Posted on May 31, 2016
I'm just over a year from retirement. For recent retirees, what information did you learn that best prepared you for the transition?
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I've begun the SFL-TAP process having already completed the Financial planning, MOS Crosswalk, and Transition Prep Classes. While I'm fairly certain my next career will be similar to my current career, I am, for the first time in years, actually nervous about the transition. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Posted in these groups: 
Retirement
Transition
Retirement Transition
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 15
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~ You will receive NO pay for at least a Month PLUS, depending on the date you retire. Plan for that now.
~ Make a personal copy of your Medical records. EVERY piece of paper in it.
~ Lock your cell phone in an ammo can or at least screen your phone calls for your first few weeks away from the uniform. DO NOT ANSWER a call from your Unit. TRUST me on this one.
~ As a Leader, while sporting the Uniform we meant something to a LOT of people the SECOND we walked into a room. You are now just a random face in the crowd. You will learn to enjoy that.
Welcome to Retirement Land! Underwear is optional!
~ Make a personal copy of your Medical records. EVERY piece of paper in it.
~ Lock your cell phone in an ammo can or at least screen your phone calls for your first few weeks away from the uniform. DO NOT ANSWER a call from your Unit. TRUST me on this one.
~ As a Leader, while sporting the Uniform we meant something to a LOT of people the SECOND we walked into a room. You are now just a random face in the crowd. You will learn to enjoy that.
Welcome to Retirement Land! Underwear is optional!
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MSgt Jacob Ballard
TSgt Joshua Duplin - 3 months, I find that hard to believe...that's Army Crazy! When retired from Air Force, I was lucky to find employment during my terminal leave, so it really didn't matter...but everyone's transition could be different. Recommend you follow back up with DFAS if it exceeds (one) month for sure!
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MSgt Jacob Ballard
I totally agree with, the transition from mil to civ can be rough. I just don't remember hearing the possible 3 month wait time for you to receive your first retirement check, unless that's the standard time for today?
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CW3 Jared Hickox
Keep up with any and all paperwork that could impact your history. I learned that if it's not documented, it didn't happen!!!
Keep up with any and all paperwork that could impact your history. I learned that if it's not documented, it didn't happen!!!
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CW3 Jared Hickox
I've been collecting quite the trove of paperwork over the years. One of the first pieces of advice I was given as a young E2 was that an "I love me" book was a must. I'm up to two volumes over the 19 years I've had to collect paperwork. My biggest failure was keeping copies of medical records the first 8 years or so. Having recently had a spinal fusion, I had a chance to look at my medical records and they are lacking over those first years. Hopefully what is in my records will be helpful on the way out. Thanks for the advice.
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One thing my TAP class failed to prepare us for was taxes. Make sure you use the IRS calculator to factor in all your income and remove all the necessary deductions for each source as they are each calculated as if they are your only income. In other words, if you claim yourself and each family member for your new job's income, as well as your retirement, and your spouse does the same, each of those deductions through the employer are calculated for those salaries alone. By the time taxes come due, you'll be paying a huge amount. My fellow civilians and I like to say it's a nice problem to have (i.e. we make a lot more money), but getting a 5 figure tax due is not fun.
Also, if you go Civil Service after retirement, note that you have one and only one chance to negotiate your step level. I've known several Civilians who did not know this and accepted a GS grade with the offered step one when they could have received a step 6 or higher. This is a significant amount of money. I can't guarantee they will agree, but again, you only get one stab at it.
Also, if you go Civil Service after retirement, note that you have one and only one chance to negotiate your step level. I've known several Civilians who did not know this and accepted a GS grade with the offered step one when they could have received a step 6 or higher. This is a significant amount of money. I can't guarantee they will agree, but again, you only get one stab at it.
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CW3 Jared Hickox
Sir, my intent is to go the Civil Service route after retirement. I've spoken to many Civilians about the negotiation process and what you say rings true as to what I've been told thus far. I'm also a realist and understand a negotiation is just what it implies. While I may value my abilities pretty high, I do understand I'm essentially starting over.
The TAP instructor I had last week for the financial planning class hit upon the tax differences quite hard. While I think I understand the implications, I do believe I'll be seeing a CPA shortly after I'm hired in order to better understand my particular situation. Being single helps, but that means I'll be paying a lot more in taxes. Like you said, a nice problem to have.
Thanks for your advice. It's something I'll have to keep a close finger on during transition.
The TAP instructor I had last week for the financial planning class hit upon the tax differences quite hard. While I think I understand the implications, I do believe I'll be seeing a CPA shortly after I'm hired in order to better understand my particular situation. Being single helps, but that means I'll be paying a lot more in taxes. Like you said, a nice problem to have.
Thanks for your advice. It's something I'll have to keep a close finger on during transition.
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