ACAP Time Line
180 Days Prior to Separation
- Schedule your Preseparation Counseling appointment.
- Attend a Transition Assistance Program workshop. If you are disabled,
attend the Disabled Transition Assistance Program workshop
- Develop your Individual Transition Plan (at home, self-directed).
- Review the Preseparation Counseling Checklist (DD Form 2648). Contact your
installation’s Transition Office, Command Career Counselor’s Office, or
the Marine Unit Transition Counselor’s Office for a copy. Also, browse the
DOD Transportal Web Site, www.dodtransportal.org
- Begin researching the job market. Develop a career plan, including a list
of possible employers in your career field.
- Assess your job skills and interests. To determine how they relate to
today’s job market, take a vocational interest inventory. Contact your
installation’s Education Center and Transition Office.
- Review and make a copy of your personnel records.
- Discuss with your family possible options about your career and where to
live next.
- If you need additional educational or vocational training to compete in
the job market, explore your options for adult education.
150 Days Prior to Separation
- Seek help if the stress of your transition to civilian life becomes too
much to handle.
- Contact friends in the private sector who may help you find a job. Start
networking.
- Begin attending job fairs.
- Develop a fall-back plan in case your first career plan falls through.
- Research specific job possibilities, job markets, and the economic
conditions in the geographic areas where you want to live.
- Establish a financial plan to make ends meet during your transition to
civilian life.
- If you are separating prior to fulfilling eight years of active service,
you must satisfy your obligations by becoming a member of the Reserves.
120 Days Prior to Separation
- Receive your Verification of Military Experience and Training (DD Form
2586) document.
- Complete the first draft of your resume. Submit to the Transition Office
for review.
- If you are considering federal employment, fill out the appropriate
application (OF 612). You may have the option of submitting a resume. Check
with the civilian personnel office doing the hiring to determine the
appropriate document to submit. Explore special federal programs and hiring
opportunities for veterans.
- Continue to network.
- Visit the Relocation Assistance Program Office to learn about relocation
options, entitlements, and assistance.
- If you live in government housing, arrange for a pre-inspection and obtain
termination information.
- Learn about the education benefits you are eligible for under the
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB). If you enrolled in the Vietnam-era GI bill, learn
how you can convert to MGIB. Contact your local Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) representative for details.
- If you decide to go back to school, take an academic entry exam, college
admission test, or challenge exam. Remember, this is free to service members
on active duty.
- Schedule your separation physical examination.
- Learn about your options for transitional health care. If you have
specific questions about veterans medical care, contact the VA.
- Submit DA Form 31 (Leave/Permissive TDY) to unit commander and Transition
Center.
90 Days Prior to Separation
- Start a subscription to a major newspaper in the area to which you plan to
move. Begin replying to want ads.
- Send out resumes and make follow-up phone calls to check if they arrived.
Register for the DoD Jobsearch Service at
http://dod.jobsearch.org/
Begin an automated job search for you and your spouse using the Transition
Bulletin Board, America’s Job Bank, the Federal Job Opportunities Listing,
and other available employment data banks.
Start assembling a wardrobe for interviewing. Check with the Transition
Office for Dress for Success Classes.
Continue to network.
Once you have chosen where you will live next, arrange for transportation
counseling. Learn about your options for shipment and storage of household
goods.
Schedule a final dental examination.
Determine if you are eligible for separation pay.
If you would like to prepare a will or if you have legal questions or
problems, obtain free legal advice.
60 Days Prior to Separation
- Begin planning a visit to the area to which you plan to move.
- Continue to send out your resume. Include in your cover letter the date
you plan to move to the area.
- Continue to network.
- Choose your transitional health care option: use military medical
facilities or sign up for TRICARE.
- For detailed information about disability compensation, benefits, and
programs, call the VA.
30 Days Prior to Separation
- Visit the area to which you plan to move. Attend job interviews there.
Visit a private employment agency or executive recruiter in the area.
- Continue to network.
- Review your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form
214).
- Several government agencies offer special loans and programs for veterans.
Check with your local VA office.
- If you are unemployed, you may qualify for unemployment compensation once
you are a civilian. See your local state employment office for eligibility.
- Decide whether to sign up for the optional Continued Health Care Benefit
Program medical coverage.
- Review and copy your medical and dental records. Get a certified true copy
of each.
- Complete your Veteran’s Affairs Disability Application (VA Form 21-526)
and turn it in to the appropriate office. Check with your local Transition
Office or VA representative.
- Consider converting your Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance to
Veteran’s Group Life Insurance (optional)
