Expert guides and actionable checklists for service members navigating the separation process
Transitioning from military to civilian life involves 160+ essential tasks across 14 categories. Here's your complete roadmap from 24 months out to civilian integration.
Read More →A clear look at what usually happens from about 18 months before separation through final out so you can see the big picture instead of guessing what comes next.
Read More →A practical VA disability preparation checklist for service members before separation. Learn what to document, when to start, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Read More →Everything you need to know about the DoD SkillBridge program - eligibility, application process, and the new 2026 rank-tiered time limits for Air Force and Space Force.
Read More →Understanding how terminal leave, SkillBridge, and permissive TDY compete for the same timeline window. Includes branch-specific PTDY entitlements, concrete examples, and the critical mistakes that waste your final months.
Read More →A practical plan for what to do if your SkillBridge is denied or delayed. Realistic options, timeline pivots, and common mistakes to avoid during your final months.
Read More →A comprehensive guide to preparing for your military separation physical. Learn what to expect, how to document your health, and tips for a smooth process.
Read More →A detailed overview of what to expect regarding pay, benefits, and healthcare after separating from the military. Learn about timelines, eligibility, and how to navigate the transition smoothly.
Read More →VA's new medication rating rule lasted exactly ten days before being rescinded. Here's the full timeline, what standard applies now, and what's still unresolved at the Federal Circuit.
Read More →Four months past my own retirement, I checked my pre-separation advice against what actually happened: SkillBridge, the VA medication rule rescission, final pay, and a VA compensation gap I didn't see coming.
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