Leaving the service: transition timeline

A checklist by months before your ETS. Your installation's TAP office sets your actual requirements.

24-12 months out

Retirees can start TAP (up to 24 months). Everyone must start TAP by 365 days out. Use Credentialing Assistance/COOL while you're still serving. Transfer your GI Bill to dependents now if you want to (you must still be in uniform). Get copies of your STRs.

12-9 months

Pick your TAP track. Apply for SkillBridge and get your command's approval. Sign up with Hire Heroes USA. Get dental and medical issues looked at and written into your record.

9-6 months

Do your separation health assessment. Line up an accredited VSO rep. Get your VA home loan COE. Get a free will and POA from JAG.

180-90 days

File your BDD disability claim in this window. Start SkillBridge (it covers up to your last 180 days). Claim federal hiring preference with a statement of service (from 120 days out).

Under 90 days / at ETS

Too late for BDD: file an intent to file instead. Check your DD 214. Enroll in VA health care. Apply for VGLI.

After ETS

SGLI covers you free for 120 days. Apply for VGLI within 240 days to skip the health questions (final deadline: 1 year + 120 days). File your claim within 1 year to get back pay from your separation date. Military OneSource stays available for 365 days. File for state property-tax exemptions (AZ: with your county assessor every year; TX: with your appraisal district).