Pre-Separation Checklist

Submit your formal request to separate or retire through your chain of command. This starts the official transition process.

Mandatory DOD transition program covering benefits, career readiness, and financial planning. Sign up early to get your preferred dates.

Obtain certified copies of your DD-214, service records, awards, evaluations, and medical records. You will need these for VA claims, employment, and education benefits.

Review your SGLI coverage and beneficiaries. Decide whether to convert to Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) after separation.

Collect records of all military training, schools, certifications, and licenses. These translate to civilian credentials and college credit.

Request your JST (Army/Marines/Navy) or CCAF transcript (Air Force). This documents your military education in terms colleges and employers understand.

Set up your VA.gov account with a Login.gov or ID.me credential. You will use this for VA healthcare enrollment, disability claims, education benefits, and more.

Work with your transition counselor to develop a personalized plan covering your goals, timeline, and action steps for career, education, and benefits.

Complete the core TAP curriculum: preseparation counseling, DOL employment workshop, VA benefits briefing, and financial planning session. Optional: entrepreneur track.

Request a comprehensive separation physical. This exam documents your current health status and is critical evidence for future VA disability claims.

File your VA disability claim 180-90 days before separation through the BDD program. This allows the VA to process your claim so benefits start immediately after separation.

Report every injury, illness, pain, and exposure (burn pits, chemicals, noise, etc.) to your military doctor and ensure they are documented in your service medical record.

Request complete copies of your service medical records, dental records, and any specialty consult notes. Store these securely.

Complete any needed surgeries, dental work, vision corrections (PRK/LASIK), or treatments while still covered by military healthcare.

Apply for VA healthcare. You can enroll up to one year before separation. Combat veterans get five years of enhanced eligibility for VA care after separation.

Understand your TRICARE options after separation: TRICARE Retired Reserve, Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP), or transitional assistance. CHCBP provides 18 months of coverage.

Request a mental health evaluation before separation. Document any conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, or TBI. These are important for VA claims and future treatment.

Build a detailed monthly budget for your first year after separation. Account for loss of BAH, BAS, tax-free allowances, and TRICARE. Include costs for housing, healthcare, food, insurance, and transportation.

Save at least three to six months of living expenses before separating. The transition may take longer than expected, and having a financial cushion reduces stress enormously.

Decide what to do with your TSP: leave it, roll it to an IRA, or roll it to a new employer 401(k). Do NOT cash it out -- you will pay taxes and penalties.

Calculate your final paycheck, including any terminal leave, leave sell-back, travel pay, and DITY/PPM move reimbursement. Plan for when this money will arrive.

Pull your free credit reports from all three bureaus. Dispute any errors, pay down outstanding debts, and understand your credit score for future housing and loan applications.

If you will not use VA healthcare or TRICARE, research employer-sponsored insurance, Healthcare.gov marketplace plans, or Medicaid. Budget for premiums, deductibles, and copays.

Know how many months of GI Bill you have, which version you are eligible for (Post-9/11 vs. Montgomery), and the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) rate for your target school.

Translate your military experience into civilian terms. Quantify achievements, remove jargon, and tailor it to your target industry. Get feedback from a career counselor.

Create or update your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo, translated military experience, and relevant skills. Connect with veterans in your target industry.

Identify 2-3 career fields that align with your skills and interests. Research required certifications, education, and experience. Use the MOS translator to find matches.

SkillBridge allows you to intern with a civilian employer during your last 180 days of service while still receiving military pay. Applications open 6+ months before your separation date.

Identify civilian certifications that match your military training (e.g., CompTIA for IT, PMP for project managers, CDL for vehicle operators). Many can be earned free through military programs.

Attend industry events, join professional associations, connect with veterans in your field through ACP or LinkedIn. Networking leads to more job offers than cold applications.

Create your USAJobs profile. Federal resumes are 5-8 pages with detailed descriptions. Understand GS pay scales, locality pay, and veterans preference hiring.

Practice behavioral interview questions using the STAR method. Prepare to explain your military experience to civilian interviewers. Mock interviews are available through Hire Heroes USA.

Attend Hiring Our Heroes, RecruitMilitary, and industry-specific career fairs. Bring copies of your resume and dress in business professional attire.

Research cost of living, job markets, proximity to VA facilities, schools, and family. Consider your GI Bill MHA rate -- urban areas pay more but cost more.

Review your VA home loan eligibility. Obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). VA loans offer zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates.

Research rental costs and home prices. If renting, budget first/last months rent plus security deposit. If buying, get pre-approved for a VA loan.

Decide between a government-funded PCS move or a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY) for potential reimbursement profit. Schedule movers early -- peak season fills up fast.

If in base housing, schedule your move-out inspection. If renting off-base, provide written notice per your lease terms. SCRA protections may apply for early termination.

Have honest conversations about finances, location, career changes, and the emotional aspects of transition. This affects the entire family, not just the service member.

Research school districts, enrollment timelines, and transfer requirements. Contact schools early to understand documentation needed for enrollment.

Understand how your DEERS enrollment changes after separation. Dependents may lose access to military facilities and TRICARE. Plan for alternative coverage.

Research My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) for military spouses, hiring programs at major employers, and spouse licensing reciprocity in your new state.

Review and update your will, power of attorney, and all beneficiary designations (SGLI, TSP, bank accounts). Military legal assistance offices can help for free before separation.

If you have remaining Post-9/11 GI Bill months and want to transfer them, you must do this BEFORE separation. This requires a 4-year service obligation from transfer date.

Military childcare (CDC) will no longer be available. Research civilian daycare costs, waitlists, and availability. Budget for this -- it can be a significant expense.