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1055 articles to help with your military transition
Expert guides covering VA disability claims, C&P exam preparation, military-to-civilian career transitions, retirement planning, state veteran benefits, and more. Written for active duty service members, reservists, and retirees navigating life after the military. Browse by category or search for topics specific to your transition.
Separating from the military changes your banking situation significantly. Here's what to do with your accounts, direct deposit, and financial setup during transition.
The documents you collect before your Medical Evaluation Board determine what conditions are evaluated and how strong your case is.
BAH timing during a PCS can leave gaps where you're paying for housing before your allowance kicks in. Here's how to navigate housing costs during a move.
If you've been targeted by a predatory lender or had your MLA rights violated, here's exactly how to file complaints and what happens after you do.
Starting the license transfer process before your PCS, not after, is the key to working sooner.
Withdrawing from TSP before age 59½ typically triggers a 10% penalty plus income taxes.
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18 transition tools. Zero cost.
VA claims tracker, MOS translator, resume builder, career planner, budget tool — all in one place, all free.
VBOCs provide free business training, counseling, and mentoring to veteran entrepreneurs.
Before taking a payday loan, military members have better options. Here's a ranked list of alternatives from best to worst, with specific programs and contacts.
BAH Partial and BAH Differential are two lesser-known BAH rates that apply in specific situations.
Military spouse attorneys face some of the most complex licensing challenges of any profession.
SCRA and MCA fee waivers make premium credit cards essentially free for active duty military.
CRDP restores retired pay offset for veterans with 50%+ VA ratings. Here's who qualifies, how much you receive, and how CRDP differs from CRSC.
Apply for VR&E step by step: VA.gov vs VAF 28-1900, the documents you need, the entitlement decision under 38 CFR 21.51, and the travel pay most veterans miss.
Branch-specific regulations, time-in-service requirements, and approval-authority levels for DoD SkillBridge, Army MILPER 25-116, Navy NAVADMIN 064/23, USMC MARADMIN 280/24, AFI 36-2671 (effective 31 Mar 2026), USCG COMDTINST 1040.7A. What to present, who approves, and why commands deny.
Leverage SkillBridge to gain civilian internship experience while still in military.
You don't have to do anything with your TSP when you separate, but you have options.
Most service members start SkillBridge planning 60 days out and lose. The winners start 12 months before separation.
The DoD SkillBridge partner directory has 3,000+ approved companies. Most are noise.
Your command can deny SkillBridge for any reason. Here's what to do next: terminal leave + civilian job (5 USC 5534a), PTDY, HOH Corporate Fellowship as backup, VR&E Chapter 31, GI Bill timing, and starting a federal job during terminal leave. Branch-by-branch tier rules, statute cites, and program eligibility.
Full active-duty pay continues during SkillBridge. BAH stays at your PDS rate (not the internship city). Most special pays stop. Bonuses are unwritten.