I am retiring from the Air Force in a couple of years. Are there tips or tricks for when I start out-processing for retirement?

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 06:25:24 -0400

Response by LTC Steve Mannell made Jun 29 at 2017 7:25 AM

LTC Steve Mannell — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 07:25:06 -0400

Start now. Plan your transition deliberately, as if it is a military operation. The military provides resources to help, but you own the mission. As you are doing here, also seek out other resources to support you.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2017 7:32 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 07:32:06 -0400

Get your LinkedIn profile fully completed and start networking if you haven't already.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/dos-donts-linkedin-profiles-william-a-frobe-ms-ma-lion-

dos-donts-linkedin-profiles-william-a-frobe-ms-ma-lion-

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2017 8:54 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:54:36 -0400

Yes I recommend attending the retirement seminar as soon as possible because it will help you understand how marketable you are in the civilian sector

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Jun 29 at 2017 9:52 AM

SSgt Dan Montague — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 09:52:10 -0400

VA VA VA VA VA medical!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can not stress this enough. Do not wait. I started my final physical about 6-7 months out. I was able to get evaluated by the VA and get a rating before I even went on terminal leave. A month after my official retirement date my VA awards payments started. I have friend who waited too long and it took them months to even years to get their claims processed.
Have your resumé looked at by a civilian agency. Some have military reps working there. When I did mine with assistance on base, it was still too "military" for some recruiters to understand. A civilian agency can assist you with adjusting it to where a recruiter can understand it. Then build a strong Linkedin profile with civilian terms.
Lastly, if you have terminal leave saved up, take it and spend some stress free time with your family.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Jun 29 at 2017 11:16 AM

MSgt John McGowan — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 11:16:06 -0400

MSgt. Plan ahead. When I retired, long time ago. I worked up to the day II went on leave. There wasn't many programs set up geared for retirement. Most of my job search was after I got out. Didn't find anything but I did sign up for school. I fell back on school and was hired by a major company 18 months into school. I did hit it fight for I retired again after 18 with the company.

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Jun 29 at 2017 11:24 AM

SSgt Holden M. — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 11:24:59 -0400

Print out all your records, and if anything hurts or causes pain/anything that makes you not perfectly fit for duty make sure you get it documented now while you are still in. Also make sure you have copies of your records. I went into PRDA and did that just to have everything. Also get a copy of your medical records for your VA claim, but also get a copy of your dependents medical records because the whole transfer thing doesn't always happen like it's suppose to.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2017 1:29 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 13:29:36 -0400

Start getting your medical stuff in order. Know how eBenefits works and know how to fill out 21-526EZ form and how to submit it online. WAY Easier!! Good luck!

Response by Cpl Kevin Partlow made Jun 29 at 2017 7:02 PM

Cpl Kevin Partlow — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 19:02:29 -0400

Everyone has been giving you good military specific advice. Here is a bit of financial advice; become as close to debt free as you can before retirement even if that means downgrading your vehicles and home. Retirement is simply temporary unemployment if you are not financially prepared. Live beneath your means and please give every dollar a name. The end of your monthly budget should be zero as all of your money should be accounted for. Don't let retirement feel like a burden, enjoy it and find a way to make passive income even if you have to work actively for a year or two to make it. Good luck and God bless.

Response by TSgt Dan Kenna made Jul 1 at 2017 7:17 PM

TSgt Dan Kenna — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 19:17:43 -0400

Dan, what are you thinking about doing after you retire?