Outline the major decisions you and your family need to make and a timeline of those decisions.

• When will you retire? (within 12 to 36 months from today)

• What do you want to do?
  • Use the resources at Army TAP to help with this decision.
  • Pursue Employment
    • Access the services, including career exploration and self-assessments, offered by the Employment Readiness Program at your installation Army Community Service office.
    • Explore careers, training and jobs at the Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop.
    • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Career and Employment Assistance.
    • Apply for a job with the Federal Government online at USAJOBS.
    • If you plan to have a second career, do you have all the skills and training necessary to pursue your desired field?
      • Look into educational opportunities available while still in the military:
        • Credentials and Career Skills
        • Opportunities through other organizations
        • Tuition Assistance / Post 9-11 GI Bill / Montgomery GI Bill
        • SkillBridge apprenticeship, internship
  • Pursue Education
    • Do you or members of your family want to pursue educational opportunities?
      • Is paying in-state tuition an important factor?
    • Did you or do you want to transfer your education benefits to Family Members?
      • Transferring education benefits to Family Members incurs a 4-year service obligation.
      • For more information see the FAQs on milConnect and the FAQs on Army.HRC.mil.

•  Where do you plan to live after retirement?
  • Will you move or remain at your current location?
    • If you are scheduled to PCS in the next two years, one year is required on station (in CONUS) after a PCS before you can retire.
  • Rank order and weigh your priorities after retirement—job location, being near extended family, quality of life, availability of healthcare, etc. Decide if a move is probable.
  • What is your deadline for making your location decision?
  • View the State/Territory Fact Sheets on MyArmyBenefits for benefits and tax information on all 54 U.S. states and territories to help with your planning.
  • Research the requirements for a final military move.
  • Do Family Members have special medical needs that influence the decision on where to live?
  • Is it important to reside close to a military treatment facility or VA medical facility?
    • Investigate medical, dental, and vision care options for Retired Soldiers as they are different than those for Active Duty.