.

The transition is ongoing and never ends

SFC Stephen Hester Brother... On 1 April I will be retired (retarded) for 10 years... I'm still in transition. That being said, I am a DA Civilian... my son is in the Army... I do still live in a military community (Leavenworth, KS)... not sure if I ever will.

Of course I should be honest with myself and ask.... "Do I really want too?"

Lifeblood 7 Out! (LOL)

Oh... my greens are still set up in the closet... and I can still fit in them!

Never

I think the "transition" period is unique to each individual. For some, it may take days, weeks, months or even years to fully transition. I guess it would depend on how invested they were in preparing for life after the military and what that life entailed - a new job, going back to college, or actually retiring and not working another day. My transition currently involves the first two (job and school) but in my mind I feel my "immediate" transition has been successful. I'm I done - no.