30 Days Before Terminal Leave: Final Checklist

Bottom Line Up Front

Your final 30 days: complete out-processing, finalize housing transition, prepare for first civilian day. All major items should be locked in—now it's execution.

Week 1: Out-Processing Begins

Military Checklist

• Confirm terminal leave dates
• Verify final pay calculations with finance
• Complete military paperwork
• Schedule final medical exam
• Clear security clearance (if applicable)
• Return all government property

Housing and Move

• Confirm move date (moving truck/movers scheduled)
• Notify military housing of move-out date
• Utilities scheduled for connection
• Forward mail with postal service
• Start packing (non-essentials first)

Documentation

• Verify DD-214 will be ready at separation
• Collect training certificates
• Get military transcripts
• Request security clearance letter (if applicable)
• Make copies of all important documents

Week 2: Execute Move

Move Execution

• Execute move to new location
• Unpack essentials
• Set up utilities (test internet, electricity)
• Locate local services (grocery, pharmacy, doctor)
• Update address with banks, insurance

First Day Preparation

• Confirm job/school start date and time
• Know exact location of where to report
• Understand parking and building access
• Prepare professional outfit (try on for fit)
• Review company handbook or college materials

Financial Verification

• Confirm separation pay calculation
• Know when final paycheck arrives
• Verify health insurance enrollment
• Understand new job paycheck timing
• Create first month budget

Week 3: Final Military Week

Last Military Duties

• Complete all out-processing requirements
• Return final military property
• Finish any remaining paperwork
• Clear any outstanding obligations
• Attend final military briefing

Documentation Collection

• Collect original DD-214 (have backup copies made immediately)
• Receive final paycheck
• Verify separation pay deposited
• Ensure benefits paperwork complete
• Get official out-processing completion document

Final Preparation

• Arrange transportation to first day (if needed)
• Test alarm for first day
• Confirm internet connection
• Unpack final items
• Prepare breakfast for first morning

Week 4: Transition Week/Terminal Leave

Days 1-2 of Terminal Leave

• Official terminal leave begins
• Receive final active duty paycheck
• Military obligations complete
• Still employed by military (if terminal leave paid)
• Finalize any remaining personal logistics

Days 3-4: ETS/First Civilian Day Approach

• Receive DD-214 (official document)
• Finalize first day outfit
• Get good sleep night before
• Set alarms for first civilian day
• Prepare breakfast/lunch for first day

Days 5-7: First Week Civilian

• Day 1 (ETS Day or Day After): First day at job/college
• Arrive early (15 minutes)
• Complete paperwork (I-9, tax forms if employed)
• Meet manager/professor and team
• Understand day 2 expectations

Critical 30-Day Timeline

Day	Action	Status
Day 30	Out-processing begins	[ ]
Day 28	Move execution	[ ]
Day 21	Terminal leave week begins	[ ]
Day 14	Final military duties complete	[ ]
Day 7	DD-214 collected	[ ]
Day 1	ETS date / First civilian day	[ ]

Daily Final Week Checklist

7 Days Before Terminal Leave

• Confirm everything is on track (job, housing, insurance)
• Verify health insurance is active
• Pack final military items
• Say final goodbyes to military friends
• Complete final military duties

3 Days Before ETS

• Receive DD-214
• Verify separation pay in bank account
• Prepare for first civilian day
• Set multiple alarms
• Lay out professional outfit

Day Before ETS

• Mental preparation
• Final check of first day details
• Prepare breakfast items
• Get good sleep
• Positive mindset

ETS Day

• Last military day (may be just paperwork)
• Official separation
• Collect final documents
• Farewell to military identity (start civilian identity)
• First civilian day begins

First Day Success Formula

Before First Day

• Lay out professional outfit (try on)
• Prepare breakfast
• Set alarm (set 2 backups)
• Know exact location and parking
• Know exact arrival time

First Day Execution

• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Be enthusiastic and positive
• Shake hands and smile
• Ask questions (shows engagement)
• Take notes
• Be social with team/classmates

First Week Success

• Professional dress daily
• Arrive on time (early is better)
• Build relationships with colleagues/classmates
• Ask for clarification if unclear
• Over-deliver on first assignments
• Start establishing healthy routines (sleep, exercise, meals)

Items to Have by ETS Day

Physical Documents:

• Original DD-214 (+ copies)
• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Driver's license
• Health insurance card
• Training certificates
• Military transcripts

Financial:

• Final paycheck received
• Separation pay verified
• First civilian job paystub (by end of week 1)
• Health insurance verified active

Housing:

• Move completed
• Utilities functional
• Address updated with agencies
• Able to sleep first night

Career/School:

• Job: Know where to report and what time
• College: Know building/class times
• Professional outfit ready
• First day materials (pen, notebook if job)

Red Flags at 30-Day Mark

If you see these, escalate immediately:

🚩 Job start date delayed → Contact HR 🚩 Housing not finalized → Call landlord/realtor 🚩 Health insurance not confirmed → Call provider 🚩 Out-processing not on track → Contact separations officer 🚩 DD-214 won't be ready → Escalate with personnel office 🚩 Paycheck delayed → Contact finance

Mental Health Notes

Normal Emotions at This Stage

• Excitement about new chapter
• Anxiety about unknown
• Sadness about leaving military
• Uncertainty about identity shift
• Nervous about first day

Ways to Manage

• Connect with other transitioning veterans
• Do visualization of successful first day
• Maintain healthy routines (sleep, exercise)
• Reach out for support if overwhelmed
• Remember: You've handled challenges before

Support Resources

• Military One Source: Free counseling (still available during terminal leave)
• Veterans Crisis Line: 988 then 1
• TAP Program: Last chance for military-sponsored transition support
• New Job/School: Employee assistance programs or college counseling (available after start)

Week-by-Week Summary

Week 1 (Days 30-23): Out-processing begins, moving preparation Week 2 (Days 22-15): Move execution, first day prep, military conclusion Week 3 (Days 14-8): Terminal leave begins, final military duties, DD-214 collection Week 4 (Days 7-1): Final preparation, ETS day, first civilian day

Success Indicators

✅ Job/school start date confirmed ✅ Housing secure and functional ✅ Health insurance active ✅ All military documents in hand ✅ Emergency fund established ✅ Professional outfit ready ✅ First day logistics clear ✅ Mentally prepared for transition

This Week's Actions

1. Verify job/school start date (exact time and location)
2. Confirm move schedule (moving truck/movers booked)
3. Validate health insurance active by ETS
4. Schedule utilities connection
5. Begin packing preparation

Key Takeaways

• All major pieces (job, housing, insurance) should be locked in
• Focus on flawless execution
• Prepare for first day professionally
• Collect DD-214 on final day
• Take care of mental health
• Reach out for support if needed
• Remember: You've got the skills for this transition
• Welcome to civilian life in 30 days!

---

30 days to go! Stay focused, execute your plan flawlessly, and prepare for an amazing first day.