12 Months Before Separation: Complete Military Transition Checklist

Bottom Line Up Front

The year before separation is critical. Veterans who plan 12 months ahead secure better jobs, transition smoothly, and avoid financial stress. This month-by-month guide provides actionable steps to prepare strategically for your transition.

Month 12 (First Month of Your Planning)

Financial Preparation

Calculate monthly expenses (housing, food, utilities, childcare, etc.)
Determine separation pay (if applicable): Contact finance office
Review military final pay and BAH end date
Open civilian job salary research document
Create 12-month financial transition plan

Career Planning

List potential civilian career goals (top 3)
Research salary ranges for target roles (Glassdoor, Salary.com)
Identify military skills that translate to civilian work
Join military transition Facebook groups or forums
Find a military transition mentor (LinkedIn, community)

Documentation

Request official copies of DD-214 (need 5-10 copies)
Obtain transcripts from any military education
Get military training certificates (digital + printed)
Document any security clearances (dates, level)
Create file of military job descriptions and performance evaluations

Benefit Verification

Check VA.gov for disability rating status
Verify GI Bill benefits remaining (if entitled)
Confirm health insurance options (VA, VA Select, civilian marketplace)
Research Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) options
Review TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) account balance and investment strategy

Months 11-10 (Months 2-3)

Education Planning

If pursuing degree: Create list of 5-10 target colleges
Research program types: Full-time, part-time, online, hybrid
Compare GI Bill benefits by school (tuition coverage, BAH rates)
Apply to Transition Assistance Program (TAP) - register early
Start FAFSA application (have military service information ready)

Job Search Preparation

Create civilian resume (have it reviewed by civilian mentor)
Develop LinkedIn profile (not just military background)
Take professional headshot for LinkedIn/resume
Join 3-5 professional associations in target field
Schedule informational interviews with 10 professionals in target roles

SkillBridge Planning (If Interested)

Check SkillBridge.mil for available internship programs
Identify 5 internships matching career goals
Confirm military approval process with TAP
Note application deadlines (usually 90 days before internship start)

Housing Planning

If buying: Get pre-approved for VA home loan
If renting: Research markets in target cities
Compare COL (cost of living) in potential relocation cities
Plan housing transition timeline

Months 9-8 (Months 4-5)

Certification and Skill Building

Enroll in online certification courses relevant to civilian role
Complete at least one certification (PMP, Cloud cert, security cert, etc.)
Take professional development courses (Project Management, Leadership, etc.)
Attend virtual industry conferences or networking events
Take any remaining military training that transfers to civilian (if slots available)

Active Job Search

Update resume with civilian language and formatting
Apply to 5-10 jobs per week in target field
Set up job alerts on LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor
Network with 20+ professionals in target field
Schedule coffee chats with mentors for informational interviews

Financial Deep Dive

Meet with financial advisor about military to civilian transition
Review health insurance options (4 months before separation)
Understand dependent benefits continuation options
Plan for period without paycheck (if job search extends past separation)
Open emergency fund (6 months expenses if possible)

SkillBridge Applications

If pursuing SkillBridge: Submit applications to top internship choices
Interview for SkillBridge positions
Receive acceptance and begin coordination with military chain of command

Months 7-6 (Months 6-7)

Get Interview Offers

Land first interview
Complete practice interviews with mentor
Research companies you're interviewing with
Prepare STAR stories (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Receive and negotiate job offer(s)

Contingency Planning

If no job offer yet: Extend job search; consider contract or temp work
Plan for possible 3-6 month transition period
Research unemployment benefits for your state
Develop freelance/contract work backup plan
Identify second job search strategy if primary not working

Military Preparation

Request orders and dates for separation
Begin out-processing procedures
Schedule final medical exams
Ensure all training records are documented
Start logistics of moving (if relocating)

Education Enrollment

If pursuing degree with GI Bill: Complete FAFSA
Apply to colleges (confirm they accept GI Bill)
Request college transcripts evaluation
Complete college applications
If SkillBridge: Confirm internship start date with company and military

Months 5-4 (Months 8-9)

Finalize Job

Accept job offer
Negotiate start date (coordinate with separation)
Understand benefits package (health, 401K, PTO, etc.)
Connect with future team (reach out to manager, team members on LinkedIn)
Prepare for first day (office location, parking, first-day information)

Health and Insurance

Choose health insurance (VA or civilian marketplace)
Understand enrollment process
Set up dependents on civilian plan if applicable
Plan for health care transition
Schedule final medical appointments while military (get records transferred)

Housing Finalization

Secure housing (lease signed or home purchase completed)
Understand housing costs and utilities
Plan move logistics (movers, timeline, driving distance)
Notify military of final address for benefits paperwork
Arrange utilities setup (electricity, internet, etc.)

