Military Retired

[Monster]

Are there any retired military on the board?

I'm getting within 18 months and would like any advice as for as transition, VA, etc
Hired a head hunter for my med record review... ensure I get the correct benefits... etc

Anything from a guy who would have done things different or maybe did something spot on... thanks in advance...

Monster

 

[Urblock]

Not military so no advice. I would like to thank you for your service to the country.

 

[X]

Not military so no advice. I would like to thank you for your service to the country.

sentiments echoed. Thank you.

 

[Stapler]

The one thing I would suggest is this; don't make your intentions to retire too obvious. If you openly discuss your plans to move on then you might get labled "ROAD," and even if you aren't acting "short" some people may treat you that way.


Also, go over your DD214 with a fine-tooth comb before you sign it. Make sure everything you want on there is listed; decorations, awards, deployments; everything/anything you may want or need to prove later. (two rewrites is probably standard ops before signing it)

 

[Monster]

Stapler... thanks... You are the second guy to mention the 214 review. The only time they will know my intentions is when you submit your package... which you have to do a year out now due to deployments. I will submit that this fall when I move to my new base. I leave Hawaii around Christmas... will go the following January or Feb...

Appreciate it Urblock and X-Factor... been a fun ride... 27 years is enough though...

 

[Stapler]

The 214 is like your birth certificate. If it's not on there it didn't happen, unless you keep more paperwork to prove otherwise.

Have you already picked a retirement base?

 

[Monster]

Will retire to the West Valley of Phoenix... Surprise or Goodyear area... loved it there and can't wait to get back... upper 70s 9 months a year and never rains... golf year around, low property tax, homes are selling a great prices right now... and Luke AFB is down the road so Tricare and VA stuff is easy to access.

 

[nvanprooyen]

Have no advice, but good luck to you in your transition out and thanks for your service. I did the 4 and out bit...lots of respect for you guys that stayed in for the full monty.

 

[wklink]

Get a plan. Unless you were an O-5 or above you will find that pension doesn't go very far. I know a lot of buddies that retired as an E-7 and ended up delivering pizzas because they had no marketable skills and no real plans on what to do after retirement, other than not getting up at 05:30.

If you have a year and a half until you retire then you have time. I am not sure how good the transition centers are now (I retired in 2005) but the one at Ft. Lewis was still somewhat pathetic if you ask me. They taught simple things like how to write resumes and what to wear for interviews but most of what they talked about was oriented more toward the four year guy ETSing rather than the 22 year old guy looking to start another career, at 45. I was lucky, as a critical care RN I was able to slide into a DOD job easily but that may not be there for retirees in the future, who knows what will be available in 2 years when you retire.

What is your MOS and your rank? How much college do you have? There are jobs out there for people with marketable skills, pushing troops is marketable but you will have to find it. The guys with the rank and the education tend to do well.

 

[Monster]

Get a plan. Unless you were an O-5 or above you will find that pension doesn't go very far. I know a lot of buddies that retired as an E-7 and ended up delivering pizzas because they had no marketable skills and no real plans on what to do after retirement, other than not getting up at 05:30.

If you have a year and a half until you retire then you have time. I am not sure how good the transition centers are now (I retired in 2005) but the one at Ft. Lewis was still somewhat pathetic if you ask me. They taught simple things like how to write resumes and what to wear for interviews but most of what they talked about was oriented more toward the four year guy ETSing rather than the 22 year old guy looking to start another career, at 45. I was lucky, as a critical care RN I was able to slide into a DOD job easily but that may not be there for retirees in the future, who knows what will be available in 2 years when you retire.

What is your MOS and your rank? How much college do you have? There are jobs out there for people with marketable skills, pushing troops is marketable but you will have to find it. The guys with the rank and the education tend to do well.

