Transitioning to Civilian Life Monday

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Charlie Marlow

You won’t be wearing the uniform forever. Whether you serve 4 or 40 years, there is life after the military. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the transition alone. Take inventory of what you want to accomplish after your military days and look into these programs to help you successfully make the change.

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides information, resources, and tools to help service members and their loved ones prepare for the move to civilian life. It includes workshops on job search techniques, resume writing, and interview skills. Service members begin TAP one year prior to separation or two years prior to retirement. The program includes a one-day, in-person course called VA Benefits and Services, which helps understand VA benefits and services.
The SkillBridge program allows service members to gain civilian work experience through internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training during their last 180 days of service. This program helps bridge the gap between military and civilian employment by providing valuable work experience in various industries.
Hiring Our Heroes is a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses find meaningful employment. They offer hiring fairs, networking events, and fellowship programs to connect military members with employers.
The VA offers various programs to support veterans and their families in achieving career goals, economic success, and maintaining physical and mental well-being.

Some of the VA Programs:

Veteran and Spouse Transitional Assistance Grant Program: Provides grants to organizations offering transition services.
Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC): Offers career opportunities within the federal government.
Warriors to Workforce Program: Helps veterans transition into federal careers by applying military skills.
VA Solid Start: Provides support during the first year of separation with calls from qualified representatives

Explore More with My Military Lifestyle and Finances!

Charlie Marlow

With over 22 years of experience in military pay and travel entitlements, Charlie Marlow brings his extensive knowledge of military finance with his passion to help others reach their financial goals through common sense financial practices. He is an Accredited Financial Counselor®, a Dave Ramsey trained Financial Coach, and co-founder, administrator, and frequent contributor to the Facebook group Military Money Matters. He still supports the Air Force and DoD as a contractor budget analyst at the Pentagon. When not writing or helping others create a personal financial plan, you can find him cycling around the National Capitol Region or enjoying classic TV shows.