College Preparation (If Pursuing Degree)

Confirm college enrollment and program
Arrange housing (on-campus or off-campus)
Understand book and supply costs
Connect with college orientation
Plan academic schedule and course load

Months 3-2 (Months 10-11)

Final Military Preparation

Complete all separationseparation paperwork
Attend Final TAP session (full transition program)
Get letters of recommendation from military supervisors
Connect with VA benefits counselor (benefits briefing)
Ensure DD-214 will be ready at separation

Logistics and Final Move

Arrange final move from military housing
Update address with all financial institutions
Forward mail with postal service
Arrange utilities connection at new location
Cancel military housing and utility agreements

First Day Preparation (Job)

Confirm start date with employer
Understand first-day logistics (reporting time, location, parking)
Prepare interview outfit for first week ( 5 professional outfits)
Review company handbook if provided
Prepare questions for your new manager

First Semester Preparation (College)

Confirm course registration
Order books and course materials
Arrange move to college housing
Attend orientation events (if offered)
Connect with professors via email

Month 1 (Final Month Before Separation)

Final Checklist

Verify all separation pay calculations
Confirm final leave balance payment
Ensure dependents are registered (DEERS, VA)
Get final health records transferred
Confirm benefits continuation (SGLI, SBP, etc.)

Out-Processing

Complete all security clearance out-processing (if applicable)
Return all government property
Complete final medical/dental exams
Obtain copies of all required documents
Say goodbye to military mentors and friends

First Week Preparation

Pack for move
Arrange transport/movers if applicable
Confirm new job start date (final confirmation)
Prepare household setup (furniture, internet, etc.)
Create first week schedule (moving and work/school balance)

Financial Transition

Ensure emergency fund is established (3-6 months expenses)
Set up automatic bill pay for recurring expenses
Know when first civilian paycheck arrives
Understand health insurance out-of-pocket costs
Plan for first month's household expenses

Key Milestones to Track

Month	Key Actions	Status
Month 12	Financial planning, career research, documentation	[ ]
Month 11	Education planning, resume creation, LinkedIn setup	[ ]
Month 10	Certification enrollment, active job search begins	[ ]
Month 9	Interviews, job offer negotiations	[ ]
Month 8	Job offer acceptance, health insurance enrollment	[ ]
Month 7	Housing secured, college enrollment	[ ]
Month 6	Move logistics, first day preparation	[ ]
Month 5	Final military paperwork, move execution	[ ]
Month 1	Out-processing, final preparations	[ ]

Common 12-Month Transition Mistakes

Mistake 1: Starting Too Late

Wrong: Waiting until 3 months before separation to plan Right: Starting 12 months ahead

Mistake 2: Not Having Backup Plan

Wrong: Betting everything on one job offer Right: Multiple job prospects and contingency plans

Mistake 3: Underestimating Transition Time

Wrong: Expecting to have job locked down immediately Right: Allowing 3-6 months for job search and transition

Mistake 4: Not Using TAP

Wrong: Skipping Transition Assistance Program Right: Completing full TAP curriculum and leveraging resources

Mistake 5: Not Planning Financially

Wrong: Relying on separation pay to cover transition Right: Having 6 months emergency fund established

Resources for Your 12-Month Transition

Transition Assistance Program (TAP) - Military.com
Military One Source - Free military family services
VA.gov - Benefits verification
USAJOBS.gov - Federal job search
SkillBridge.mil - Internship programs
Veterans Service Organizations - American Legion, VFW, DAV

Action Items by Priority

HIGH PRIORITY (Do This Month):

Create 12-month transition plan
Verify benefits and documentation
Start resume creation
Create LinkedIn profile

MEDIUM PRIORITY (Next 1-2 Months):

Complete TAP enrollment
Identify 5-10 career targets
Start active job search
Attend networking events

LOW PRIORITY (Later This Year):

Perfect resume and interview skills
Complete certifications
Finalize job/housing/education decisions

Next Steps

This Week:

Sit down and create your 12-month transition plan
Identify your top 3 career goals
Begin gathering documentation (DD-214, transcripts, etc.)
Research benefits

Next Month:

Attend TAP orientation
Create civilian resume
Set up LinkedIn profile
Start informational interviews

Key Takeaways

Start transition planning 12 months before separation
Create written financial plan covering transition period
Identify career goals and research market salaries
Build new resume and professional network now
Complete at least one relevant certification
Have 3-6 months emergency fund ready
Plan housing transition (buy, rent, relocate)
Consider SkillBridge internship (if eligible)
Apply to jobs 6+ months before separation
Attend full TAP program

Ready to start your 12-month transition plan? Use this checklist to systematically prepare for civilian life and secure your next career step.