Military Transition: The Real Timeline They Don't Tell You About

[@christopherquale6693]

Great video! And certainly helpful in putting the categories into various bins. One experience that I wanted to relay that occurred to me during and after my transition from the service was the realization of the connection or really a lack of connection between the DOD Milconnect system and the VA's Educational Benefits system. While I thought I was effectively managing my Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits through the Milconnect system (distributing months of benefits to my dependents and retaining one month for myself) well before by EADs date, I in fact was not changing anything within the VA Educational Benefit system. The two don't connect or update each other. Only after my retirement and through the utilization of the benefits by one of my dependents did the VA notify us that all of my benefits had been utilized (by me with the Montgomery GI Bill in the 1990s)and we (my over 18 dependent) now owed the VA on benefits overpaid. Its all getting worked out but the point is, the Milconnect system has no connection to the VA Educational Benefits system and it critical for the transitioning vet to verify their benefits with the VA and not rely on (available months) in Milconnect as ground truth because it might not be.

[@the_bureaucrat]

That's a good point. I've run into the same type of situation with my middle son just starting college. I feel a deep dive into education benefits coming and I've made a note to include this.

[@Toyaddict81]

Hi Chuck! After 21 years of military service I have decided it’s time to start living life on my terms. I’m currently attending TAP this week, it has been overwhelming to say the least. I have to say your content is excellent and it covers all the right boxes in a very practical timeline. I will share your channel with the rest of my TAP classmates. Thank you for putting this together. You just earned yourself a subscriber!

[@the_bureaucrat]

Thanks. If you are interested, I am launching a service to manage folks thru the process (way past the "final out"). Check out this video to learn more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5zEmWisidmshLc

[@dmac7128]

Excellent summary of everything that is covered in TAP plus some useful pointers. There is a lot to take in and does feel overwhelming. For anyone looking to transition out, I would take TAP before making a decision and then once more after making a request to separate or retire.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Spot on. I have toyed with calling that technique "Double TAP". Once before you prepare your paperwork, once after you have your orders.

[@elyseb674]

@dmac7128 I'm taking executive TAP this week. I was "raised" to take TAP in my second to last (now) and last duty station. The first time is to "learn what you don't know". I'm 2+ years out from retiring. For GOOD! All the best to you!

[@al1395-y3d]

I did not know about the GI Bill transfer commitment. Thank you! I will go ahead and do the transfer now so that I can retire in time!

[@the_bureaucrat]

Glad to help.

[@beetlefang]

Fantastic video....should be viewed at all TAP classes regardless of branch of service.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Thanks.

[@BeentheregottheTshirt]

Love the effort you are making with this topic. I know I messed myself over on my timeline giving myself weeks not the min 12 months I made sure the military working for me had (not counting when they applied for it) I made sure they were starting much earlier than I. You have to remember to begin disengaging at appropriate times to take care of yourself and your family.

[@the_bureaucrat]

That issue of disengagement is a funny one. When I was at War College, there seemed to be a concerted effort "not to talk about retirement". It was as if the intent was to instill all the students with a zest for life long military service. The problem is that there is a leadership challenge for the life-long officers or Sergeant Major in that he has to lead the organization while many people like him are getting out. They DON'T want others to disengage. And so it can be hard for the retiring soldier to disengage.

[@Chamhaole]

Fantastic information. As always, thanks for sharing with the broader community.

[@the_bureaucrat]

You bet, Scott

[@Dark_Woods_Kronstadt]

Your education is gold!

[@the_bureaucrat]

Thanks @Dark_Woods_Kronstadt

[@Peter09876-]

Thank you!!

[@the_bureaucrat]

Certainly.

[@MDavidW100]

Another great video Chuck!

[@the_bureaucrat]

Thanks!

[@MrTreypac]

Thanks I've subscribed

[@the_bureaucrat]

Awesome!

[@johnrath1324]

I was lucky I work in personnel as a clerk near the retirement processing group. I was able to do the paperwork myself. The retirement branch took my application with no problems. I was very lucky

[@the_bureaucrat]

Would you mind messaging me on linked in and sharing any insights you have from inside the system?

[@mozark1043]

Great video!

[@the_bureaucrat]

Thanks.

[@ecuteacher5702]

Thanks!

[@the_bureaucrat]

You are welcome.

[@barnett21]

FYI - Eligibility for Military OneSource benefits has been extended from the current 180 days to 365 days after separation or retirement from military service to ensure all service members and families have access to comprehensive support as they transition to civilian life.

[@the_bureaucrat]

Good intel!

[@the_bureaucrat]

Can you shoot me a note? I'm not sure exactly what benefits that means.

[@elyseb674]

O5 and above can only do 90 days of Skillbridge. I learned this in TAP this week.

[@the_bureaucrat]

The push to trim Skillbridge time for retiring O5 and up has been going on for a while. But 90 days is still good. In fact, I suspect that most people couldn't really get more than about 90 days what with everything else they need to do.

[@danielbolton6518]

This process is terrifying

[@the_bureaucrat]

Shoot me a note if you feel you need [e-mail]