Life After the Military

The Military offers extensive resources to help ensure service members’ continue to find success even after serving. Family Readiness Centers on base have all the information and services you need to ensure you are ready for your next chapter, whether it be pursuing education or finding a career. Keep reading to learn more about the most accessible programs.

• DoD Transition Assistance Program (TAP) TAP is an outcome-based program that provides opportunities, services and training for transitioning service members, helping them prepare to effectively achieve their post-military goals. This may include pre-separation counseling and career planning and workshops on employment, education and entrepreneurship, in addition to VA benefits briefings. Learn More

• DoD SkillBridge Another way the Military can help you transition back into civilian life, and hit the ground running happens via its SkillBridge program. SkillBridge allows service members to gain civilian work experience and training during their last six months of active duty through various DoD industry partnerships. Learn More

• Boots to Business Boots to Business is a program that’s all about helping transitioning service members kick-start their journey to entrepreneurship. Offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of the DoD’s TAP, Boots to Business gives you the tools to explore ownership, develop ideas and learn what it takes to launch your own business. Learn More

Here are some tips on how to successfully start the next chapter and make the most of the opportunities ahead:

• Plan For the Future: As you near the end of your term of service, it’s key to prioritize what you want to do next— whether it’s traveling, spending more time with your family or pursuing new career opportunities

• Back to School: Through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you’ll get plenty of options for pursuing a college degree, vocational training or certification in a new field. Learn More About the GI Bill

• New Ways To Serve: There are plenty of ways to make an impact outside the Military, including DoD affiliates, the Merchant Marine Program, other federal jobs and volunteering at various government agencies like AmeriCorps and Peace Corps, to name a few. Learn More About the AmeriCorps Learn More About the Peace Corps

• Focus on Personal Development and Health: Thanks to the Veteran Affairs, you can always count on high-quality health care services for physical and mental health support — from counseling to veteran-friendly fitness programs.

• Start a Business: You’ve supported the Military, and if you’ve got a great business idea, the Military will support you right back. With grants, loans, veteran business networks and programs like the Small Business Administration’s Boots to Business, you’ll have plenty of resources at your disposal to make your dream a reality.