Looking for anyone who's recently left the military, how was the transition? Dealing with the VA? Going to college with the GI bill, etc??

I decided to leave the service after 10 years of active duty to go to college and start a new chapter.

Funny thing is, I'm less scared about driving down an afghan road or walking into a quiet village. I'm debating if this was the right move and what to do next. Doesn't seem like there's a check list for a halftime guy like me. Everything I see is for the 4yr or 20yr guys.

Any tips, advice or regrets??

 

Hey man, as you know I got out after 9 years and started school so I know where your coming from. If you don't still have my number pm me and we can chat over some beers. I'm doing contractor work on the air station right now while I'm taking a break from school so I'm around.

 

I feel you, right now the economy is sucking. You know things are bad when the gov't is furloughing the work staff to keep running. We can give homeless cell phones but we can't keep people in their offices working. Sorry... about that.

Yes it is scary, your job security is at risk everyday out here and I mean every day. Jobs are tight despite what the gov't is saying on the news and the reason for that is the trickledown theory in reverse. The gov't is cutting back and cancelling contracts that they feel are not necessary. This trickles down into the economy into the loss of jobs as budgets are being cut. We have a prime example of that here. My facility is book solid through 2015 and one of our contractors had to let go 5 senior people and there are more cuts to come. There are some recession proof jobs out there.

My advice is not something you want to hear but being a retired Chief I have to say it, "Stay in". Go to school while you are in, get as much done as you can while you are there. I know the military has its short comings, family sep, long hrs, bad pay, blah, blah, blah. But as you know it also has its advantages in that no matter what happens your family, if you have one, will be taken care of. You lose this on the outside. The only thing for me that has gotten better is the pay. Once you start taking out all your insurances the pay balances out as you lost all of your allowances which are tax free.

If you continue on your quest to separate then I high recommend you get a complete physical before departing with the service and wtih the VA. You will want to have your medical record assessed by the VA for any disability potential. Even if you get a ZERO rating you are in the system. Much easier to get in the system now then later so do this ASAP. Dealing with the LA county VA is a PITA due to the high volume. I was lucky living in Kern and dealing with the VA in Bakersfield. Out processing rep was awesome to say the least.

Also, go to the TAP classes as much as your command will allow. Take notes, ask questions. DO NOT let the VA rep out of there until you have exhausted all your questions about benefits, filing for benefits, etc... The only stupid question is the one that goes unasked.

Here is a link to the Kern Benefits, you can google LA County or OC:

Kern County Veterans Service Department - Contact

I know this rambled on but there is a lot out there, overwhelming in fact.

Good luck, see ya out on the trail.

 

I'm also in the same boat. I'll be separating after I get back from deployment. It will be nine years for me too. It has been a hard decision to make. My wife has just sewn on E-7 and this deployment has paid off the bills. With the wife staying in, I'm finally in a position that I'd be able to get out and go to school. I tried going to school while active, but with my work hours and deployments it made it really difficult. I'll be going guard so my time in the service won't go to waste. The military has been a great experience, but I need to start on my career.