Three Steps to a Smooth Transition (Reserve Component)

Step 1. Transition Counseling Session
Your transition counseling appointment/session will take place during your demobilization/deactivation out-processing at the installation or unit where that occurs.
The Transition Counselor or Command Career Counselor will:
Step 2. Review the Transition Counseling Checklist
When you have completed the checklist, review it for accuracy. Make sure you have checked the “YES” block if you would like more information on a given topic. You can use this guide to find the additional information you need.
Once home, sit down and review the checklist again, preferably with your spouse or a family member. Many of topics have a website that can provide more information. If you require assistance from a subject matter expert, you have the following options:
Your Transition Counselor or Command Career Counselor (Navy) will walk you through the Transition Counseling Checklist, which helps ensure that you will receive the necessary assistance and advice to benefit fully from the wide range of services and entitlements available to you. The DD Form 2648-1, "Pre-separation Counseling Checklist for Reserve Component Service Members Released from Active Duty," is required by law to be filed in your official military personnel record. 
Step 3. Draft Your “My Decision Points” Individual Transition Plan
Information on developing your “ My Decision Points” individual transition plan (ITP) is available through the Transition Assistance Office and on-line at http://www.TurboTAP.org. You may choose to use your Transition Counseling Checklist as a guide for developing your own unique ITP. Once you have created your ITP, review it with your spouse or another adult family member and get their feedback. It is recommended that you consult with a VA counselor and a DOL Career One Stop staff member to review our ITP. They will provide you further assistance or refer you to a subject matter expert to assist you. Full participation in this process by you and your spouse or family member is encouraged. 
Each transition has three key decision points which must be considered when creating your ITP. As you proceed through the transition process it is important to consider the following major decision points:
1.       Money Decisions – Deciding how to best manage your finances will help you deal with changes in pay, compensation, and living expenses. This guide will give you information on your financial benefits, life insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, and creating a household budget.
2.       Benefit Decisions – Choosing which of the available benefits to apply for and deciding when and where to start. This guide will help you explore your benefits like the GI Bill, VA Home Loans, Health Care, and more.
3.       Job Decisions – Weighing your career options – choosing whether to pursue your current career path or start over and go back to school. This guide has information to help you learn about everything from writing resumes to exploring your employment opportunities to how to start a small business.
Date Last Reviewed: June 29, 2009

NEED-TO-KNOW INFORMATION