All good advice.... thanks...
I will be a 27 year 04. Was enlisted (electrician) for 14 years before I crossed over. Am a Logistics guy now with mostly Fuels, Trans and Material Storage, Inspection and Issue background (supply chain management)... also have my education degree and just lack the Arizona teachers cert... should only take a few months to get... would not mind being a high school social studies teacher... West valley Phoenix is growing fast and continuously building schools so I'm hoping they will have openings... and the guy there I spoke with said they are always on the lookout for male role models in the schools which are female heavy right now... Feel pretty good about the transition... have enough saved so my mortgage will be low... and budgeted for that so every bill I could think of will fall under my retired net after medical, dental, survivor benefit etc... Wanted to make sure everything would fall under the retirement should I hit bad times and can't find employment... which would be everything other than college tuition for the kids... but I still have time to work that. That and don't know how the VA will pan out... not well versed in that but getting smart on it... and hired some help with my reviews and filing and all that goes with that.

 

[NCChiFan]

My bro in law is getting ready to retire out of the Navy, 28 years in. I know he started to get his medical ducks in a row a few months back, which is telling since he is a MD. Make sure all of that is ironed out, do your physical (cause he did), make sure your records are up to date. I could ask him what else for you to look into? I'm assuming you have some sort of residual medical issue that is going to follow you out if you're asking about a VA. Make damn sure that is all clearly spelled out in your records, including any minor, to you, issues. I went through this with dad, he came out with a 10% disability.

 

[Monster]

My bro in law is getting ready to retire out of the Navy, 28 years in. I know he started to get his medical ducks in a row a few months back, which is telling since he is a MD. Make sure all of that is ironed out, do your physical (cause he did), make sure your records are up to date. I could ask him what else for you to look into? I'm assuming you have some sort of residual medical issue that is going to follow you out if you're asking about a VA. Make damn sure that is all clearly spelled out in your records, including any minor, to you, issues. I went through this with dad, he came out with a 10% disability.

Heck yea... if he says anything about it that would be good to know. I am starting 18 months out and now you can file a year out which is the advice I received because you are front of the line while still active. Have some issues that need to be addressed which is why I got a VA specialist to review my records to ensure all is covered. Your statement just reaffirmed the importance of not waiting... thank you

Oh and WKLINK... forgot to thank you for your service... Will be glad to join the Military Retired Community...

 

[Stapler]

I did the 4 and out bit...lots of respect for you guys that stayed in for the full monty.

The one term troop is the muscle of the military. Respect back atcha'.

 

[Ares]

I always wanted to join the military when I was a kid.... even in to high school.... alas no Diabetics allowed in the military....

Thank you to all you guys who have served, 4 years or 28 years.... I appreciate it regardless.

 

[Monster]

The one term troop is the muscle of the military. Respect back atcha'.

That is a fact... and the military loves the one or two and done guys...

My thanks and respect to nvan as well...

 

[Bigfoot]

I was med boarded out about 4 years ago, and the only thing I could add is just have your ducks in a row. And like Stapler said go over the 214 with a fine comb and make sure you have your Tricare and Va squared away and ready to go. It will make for a smoother transition when you get out and one less headache

 

[nwfisch]

Thanks for the service, and I have no knowledge of the military retirement plan etc.

Idk if you're looking for work after the military, but local grocery stores have bagging jobs that could help if you really want something to do for some extra money. :shrug: Easy money and you get to interact with people :dunno:

 

[SERE Bear]

I too have 18 months left. It's been good however I will be ready to move on when it's time.

 

[Stapler]

That is a fact... and the military loves the one or two and done guys...

Getting the new troops in that said "I joined for college money" were my favorite. I couldn't sign them up for CLEPS and tuition assistance fast enough. And 19 out of 20 deserved every penny, and sometimes more. (Bootstrap) (Below the Zone)
Unlike shit, success rolls Up hill and makes everybody look good. Get your degree, master a skill, learn a trade...build a marketable skill. And remember the service/me fondly.

The worst part of my time was the first four. It was still kinda crappy in the second four but I mostly blame Nebraska for that.

The last two years were pretty crappy also, but I mostly blame wars and shitty commutes for that. 60/40 good times and nice places/not.

(I'd do it again)

 

[nvanprooyen]

The worst part of my time was the first four. It was still kinda crappy in the second four but I mostly blame Nebraska for that.

Lol...Offutt?