The one-year countdown has begun!
In part one of the Military Spouse Transition Timeline blog series we gave you all the questions you and your servicemember should be discussing as far as 4+ years out. Now that the one-year countdown has begun, it’s time to start getting things done and marking off your checklist.
This timeline starts at 12 months out and outlines military spouse-specific tasks and opportunities to make transition a better experience for you and your family.
Based on many conversations with military spouses that have transitioned and my personal experience, at 12+ months you are currently feeling like you still have a lot of time to get things done.
It’s a trap! I’m only partly joking here. I know I felt like a whole year was such a long way away. Guess what happened? Just like many a PCS, the Army moved my servicemember’s retirement date up by THREE MONTHS. So what was a year out ended up being only 9 months. Now, I’m not saying this will happen to you, but I am saying there is no time like the present to get started on your transition timeline list!
12+ Months Out
What the Military Spouse Should Be Working On One Year Out
- Do you have access digitally or in hard copy to all medical records for every member of your family? Request what is needed.
- Write down what kind of continuity of care is needed for family members with special needs or medical conditions. Set up an appointment and discuss with your PCM how to ensure no lack of services occurs.
- If you have not attended TAP (Transition Assistance Program) either in person or online set a time to attend. This is where you will hear more about the process, checklist, and to-do’s your servicemember will be assigned over the next 12 months.
- If you plan to begin working or want career support sign up for a mentor and get your resume reviewed. Start networking on LinkedIn
- Use the Regular Military Compensation Calculator to determine civilian wages comparable to your family’s military pay. This will help you start to set up a budget for your post-military life.
- Register for an upcoming MilSpouse Strong workshop.
- Begin planning the retirement ceremony. Use the MilSpouse Transition Retirement Planner to help you!
- Continue having the conversations found here.
What My Servicemember Should Be Working On One Year Out
- Submit retirement paperwork and anything else required by your leadership.
- Request terminal leave.
- Work on your resume, networking, and employment opportunities
- Create a VA ebenefit account, file for burnpit registry, check eligibility for VA burial registration, and set up your DS Logon.
- Get a sleep study scheduled and any needed dental/vision needs completed
Take a minute to breathe. You’re making a lot of big decisions these days and it can feel overwhelming and stressful. Remind yourself of one thing you are looking forward to after transition and write it down. YOU GOT THIS.
9-12 Months Out
What the Military Spouse Should Be Working On Nine to Twelve Months Out
- Consider informing your landlord of your expected final month of renting and find out what your move-out requirements are. If selling a home, connect with a realtor and start the process of putting the house on the market.
- Utilize the military’s free legal services to discuss and complete the top 5 legal documents. Encourage your servicemember to do the same.
- Will
- Advanced Directive
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Revocable or Family Trust
- Continue completing any ongoing transition checklist items that are still outstanding.
What My Servicemember Be Working On Nine to Twelve Months Out
- Is there a confirmed retirement date and approved terminal leave?
- Begin looking at Life Insurance vs Veteran’s Group Life Insurance (VGLI).
- Continue to work on resume, networking, and employment opportunities.
- Schedule a separation physical for 180 days prior to the date of separation to meet the Benefit Delivery at Discharge (BDD) timeline for a VA claim.
- Complete DD2807-1 Form – Report of Medical History
- Locate a reputable VSO that can help with your VA disability claim.
- Help plan the retirement ceremony. Who do you want to invite that needs an early invitation?
New beginnings are in order, and you are bound to feel some level of excitement as new chances come your way. (Auliq Ice)
6-9 Months Out
What the Military Spouse Should be Working on Six to Nine Months Out
- If you know where you are moving it’s time to contact and schedule movers or start the DITY process. Each branch of service has different options for storing household goods or waiving the timeline. Find out what yours are.
- Begin cleaning and purging your home in preparation for moving.
- If you haven’t begun applying for jobs, start now! Network on LinkedIn and get plugged into milspouse employment resources. Get a professional headshot.
- If you are planning a retirement ceremony don’t forget these things:
- Determine a budget,
- Select a date
- Select a venue,
- Choose guests
- Order invitations,
- Determine an officiating officer and master of ceremonies,
- Don’t forget to find catering and order the cake!
- Set up appointments to establish care with new doctors/medical facilities right around the date of transition. These new patient appts are often booked 6 months out.
- Continue completing ongoing checklist items.
What My Servicemember Be Working On Six to Nine Months Out
- Continue to work on resume, networking, and employment opportunities.
- Continue to locate medical records and work on your VA claims process
- Find out what is needed to turn in issue gear and begin locating all the pieces that have been signed out to you over your career. You also need to know how they need to be cleaned before turning them in!
- Continue to plan or help plan the retirement ceremony.
Halfway Done!
We’re halfway through the final year before retirement. How are you feeling? Maybe a little overwhelmed, worried, excited, and exhausted? If this list was helpful, download the All-in-One Transition Timeline and check out the workbook type pages that can help you prioritize what you’re doing!
This is a three part blog series that will guide you through a better transition.
- The Military Spouse Transition Timeline Part One: The Big Questions
- You just read The Military Spouse Transition Timeline Part Two: 6 Months to 12 Months Out
- The Military Spouse Transition Timeline Part Three: 0 Months to 6 Months Out (Coming soon!)
