Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

Transitioning from active duty back to civilian life is hard for some of us than it is for others. Its going to happen either way so be sure to prepare yourself the best you can so you can’t take advantage of all the programs that are available to assist you.

I am going to be talking about some things for you to think about but I am also going to talk about three programs that I think you should know about if you are a military member that is transitioning back to civilian life.

I want you to enroll and be aware of the following three programs that were not available to me when I made my military transition to civilian life. If I was enrolled in any of these military transition programs I would have had a better time adjusting for sure!

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
The Integrated Disability Evaluation System
VA Solid Start Program

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[tuanphamusmc]

Greeting from San Antonio Combat Craig, as a retired mustang officer who got 2 DD 214s, I would like to offer the following for the youngsters watching your channel:
1. Do not sell back your leave balance. Take terminal leave. In the service member's whole military career one can only sell back a total of 60 days max. I made a mistake of selling back 60 days when I first got out of the Marine Corps in Oct 1993. Later while in the Reserve (Annual Training and Summer OCS Training) and right before retirement I had to forfeit all my leave balance I could not use. Think I lost about 40 days total.
2. Obtain, copy and scan all your medical + dental records; that's include X-rays, MRIs, etc. I did a total 27.5 years (4 USMC + 3 USMCR + 20.5 USMC (Officer)) and had 7 surgeries total so I did accumulate quite a box of medical records (3 volumes). And don't forget medical treatment records at civilian doctors as well. While serving, I did a recruiting gig and an independent tour at a Reserve unit...Had 2 surgeries at Stanford University Hospital; saw VA Mental Health Clinic at Menlo Park...Right before I PCSed from Northern California, I went and obtained everything and put it on a CD.
3. Go to sick-call and get your treatments documented. The Marine Corps is notoriously known for making fun of young Marines going to sick-bay, by calling them: sick-bay commandos. Don't worry about what the SSgts, the Gunnies, or your mates say; go to the clinic and see the Docs if you're truly sick or in pain.
4. Do your claim while on terminal leave. While still in my terminal leave, I went to the Texas Veteran Commission with my box of paper medical records and the accompanied CDs. That was Apr 2017. I retired on 1 May 2017. 21 Sep 2017 was when I got the 100% P&T (It was like 400% if you do the real math) brown envelope from the VA.
watching

[CombatCraig]

Here is more information about the three programs that I mentioned in the video

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

The Integrated Disability Evaluation System

VA Solid Start Program

[travisbumpy]

Everybody who is about to ETS should watch this video. A home run on this one. Thanks Craig.

[ITraveledDWorld]

Make sure you go to the doctor for any ailment to document your possible claim. You never know what could be important.

[scrapguy]

No help when getting out back in my day either Craig. You know how it is.
Thanks for sharing this information with the Veterans these days. So they don't have to struggle.
Veterans helping Veterans. 🇺🇸

[captainhargrove]

Do yourself and family a big favor. Clear as much debt and save as much money as you can prior to leaving AD. THE transition is tough enough and money issues can be devistating.

[_Dk]

Ditto, left in Oct 1991 as well. I did get a handshake when I cleared finance. They also handed me my discharge certificate and DD214. And my airline ticket home. That was it.

[paratroopergirl]

If you are transitioning from the military and back to being a civilian, you may be interested in continuing working with the federal government as a civilian. Jobs can be found on www.USAJobs.gov.

[linagrote]

Make a copy of your medical and service record, you would be amazed the things missing or that could get lost if you don't do it.

[marco]

The Skilbridge is a good program to do before you separate

[paratroopergirl]

Here's a well kept secret. Look into joining the Commissioned Corps. You can transfer your military time, but only up to 8 years. Also, you must have a qualifying degree to join. It is one of the 8 uniformed services where service members work at federal government agencies like FDA, CDC, USDA, IHS, CMS, BoP, NIH, etc. Get yourself a good federal government job.

[tommarinevet]

I wish they had all these programs back in my day.... instead of getting the green winey

[BorinquenTeddy]

I was medically retired this past February and given 100%p&t as soon as I separated
(thanks to this channel and others on YouTube for advice)
not having the 5, 10, 20 year protection can I be reduced legally if I just ghost the VA ?
I'm thinking of moving to mexico o DR

[paratroopergirl]

Look into VEOA and VRA veteran programs. Do this stuff before you exit the military.

[armygeorge]

WG and GS is big..I was a WG 10. Work for the Department of Defense....good money and benefits.

[robertdeffenbaugh]

When my Brother got out of the Army he joined some security company that has to do with Computers and blowing up specific targets with Missiles it’s very short staffed but I heard there was three new recruits that my brother is training right now.

[Bowdoins]

Boom 💥 I can say it’s not as strict in civilian life

[MS-fcmz]

Amen Brother Craig why didn't someone tell me in 1989. I was proud of myself for
Only going to the Corpsman when I a few
times.

[paratroopergirl]

Perhaps you would be interested in working as a federal government contractor.