Getting help when leaving the military

Those who leave the service can be in for quite a life change, not only for them but for their families. The transition can be something of a challenge.
The VA knows this and has set aside $4 million to be used this year as grants to organizations that help with that transition. Additionally, the grant organizations are expected to match that amount, effectively doubling the money.
The services these organizations are to provide include employment placement, interview training, resume help and more. Just getting help with a resume can be a huge step. Trying to translate your military MOS to its civilian equivalent can be daunting.
Besides the grants to organizations, the VA takes its own steps. See benefits.va.gov/transition/transition-home.asp for more information.
The Military to Civilian Readiness Pathway (M2C Ready) is a two-year effort: one year before you leave the service and one year afterward.
Part of M2C Ready is the Solid Start program, which helps veterans during the first year of leaving the service. They give you three calls during that first year (at the 90, 180 and 365 day marks) to make sure you know about the benefits you have. (A heads up … take care that you’re not talking to a scammer. Veterans are often targeted, so beware what personal info you disclose on the phone.)
You can call Solid Start at 800-827-0611 or see benefits.va.gov/TRANSITION/solid-start.asp. The page has lists and links to resources you can use. Among others, the sources include employment help, housing assistance, pensions, education, life insurance and getting your records. Don’t miss the link to the VA Welcome Kit at the bottom of the page. Get one (it’s a download) and keep it with your important documents.
If you’re not actually leaving the service yet and are moving from one duty station to the next, hook up with TAP o the Transition Assistance Program. Check the “modules” at benefits.va.gov/TRANSITION/VA-TAP-Course-Catalog.asp for videos on topics of your choice. These are actual training sessions with resource guides.
© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.