If your spouse is planning to separate from active military service sometime in the next year, it is recommended that you begin planning for the transition one year out, and if you are looking at retirement, that planning start even sooner – a good two years before the planned retirement date.
The separating service member will have access to multiple programs to help with the transition, including the Transition Assistance Program, or TAP, which includes myriad assistance including counseling and employment workshops, VA briefings, and a specially designed program for disabled individuals.
Vets First.org is an excellent source of information and resources for active duty personnel planning their separation from the military. Their website provides separating service members with information about transition counseling services as well as where to turn for information about benefits and other services available, including opportunities for future training and education.
Depending on branch of service, according to Vet 1 First, transition counseling is available from the following offices:
Army: Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP)
Air Force: Airman and Family Readiness Center.
Navy: Fleet and Family Support Center. Navy personnel should make an appointment with their command career counselor for a pre-separation counseling interview at least 180 days prior to separation.
Marine Corps: Career Resource Management Center (CRMC)/Transition & Employment Assistance Program Center.
Coast Guard: Worklife Division––Coast Guard Worklife staff can be found at the nearest Integrated Support Command.
The transition process will include getting all of the service member’s records together, preparing to leave military housing for civilian housing, and arranging for your household goods to be moved to your new home.
While there are many resources for the separating service member, there are also resources for the rest of the family.
Family Centers can help with planning for the transition and relocation, Vet 1 First explains, and depending on the branch of service, the contacts are;
Army: Army Community Service Center
Air Force: Airman & Family Readiness Center
Navy: Fleet and Family Support Center
Marine Corps: Marine and Family Services
Things you will need time to work through include medical coverage, future health care insurance as well as TRICARE and transitional coverage, ongoing care for family members with special needs, life insurance, financial planning, assistance with securing financing for a home, legal concerns, reserve affiliation, Veterans’ benefits and medical care, and more.
Has your family recently made the transition due to separation or retirement? What are some of the challenges you and your children faced. Any tips, advice or warnings you would like to share with families facing a similar move in the near future?
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