Posted on Nov 6, 2020
When getting ready to ETS, is there a list of items I should be aware of or do before leaving?
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Greetings to everyone here,
So I am heading out in November, (this month), and wanted to know if there is any sort of tried and true list of things I should do before I am officially out of the Army? I've been in for 12 years, deployed to Afghanistan back in 2012 and have already gone to college. I want to make sure I'm not missing anything once I'm officially out. I.E. I'm sure my access will be revoked for certain websites, etc, and want to make sure I do whatever needs done or could help me before then. I spoke to someone the other day, and they referred me to this website. Any advice is most appreciated—especially programs, sites, or a list of things to ensure a proper leave. My unit is great, but it seems weird that they don't have any off-boarding process? It makes me feel like there's a lot of things that may be missed. I would like to get an updated DD-214 that's for sure.
Anyways, thanks again!
So I am heading out in November, (this month), and wanted to know if there is any sort of tried and true list of things I should do before I am officially out of the Army? I've been in for 12 years, deployed to Afghanistan back in 2012 and have already gone to college. I want to make sure I'm not missing anything once I'm officially out. I.E. I'm sure my access will be revoked for certain websites, etc, and want to make sure I do whatever needs done or could help me before then. I spoke to someone the other day, and they referred me to this website. Any advice is most appreciated—especially programs, sites, or a list of things to ensure a proper leave. My unit is great, but it seems weird that they don't have any off-boarding process? It makes me feel like there's a lot of things that may be missed. I would like to get an updated DD-214 that's for sure.
Anyways, thanks again!
ETS/EAS
Benefits
Medical
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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Depends,
Get a DS Login Account. Importan to get access to VÁ records and other HRC records as well.
Get a copy of all your medical record as well (hop you already did a part of your ETS medical).
File a VA disability claim while still serving. Your 2nd part phisical if not done yet, have it done by VA.
Go by CIF and get a copy of all your issue TA-50 before hand. Do an inventory and whatever you are missing go by the nearest pawn shop and buy it. It’s cheaper than paying for it.
Get a DS Login Account. Importan to get access to VÁ records and other HRC records as well.
Get a copy of all your medical record as well (hop you already did a part of your ETS medical).
File a VA disability claim while still serving. Your 2nd part phisical if not done yet, have it done by VA.
Go by CIF and get a copy of all your issue TA-50 before hand. Do an inventory and whatever you are missing go by the nearest pawn shop and buy it. It’s cheaper than paying for it.
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COL Jason S
'What I wish someone told me before I left service...'
DS Logon, and upgrade to a 'Premier' account on eBenefits. DD214 and character of service letters are available on eBenefits. Make sure your DD214 is 100% accurate BEFORE you sign it!
Echoing MAJ Rivera:
• DS Logon (for eBenefits), upgrade to a 'Premier' (P) account, and 'File a VA disability claim while still serving.', on eBenefits/VA.gov if after.
• Get your MEDICAL and other benefits straight with the 1st year of Separation!
o MAKE sure you bring up ALL medical issues with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) now, or within the 1st year of Separation so everything can be Service Connected as 'presumptive service'.
• If you have issues with your Veteran Service Organization (VSO), recommend ask VA CLAIMS INSIDER for assistance (not a VSO, but they have a network of medical practitioners that can write your NEXUS letters; mandatory in claims for Service Connection). Example, my VSO is MOPH, but I utilized VA Claims Insider services to maximize claim submission on things discovered 'later' such as TBI (not tested by VA until a few years later, after service).
o You will thank me on this one later in life.
References:
https://www.va.gov/
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/
https://vaclaimsinsider.com/
DS Logon, and upgrade to a 'Premier' account on eBenefits. DD214 and character of service letters are available on eBenefits. Make sure your DD214 is 100% accurate BEFORE you sign it!
Echoing MAJ Rivera:
• DS Logon (for eBenefits), upgrade to a 'Premier' (P) account, and 'File a VA disability claim while still serving.', on eBenefits/VA.gov if after.
