SET THE DATE

Complete all the tasks in the 24 to 36 months and 18 to 24 months checklists then focus on the following decisions:

• Set your retirement date
  • Prepare your request for retirement but do not submit until 9 to 12 months prior to your requested retirement date.

• Seek medical and dental care for underlying problems
  • Ensure your military medical records are up to date by incorporating any documentation for medical care received during deployment or from civilian providers.

• Revisit TRICARE health insurance options for Retired Soldiers by entering your status as retired in the TRICARE Plan Finder. Be aware of any changes that may have occurred since your research at 36 to 24 months out. 

• Prepare post-retirement applications for education and/or employment (this includes your spouse and any family members that plan to pursue new employment or a new educational opportunity following your retirement)
  • Securing post-retirement employment can take 6 – 9 months or more.
    • Interested in working for the Federal Government? The Department of Defense (DoD) has restrictions on hiring military members for DoD Federal civilian positions within 180 days of retirement. This includes and impacts military members on transition leave. However, there are exceptions:
      • Section 1108 of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act [William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021] granted a temporary authority, for 3 years from the date of enactment, that allows the Secretary of Defense to appoint retired members of the Armed Forces to positions within the DoD that are classified at or below GS-13 under the General Schedule, or an equivalent level under another wage system, in the competitive service within 180 days after retirement. There are specific requirements for these appointments.  Be sure to review the text of Public Law 116-283, Section 1108, and Title 5 USC Section 3326.
      • The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) FAQs for Veterans provides helpful information on applying for a position with the Federal Government. 

• • Applying to educational institutions may require admissions testing, beginning at a certain date and/or extensive preparation.
    • Applications for scholarships also have deadlines that must be considered when planning your educational track and financing.

• Expand your network of contacts
  • Networking with fellow soldiers and veterans assists you with finding post-retirement employment, potential mentors, and an overall supportive team.
  • Use LinkedIn to let others know you are retiring and interested in new employment. [Disclaimer: This information is not, nor does it imply, a partnership of the US Soldier for Life Program, the Army Retirement Services Office, the US Army or DoD. This is for informational use only.]
    • Connect with companies and organizations where you are interested in working.
    • Connect with colleagues and friends that have already retired.
    • Connect with people who work in the industries you are considering or at the companies you are interested in joining.

• Read information on current business and economic trends.

• Attend virtual or in-person job fairs to become familiar with the process.

• Begin planning and acquiring a professional wardrobe for interviewing, keeping in mind your planned type of employment.

• Contact your servicing Retirement Services Officer (RSO) to receive your Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Counseling.

• Review and discuss the Survivor Benefit Plan premiums and annuity with your spouse using the MyArmyBenefits SBP Premium Calculator and Survivor Benefits Calculator.
  • Use the SBP planning tools on the DoD Actuary Page and the Soldier For Life SBP information page to help in your estate planning.
  • Consider obtaining life insurance in addition to SBP.

IMPORTANT: If you decline SBP or elect a reduced amount, your spouse must sign the DD Form 2656 and it must be notarized.

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• Submit Retirement Request: 6 to 12 Months Before Retirement

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• Start Researching: 24 to 36 Months Before Retirement
• Begin Decision Making: 18 to 24 Months Before Retirement