1. Not mentally mapping out your life before leaving the military
2. Not getting your VA Medical Screening immediately after separation
3. Not signing up for Survivor Benefits Plan
4. Not getting an expensive medical procedure taken care of while I was still Active Duty
5. Losing all of my military contacts
6. Not understanding the benefits of the reserves
7. Not signing up for VGLI
8. Allowing my DD214 to get processed with incorrect information
9. Not taking the time to understand all of the benefits I am entitled to
10. Not utilizing military lawyers when prior to leaving the military
1. Not mentally mapping out your life before leaving the military
Every military serviceman and woman will start a new chapter of their life when they get out. In order to hit the ground running when you get out, it is important to think through what you are going to do with your life. In many cases, people get so bogged down with their military jobs prior to separation, that they don’t spend enough time thinking through the details about this next chapter. The more time you spend thinking about your transition, the easier it will be for you.
2. Not getting your VA Medical Screening immediately after separation
We have heard this time and time again – the best time to get your VA Medical Screening is immediately after separation. You will likely have your medical records readily available and time on your hands. People that wait to do the screening, have a much harder time finding time to get screened. In addition, many people don’t think that the injuries they have qualify as a service connected disability. In certain circumstances, servicemen and women feel some sort of embarrassment about a minor injury. These injuries may seem negligible now (while you are young) but they may cause serious problems, as you get older. Failing to get screened by the VA could cost you a significant amount of money and benefits should you have a service-connected disability.
3. Not signing up for Survivor Benefit Plan (Retirees Only)
The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) is a way to ensure that your spouse or loved ones receive a continued annuity in case of your death. Many people don’t opt for the SBP because it reduces your monthly retirement pay and they don’t understand everything about the program. What people fail to realize is that the payments (reduction of your retirement pay) are tax-deductable and are extremely valuable. It is a low cost way to ensure your family will be taken care of in case of your death.
4. Not getting an expensive medical and dental procedure taken care of while I was still Active Duty
If you have a lingering medical or dental issue, it is important that you have it taken care of prior to separating from the military. While active duty, you have access to procedures and surgeries that will cost you thousands of dollars once you move to civilian healthcare. If you have something that has been bothering you, you should see a military doctor and ask if there is any way to get it taken care of prior to leaving.
5. Losing all of my military contacts
Your contacts in the military are your most valuable asset. While in the service, it may seem easy to get a hold of the members of your military unit. Once you leave, you will quickly find that people start transferring in and out of the military, and keeping contact with them becomes extremely difficult. Make sure that you download your contact lists and take them with you, especially good friends, respected colleagues, and superior officers that can be used as references.
6. Not understanding the benefits of the reserves
Many people leave the service not fully understanding the risks and benefits of the reserves. Some people pass up a good opportunity to work toward retirement and/or keep many military benefits. It is important to fully vet the reserves to ensure that it is or is not for you.
7. Not signing up for VGLI
VGLI is a good life insurance alternative that is very similar to SGLI. It is important to gain a full understanding of VGLI and the benefits in order to make a sound decision on your life insurance policy.
8. Allowing my DD-214 to get processed with incorrect information
The best time to correct any omissions or mistakes on your DD-214 is when you are sitting down with your separation administrator. If you don’t take care of any of these issues while you are sitting down with them, it will become much more difficult to make changes down the road.
9. Not taking the time to understand all of the benefits I am entitled to
There are many benefits available to retirees and veterans who have separated from the military. Whether they are VA benefits, IRR benefits, or educational or job services available to you, each serviceman or woman is doing themselves a disservice by not fully understanding all of their Veteran Benefits.
10. Not utilizing military lawyers when prior to leaving the military
If you have any outstanding legal issues or questions, it is important to utilize military legal counselors to the maximum extent possible. Even if you have a simple question or issue, you may end up paying hundreds or thousands of dollars once you leave in order to resolve your issue.
