90 Days Before Separation: Action Plan and Final Push

Bottom Line Up Front

Your final 90 days are the execution phase. Job offers should be signed, housing should be leased, and all logistics should be planned. Focus on flawless execution of your transition plan.

Days 90-61: Weeks 1-4 (Maximum Preparation)

Week 1 Actions

• Confirm job start date (exact date, time, location)
• Know exactly where to report first day
• Verify housing lease/purchase closing date
• Confirm move-in date
• Complete college enrollment (if applicable)

Week 2 Actions

• Schedule utilities connection (electricity, gas, water, internet)
• Reserve moving truck or hire movers
• Begin packing non-essential items
• Notify military housing of move-out date
• Update address with banks and insurance

Week 3 Actions

• Receive final medical clearance from military
• Obtain multiple copies of DD-214 (20+)
• Verify separation pay calculations
• Confirm terminal leave dates (if applicable)
• Schedule final military dental/vision appointments

Week 4 Actions

• Complete all required military out-processing paperwork
• Return all military property
• Clear final financial accounts (pay remaining bills)
• Enroll in health insurance (must be effective on ETS date)
• Prepare first week professional attire (5 outfits ready)

Days 60-31: Weeks 5-8 (The Move)

Week 5: Move Execution

• Move to new location (house/apartment/college housing)
• Unpack essentials first
• Get utilities working (test internet, electricity, etc.)
• Set up bedroom and kitchen to function
• Locate grocery stores and essential services

Week 6: Settlement

• Unpack remaining boxes
• Arrange furniture
• Get driver's license updated (if state change)
• Register vehicle (if applicable)
• Find new doctor and dentist (if applicable)

Week 7: Final Preparation

• Finalize first day details (exact time, address, what to bring)
• Do a dry run of commute (if in-person job)
• Confirm parking and building access
• Review company handbook
• Prepare questions for first day

Week 8: Last Military Week

• Complete final military briefings
• Collect all documents and certificates
• Pack military uniforms away
• Say final goodbyes to military friends
• Reflect on military service

Days 30-1: Final Month (Transition Week)

Week 9: ETS Week

• Days 30-8: Final military days

  • Complete last military duties
  • Clear final military obligations
  • Receive final paycheck
  • Confirm separation pay received

• Days 7-1: Transition days

  • Final day of military service
  • Collect original DD-214 and copies
  • Officially separated (ETS date)

Week 10: First Week of Civilian Life

Day 1 (First Civilian Day)

• Report to new job or college
• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Complete I-9 and tax paperwork (if job)
• Meet manager and team
• Get building orientation
• Confirm next day's schedule

Days 2-5

• Complete new hire/enrollment orientation
• Meet colleagues/classmates
• Understand job expectations (if employed)
• Enroll in 401K (if offered)
• Establish first week routine

Critical Items Must Be Done by Day 30

Housing

• Move completed ✓
• Utilities functioning ✓
• Address updated with government agencies ✓
• Insurance policy active ✓

Job/Education

• Job offer signed (start date confirmed) ✓
• College enrollment confirmed ✓
• First day details known ✓
• Professional attire ready ✓

Military

• Out-processing 90% complete ✓
• DD-214 in hand (multiple copies) ✓
• Final pay verified ✓
• All documents gathered ✓

Financial

• Health insurance active ✓
• Emergency fund established ✓
• Budget for month 1 created ✓
• First civilian paycheck timing understood ✓

Daily Checklist for Final 30 Days

Days 30-21 (Week 1)

• Day 30: Move coordination final check
• Day 29: Utility confirmation call
• Day 28: Final military duty schedule confirmed
• Day 27: New job start time confirmed
• Day 26: Pack remaining items
• Day 25: Schedule last military doctor/dentist
• Day 24: Verify health insurance

Days 20-11 (Week 2)

• Day 20: Execute move
• Day 19: Utilities setup
• Day 18: Unpack essentials
• Day 17: Military out-processing continues
• Day 16: Test internet connection
• Day 15: Final paycheck verify
• Day 14: Prepare professional clothing

Days 10-1 (Week 3-4)

