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1.1. Overview

An Overview of What You Should Know Before You Leave Military Service

It's never too early to begin preparations for your separation from active military service. The Department of Defense (DoD) recommends that you start your planning at least 12 months prior to separation, and 24 months prior to retirement, from active duty. The DoD's Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is is a vital resource to ensure that your separation/retirement choices are truly in your, and your family's, best interests. Transition counselors and online tools provide special transition benefits information, employment workshops, automated employment job-hunting tools and job banks, veteran benefits information, disabled veterans benefits information, and many other types of transition and other related information.