• Get your MEDICAL and other benefits straight with the 1st year of Separation!
o MAKE sure you bring up ALL medical issues with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) now, or within the 1st year of Separation so everything can be Service Connected as 'presumptive service'.
• If you have issues with your Veteran Service Organization (VSO), recommend ask VA CLAIMS INSIDER for assistance (not a VSO, but they have a network of medical practitioners that can write your NEXUS letters; mandatory in claims for Service Connection). Example, my VSO is MOPH, but I utilized VA Claims Insider services to maximize claim submission on things discovered 'later' such as TBI (not tested by VA until a few years later, after service).
o You will thank me on this one later in life.
References:
https://www.va.gov/
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/
https://vaclaimsinsider.com/
VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs
Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
Nice list. A little Armor All on the NBC boots make them look new and clean. Ensure that you keep your DD 214 in a safe place.
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MAJ Javier Rivera
Good catch COL Jason S, DD214 scrub before signature. Can’t stress that one enough!!!!!!
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You're a Reservist so there's not much off boarding to do. You don't qualify for a DD214 those are only active periods of service. Not a whole lot changes for you except that now you won't have a CAC card, but you can get a DS Login for any websites you will need. You can also always walk back into the NG easily and continue your career.
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LTC (Join to see)
I've never understood why anyone would get out of the guard/reserves after 10-12 years. especially now that the OPTEMPO has slowed down. It's easy money and a guaranteed check when you hit 60.
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SFC (Join to see)
LTC (Join to see) me either. It's too easy to rack up good years and add some padding to your retirement, plus there's plenty of state benefits especially for education
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LTC (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) - my youngest son got his heavy equipment/crane operator certs using my GI bill. and if you've already done 12 years, you're more than halfway home.
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Go to the education center to make sure you are squared away with the GI bill. If you want to give your wife access to your GI bill give her a percentage. The goal is to just give her a percentage as that will put her in the system. The percentage can be changed later.
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COL Jason S
MAJ Landgren makes a GREAT point! ENSURE, if you qualify and haven't done so already, transfer your 9/11 GI Bill (has a benefit 'expiration' date) to the 'Forever GI Bill' with no 'expiration' date. Reference; https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/forevergibill.asp
Snippet; "Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits will expire 15 years after your last separation date from active service.", in accordance with your reported AD time 'AFG 2012' where 'Do these benefits expire? This depends on when you were discharged from active duty. If your service ended before January 1, 2013...'
Snippet; "Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) benefits will expire 15 years after your last separation date from active service.", in accordance with your reported AD time 'AFG 2012' where 'Do these benefits expire? This depends on when you were discharged from active duty. If your service ended before January 1, 2013...'
Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
COL Jason S - Thank you! This is from the website:
Elimination of 15-year Limitation to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill Program
The law removes the time limitation for the use of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for individuals whose last discharge or release from active duty is on or after January 1, 2013, children of deceased Servicemembers who first become entitled to Post-9/11 GI Bill program benefits on or after January 1, 2013, and all Fry spouses.
All others remain subject to the current 15-year time limitation for using their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
I don't remember why I went to the Ed Center. I hope it was on my retirement checklist, otherwise I was just lucky and went to inquire about my GI bill. I had to look at my DD 214. Just wow I retired May 2013!
Elimination of 15-year Limitation to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill Program
The law removes the time limitation for the use of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for individuals whose last discharge or release from active duty is on or after January 1, 2013, children of deceased Servicemembers who first become entitled to Post-9/11 GI Bill program benefits on or after January 1, 2013, and all Fry spouses.
All others remain subject to the current 15-year time limitation for using their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
I don't remember why I went to the Ed Center. I hope it was on my retirement checklist, otherwise I was just lucky and went to inquire about my GI bill. I had to look at my DD 214. Just wow I retired May 2013!
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