Pre-Separation Counseling • Quick Rules

WhenWhereWhat
Mon & Thu (AM)C-9Pre-Separation Counseling (Separatees/Retirees)
Mon–WedU-93TAP 3-Day: DoD (Mon), VA (Tue), DOL (Wed)
Mon 12–1U-93SBP Brief (lunch)
FriC-9MY NCO cohorts
OverflowU-93-6Pre-Sep overflow if >100 and room free

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1) Plan Your Transition

Transition is not a single event—it’s a mission. Start early to create options for you and your family. Pre-Separation is your first checkpoint; Day 2 (VA) and Day 3 (DOL) are the deep dives.

Timeline: 18–24 months start ITP, explore SkillBridge and assessments (O*NET/Kuder). 12 months complete IC & Pre-Sep, file BDD claim, review JST. 6 months draft résumé, build LinkedIn, network. 90 days Capstone, verify DD214, back up records.

AI tools: MilGears, Lightcast, LinkedIn Premium (vets), Jobscan. Ask: “Which path—employment, education, entrepreneurship—am I preparing for?”

2) Build Your Transition Team

Bring in TAP/FFSC, a VA Benefits Advisor, and an AJC counselor. Add community partners (DAV, VFW, Team RWB), your State VA office, and mentors (ACP, Veterati). Your family is part of the team.

3) Manage Your VA Benefits

Disability: File BDD 90–180 days out; gather STRs and SHPE/SHA. Health: Apply at VA.gov; Women’s Health Transition Training & inTransition help continuity. Education: GI Bill & VR&E; use the GI Bill Comparison Tool and Transferology.

Loans/Insurance: VA Home Loan, convert SGLI→VGLI (≤240 days), consider VALife.

4) Health, Mental Care & Insurance

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5) Employment & Vocational Training

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6) Explore Federal Employment

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7) Plan for Further Education

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8) Entrepreneurship

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9) Additional Benefits & Info

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10) Where to Get Help

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