Retiring soon and trying to get all the things done. I have over 6 months left. Any useful advice?

2024-02-11T18:33:34-05:00

Retiring soon and trying to knock out all the needed & important tasks on my to do list. Have already taken TAPS classes, working towards a certification useful in my present and future civilian job as well as making a continuity book for any successors. Besides getting a full physical and using all my accrued leave, does anyone have any advice? I have a little over 8 months left to go. My last official day in the army is 31 Oct (Yup, Halloween).

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2024 7:02 PM

2024-02-11T19:02:12-05:00

Other than getting all your medical records lined up so you can start your VA healthcare and disability rating....I think you've covered the majority of the steps needed.

Response by COL Randall C. made Feb 11 at 2024 7:39 PM

2024-02-11T19:39:51-05:00

One thing many Soldiers don't pay attention to until too late is exploring if the Army's Career Skills Program, DoD's SkillBridge Program, or an Individual Internship Program (basically a DIY option) is something that they would be interested in (especially applicable since you mentioned certifications).
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* Army CSP - https://home.army.mil/imcom/customers/career-skills-program/csp-programs-and-locations
* DoD SkillBridge - https://skillbridge.osd.mil/locations.htm

https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/5-tips-for-military-servicemembers-to-choose-the-right-csp-skillbridge-provider/

CSP Programs & Locations :: U.S. Army Installation Management Command

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2024 11:47 PM

2024-02-11T23:47:04-05:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member If you have not already done so, now would be a good time to review your Financial Planning. Items to review include: Savings and investments, asset allocation. taxes, wills, budgets, loans and other debt, income taxes. Good luck with your next career!

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Feb 12 at 2024 11:41 AM

2024-02-12T11:41:26-05:00

If all your other ducks are in a row, my #1 recommendation is don't wait to file for your VA disability rating -- sooner is better! You can file a pre-discharge claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program up to 180 days before you officially retire. This WILL speed up the claim decision process and you won't have to wait months and months after retirement for your benefits.

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Feb 12 at 2024 4:47 PM

2024-02-12T16:47:30-05:00

Easy--$20,000 in savings, credit cards paid off, resume demilitarized, VA appointment, copy of medical records, copies of personnel reviews, and KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY YOUR RETIREMENT CHECK WILL BE. [BAS, BAQ, Clothing Allowance and any other allowances you received DON'T COUNT TOWARD RETIREMENT PAY]. You ONLY get a percentage of your base pay. Job: Send out resumes NOW. Remember the civilian community don't know what EOD is or a SFC.

Response by 1SG John Millan made Feb 12 at 2024 6:42 PM

2024-02-12T18:42:28-05:00

File any CA claims. Stress causes grinding clenched teeth and Temporal Mandibular Joint TMJ pain, a service-connected condition that will get you free VA dental care, even at zero percent. A dentist can tell tear patterns on enamel to definitively diagnose TMJ. Most vets have SOME hearing loss, so compare initial hearing test at basic and retirement physical and the VA is on the hook for the difference. Remember, an even just a zero percent gets you in the door at the VA and it’s easier to up a zero rating than no rating. Get your rating work done before you get out, a great option we didn’t have when I retired after Iraq, so I was already 30% from the Gulf War, so I had to wait several months to get a rating. Luckily, I got med boarded at 40%, so my CA rating was first 90%, pretty fast, then a year later, with the TMJ, I went to 100%. You can get Tricare AND VA. Go to the VA office on post and talk to a rep there.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 12 at 2024 6:53 PM

2024-02-12T18:53:22-05:00

Tweak your resume for the civilian world. Go to the education center and to make sure your GI Bill is good to go. Find a safe place for DD214. You going to do a DITY or partial DITY move?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 12 at 2024 9:20 PM

2024-02-12T21:20:45-05:00

Dental ckecks and repairs, ditto for vision, hearing, etc. Get every problem annotated prior to retirement.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Feb 13 at 2024 10:29 AM

2024-02-13T10:29:36-05:00

Start working on your resume now and also start working on getting your final physical completed. As soon as final physical is done start working on your VA evals so you can have your paperwork done in advance so you can drop your package as soon as you leave active service. Start looking at tricare and learn about what options you want to use once you can switch from prime. Being retired gives you more options than the VA if the VA isn't up to par in your area. Look at options and decide if you want to go straight to work or go into school.

Response by SMSgt Henry Kiester made Feb 13 at 2024 10:42 AM

2024-02-13T10:42:00-05:00

Thank you for making a continuity book for your successor - too many times I assumed a position without any references/guidance. God luck on your future, and thank you for your service! God Bless!

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Feb 14 at 2024 9:01 PM

2024-02-14T21:01:20-05:00

Do the math if you haven't already done so to find out if it's worth taking the terminal leave or cashing it in.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Feb 15 at 2024 10:05 PM

2024-02-15T22:05:11-05:00

So what are your job plans after the Army?

Response by Col Craig McLane made Feb 16 at 2024 9:39 AM

2024-02-16T09:39:55-05:00

Might be a good time to ensure you have the car you need for the next few years. You don't want to face a car purchase while job hunting.