• Day 10: Final military days begin
• Day 9: Collect DD-214
• Day 8: Final military farewell
• Day 7: ETS week begins
• Day 6: Prepare for first civilian day
• Day 5: ETS day (official separation)
• Day 4: First day at job/college
• Days 3-1: Begin new routine

Critical Documentation to Have by ETS

Must Have Before Day 1 of Civilian Life:

1. DD-214 (original + 20+ copies)
2. Birth certificate
3. Social Security card
4. Military discharge papers
5. Health insurance card (active)
6. Driver's license (updated address)
7. Training certificates and transcripts
8. Security clearance documentation (if applicable)

If Unexpected Issues Arise

Job Issue at Last Minute?

• Contact hiring manager immediately
• Understand the issue
• Have backup job search plan ready
• Don't panic—you have time to pivot

Housing Fall Through?

• Contact real estate agent or landlord
• Have backup housing options (hotel, family, temp rental)
• Ensure you don't sleep on street
• Resolve quickly

Health Insurance Issue?

• Call marketplace or VA immediately
• Ensure coverage effective by ETS date
• Have VA care as backup
• Don't go uninsured

Military Out-Processing Delayed?

• Contact your command
• Work with separations officer
• Ensure DD-214 and final pay processed
• Keep pushing until complete

Day-Before-Separation Checklist

48 Hours Before ETS

• Pack bag for first night in new location
• Set alarm for first day (job or college)
• Prepare breakfast for first morning
• Review first day expectations one more time
• Get good sleep (critical for first day success)

Day Before ETS

• Collect original DD-214
• Receive final paycheck
• Finish packing anything remaining
• Final goodbye to military friends
• Mental preparation for next chapter
• Early bed for good sleep

First Week at New Job/College Success

If Starting New Job

• Dress professionally
• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Be enthusiastic and positive
• Ask lots of questions
• Take notes on expectations
• Be social with teammates
• Under-promise, over-deliver on first projects

If Starting College

• Attend orientation (don't skip)
• Meet roommate/suite mates
• Get to know floor mates
• Attend classes and professor office hours
• Join at least one club/activity
• Create study group
• Establish healthy routine (sleep, exercise, meals)

Transition Success Metrics

You've Successfully Transitioned When:

1. Job/College started on Day 1 after ETS
2. Housing setup and functional
3. Health insurance active and tested
4. Emergency fund in place
5. Budget established
6. New routine established
7. Social network starting to form
8. Paycheck received (job) or financial aid processed (college)

Warning Signs to Address Immediately

If you see these, take action NOW:

• Job start date pushed back → Escalate with HR
• Housing not ready → Call landlord/realtor
• Health insurance not activated → Call provider
• Military out-processing stalled → Contact separations officer
• First day details unclear → Email manager/registrar
• Emergency fund inadequate → Find supplemental income

Mental Health and Support

Normal Transition Feelings

• Excitement (leaving military)
• Anxiety (new career/school)
• Identity shift (military → civilian)
• Loss (leaving military family)
• Uncertainty (new normal)

If Struggling, Reach Out

• Military One Source: Free counseling
• Veterans Crisis Line: 988 then press 1
• VA Mental Health: 1-800-827-1000
• Local Vet Centers: Combat-related support
• Veteran Support Groups: Community connection

Key Milestones for Final 90 Days

DAY 90: All items must be in place (job, housing, insurance)
DAY 60: Move execution begins
DAY 30: Final military week
DAY 1 AFTER ETS: First civilian day

This Week's Actions

1. Verify job start date (exact details)
2. Confirm housing (lease/purchase closing)
3. Schedule utilities connection
4. Gather military documents
5. Verify health insurance enrollment

Key Takeaways

• Final 90 days are execution phase (not planning)
• Housing, job, and insurance must be finalized by Day 30
• Have DD-214 and multiple copies before Day 1
• Ensure health insurance active on ETS date
• Prepare for first day professionally
• Reach out for support if struggling
• Normal to feel mixed emotions
• Focus on successful transition execution

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Final 90 days sprint! Focus on flawless execution of your transition plan. You've got this.