A carefully thought out Individual Transition Plan (ITP) is your game plan for a successful transition to civilian life-after your release from active duty. An ITP is not an official form, but something you create by yourself, for yourself. You can get a head start by using your DD Form 2648-1, "Pre-separation Counseling Checklist for Eligible Demobilizing Members of the Guard and Reserve” and DD Form 2648, “ Pre-separation Checklist for Active Duty.”  As you complete this checklist, you will be given the opportunity to indicate the benefits and services that you would like more information or counseling on. These selected items will help you formulate your ITP. Your Transition/ACAP or Command Career Counselor (Navy) will then refer you to subject experts or other resources to get answer your questions or additional information.

Create Your Own Individual Transition Plan

You ITP should identify likely actions and activities associated with your transition. You can determine what these might be through consultation with a Transition/ACAP or Command Career Counselor as well as with a VA Representative or DOL Representative. Remember as stated above be sure to use the DD Form 2648-1 .  

Your Military Service has samples of ITPs that can help you. Check with your nearest military installation Transition/ACAP or Command Career Counselor (Navy) to review them. You can start developing your ITP by making decisions based on these 10 not-so-simple questions:

1.       What are your goals after leaving the military?

2.       Where do you plan to live?

3.       Do you need to continue your education or training?

4.       Will the job market, where you plan to relocate, provide you the employment you’re seeking? 

5.       Do you have the right skills to compete for the job (s) you’re seeking?

6.       Will your spouse and family goals be met at your new location?

7.       Are you financially prepared to transition at this time? 

8.       What do you plan to do for Health Care?

9.       How will you address the need for life insurance?

10.   Which benefits are you planning to use?

In addition, this website gives you the opportunity to develop your on ITP online through “ MyDecisionPOINT.” MyDecisionPOINT is a personalized printable ITP that you can revise at anytime. Learn more at http://www.TurboTAP.org.

If you are uncertain about your future plans, now is the time to obtain all the assistance and information you need. Professional guidance and counseling are available at your Transition Office, as are workshops, publications, information resources, automated resources, and government programs. Take advantage of each one that pertains to your unique situation. It is your Individual Transition Plan: It is your responsibility and your life.