National Guard and Reserve Transition Checklist

 
  • Plan Your Military Transition Through www.TurboTAP.org – The DoD Transition Assistance Program (TAP) was designed by the Department of Defense to smooth the transition of military personnel (and family members) leaving active duty. Direct-help resources such as Pre-Separation counselors, Department of Labor TAP Workshops, disabled veterans briefings, job searches, individualized transition plans, benefits, compensation and resource guides can be accessed through the www.TurboTAP.org website.
  • Learn about VA Benefits – During the transition process, you will be briefed about the various benefits available to veterans but to be sure you get the level of detail that is best for you, visit http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/ to learn more.
  • Enroll in VA Benefits – The first step to receiving VA benefits is to complete the necessary Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) forms. Visit http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp to learn more.
  • Check Your Qualifications for Unemployment Compensation (UCX) – Service members being released from active duty may qualify for unemployment compensation if they are unable to find a new job. Unemployment compensation is handled by each state individually. To learn more about the unique veteran's benefits and unemployment compensation in your state home of record, visit http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory
  • Learn About the Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) Program – VGLI is a program of post-separation insurance, which allows Service members to convert their SGLI coverage to renewable term insurance. To learn more visit the VA Life Insurance website at http://www.insurance.va.gov/. To sign-up for VGLI, complete the form found at: http://www.insurance.va.gov/sglisite/forms/8714(10-08).pdf. 
    You must submit the form to the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance with the required premium within one year and 120 days from discharge.  To learn more visit: http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/vgli/vgli.htm
  • Get a copy of your Military Service Record – Once you leave military service, your Military Record is stored by the National Archives. Visit http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/ to learn how to obtain a copy of your DD-214 (Report of Separation) and your Military Record.
  • Learn About Other Government Benefits – http://www.benefits.gov/
  • See if you qualify for Separation Pay – Guard and Reserve members may qualify for separation pay if they meet certain criteria:
    • Completed their first term of enlistment or period of obligated service, and
    • Have six years of service, and
    • Separating involuntarily (i.e. based on mission directive), and
    • Not eligible for retirement, and
    • Not separating under adverse conditions



Note: This checklist is intended to be a quick reference for planning your transition. It is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for the DD 2648 or DD 2648-1. Additionally, you need to check your eligibility for any benefit with the appropriate agency.