How long do you feel you should take to start your transition out of the military?

LTC John Phillips — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 20:41:07 -0500

Response by LTC Toby P. made Nov 5 at 2013 8:48 PM

LTC Toby P. — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 20:48:48 -0500

At least a year to properly plan and prepare for a smooth transition.

Response by SGT Thomas Sullivan made Nov 5 at 2013 8:56 PM

SGT Thomas Sullivan — Tue, 05 Nov 2013 20:56:51 -0500

Lining up employment (if that is your goal) is of the utmost importance. Whatever you do, get something in writing with more than a promise from a potential employer.

Also, make sure you have several months if not a year's worth of savings in case you run into any problems and have a hard time finding a job.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 6 at 2013 10:37 AM

CMC Robert Young — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 10:37:08 -0500

At least a year. The transition is far more involved than most people expect. The hiring process at some jobs (federal & many state governments particularly) can be six months to a year. There's housing; possibility of transfer to your home of record; maybe spouse's employment and kids issues with school if you are moving. The list goes on so start early!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2013 12:42 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 12:42:12 -0500

a year.

Response by LTC Toby P. made Nov 11 at 2013 7:47 PM

LTC Toby P. — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 19:47:09 -0500

At least a year or longer. There are many things to get done and create a solid plan.

Response by MAJ Laurie H. made Nov 11 at 2013 8:34 PM

MAJ Laurie H. — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 20:34:02 -0500

I agree that a year is sufficient for planning specifics and working out logistics, but it is never too soon to really start thinking about your civilian career and what kind of skills you will need to transfer. If you don't execute a targeted and well thought out job search, a year will often not be enough time to land your ideal position.

Response by SGT Michael Swaggerty made Mar 28 at 2014 3:56 PM

SGT Michael Swaggerty — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 15:56:46 -0400

The first day you began your military time. You should always be looking forward.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jul 10 at 2014 7:02 PM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 19:02:18 -0400

Really depends - When I joined I knew I was going to retire so even though I would always check the outside job market, I always kept track of everything I did. The hardest thing to do is wait to the last year and try to remember everything thing you accomplished.

If you are only going to be in 4 or 6 up to 10 - then your transition should start the next day.

Response by Maj Roy Barrett II made Dec 8 at 2014 9:08 AM

Maj Roy Barrett II — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 09:08:39 -0500

18 months start getting it together, 12 months attend seminars and transition courses (wealth of knowledge to be had) from th 6 month mark... have the plan locked down and get serious on the job front sooner than later.

Response by SGT Kyle Taylor made Dec 8 at 2014 9:36 AM

SGT Kyle Taylor — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 09:36:04 -0500

I see most everyone is saying the same thing. I think also it depends on the time you have been in service also. Joe that has been in for 2yrs and has a year left might be ok with a little bit shorter of time than the CW3, MAJ, or a SFC with 15yrs or so. Not sure why anyone with more than 12 to 15yrs would want to leave but hey you never know.

Response by SGT Kristopher Lather made Aug 18 at 2015 5:12 AM

SGT Kristopher Lather — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 05:12:34 -0400

6 Months Employment, 1-2 months Housing.

My ETS is 3 JAN 16, I started my Job Search in June of this year, This past weekend I was able to land an Offer of Employment (Even while being stationed Overseas through a Video Interview. While every other company and IT Staffing Agency I talked to hung up the phone as soon as I said I wasn't out until January and I'm in The Netherlands) so Now I have 4 months left before Transition Leave, and now All I have to worry about is finding a place to live, which is easy going through Realtor.com and Zillow.com Once November Hits I will place a security deposit down on a Condo and just wait to Transition out.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2016 3:38 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 15:38:21 -0500

I would like to see if anyone has been rolled into the TERA, waiting on a board to tell a service member they now have seven months and one day to separate, options to apply for future employment is hindered on a future date that could fluctuate three or more months.