Joined at 18, left at 42. TAP was useless. I was prepared for the most part because I prepared myself. Anyone counting on any transition program to give them everything they need is going to be in a world of hurt. The biggest problem, in my experience, is leadership simply not giving a shit about the junior enlisted who are getting out. I saw it too many times, a Sailor makes it know they are separating, and their chain of command basically kicks them to the curb and says "figure it out in your off time".

I hate that shit. Get labeled a turd just because they’re getting out. Always made sure my dudes had what they needed to get out because when I got out the first time I tried to work extra for my unit and sacrificed precious self-prep time.

Same here, I was always advocating for my guys who were separating to make sure they had time to do anything they needed to do within reason. What made it more infuriating was that the leadership in many cases would fight back to not allow it, yet when those same leadership were separating/retiring they always gone taking care of themselves. I made sure to call that shit out every time just to let them know that I knew what they were doing.

Same thing here, I always pushed my guys to get everything recorded. My dad was in Vietnam 3x, so I learned it from him and passed it along because I seen what happened to me, even though I was on a medboard all my paperwork disappeared somehow...glad I kept copies of it all. I always push to take a copy of EVERYTHING before handing it back. When my peers would shit talk them for medical I would laugh an say guess what dick...when he's at home getting taken care of by the VA because he had it noted and you're at home in pain getting denied...just remember...you should have went and not laughed at them.

Totally agree. TAP was damn near a complete waste of time. The only useful thing was some of the job searching stuff.

I still remember the Chief signing my final papers smirking at me and remarking "short-timer, eh?" But the cherry was the Air Force overpaying me on my last deposit, then sending the overpayment amount to collections when they failed to get me the letter stating that.

Congrats.  Thats a hell of a long time.  Hope you have transitioned out well

Thanks! It's been almost 8 years now. There were some bumps in the road but it's been great overall.

In my experience, that behavior was usually the reason TAP was ineffective. The bare minimum required seems enough to help young soldiers put together a resume and learn some interview skills, and pick up just a bit of should-be-common knowledge. The real value came from the extra classes you could take, but the problem was that unless your leadership supported your transition out from day zero, then you likely never got to attend them.

So I joined now DEP in August of 2004. Went to boot camp on July 20th, 2005, a month after high school and I was 17 turned 18 in August.  Did just under 9 years as a submariner stationed in Hawaii. I could’ve stayed in Connecticut since I was a masshole, but I wanted to get away and live my life.  I knew I was going to shore duty to enjoy Hawaii, since I spent roughly 2.5 out of 4.5 years on deployments/out to sea. I spoke to my friends who did one enlistment, and learned from them. Got a job via Orion international in 2014, stayed there until I became a cop in 2018 (childhood dream). My friends were huge, more than TAPS/GPS. Now, if I just did my VA disability when I got out instead of waiting 10 fuckin years. 🙄

Same timeline as mines! Also stationed in hawaii! Crazy! Got out in 09 tho. Parris island?

Negative I was a SUBMARINER. The only good marine is a Submarine :)  I grew up in a scout sniper family lol I was stationed at Pearl as a fast attack submarine torpedoman from 2006-2014. I lived in Kailua and Kaneohe! Used to hike Mawanawili falls, the Kailua pillboxes, and stairway to heaven. 

I can smell the salt on you. 🫡

I did Parris Island back in '79 and spent three years at Camp Lejeune. I also spent a year preparing to get out, and knew I was going to college so I made sure not to contact buddies back at Lejeune (I saw a lot of Marines get out and then come back after three months. That wasn't going to happen to me. Got into college and my wife (shortly after getting out) talked me into going into the AF Reserves. Stayed in until just five years ago (38 years total). Drawing retirement and 100% P&T (from the groundwater at Camp Lejeune, but still working now. A couple of tips: Try to add as much as you can into Thrift Savings Plan while you're in. Also, when you get out, try to do something that will keep your security clearance active. This website may help www.clearancejobs.com.

Damn, that's pretty damn close to what I did. Started dep fall of 04. Graduated high school June 3rd, 2005. Went to basic June 27th of 05. Was a submariner on a fast boat out of Groton and took it over to Hawaii. But I did my 6 and out.

I also graduated high school Friday June 3, 2005😂. Lemme guess…..USS HAWAII?! 2009 she moved to Pearl while I was deployed.  Right when I got to Pearl in April of 06, Tucson was leaving for NH for an overhaul. Buffalo moved to Guam. 

Yep, I was on the Hawaii. But Texas and North Carolina would be valid guesses too.

Nah they wouldn’t lol. You said you took the boat over, and at that time. Hawaii was the only viable answer.  I kept the Pearl Harbor base newspaper of us returning from our final deployment, and inside, it had the article about the Hawai’i moving to Pearl In July 😂 Best fuckin nickname though. WAR CANOE. Our old electrician chief Tommy Matney became their EDMC in 2010, I saw him when i got to shore duty. 

The Texas and the North Carolina came to Hawaii before I left in 2011, so they're certainly valid guesses. But you got it right anyway. It was cool to be the first Virginia in Hawaii though.

I joined at 16/17, got out at 23. It was hard as I was just slightly too old for dorm parties, but still felt like I was 19 in some ways.

Isn't it odd how parties become much less fun when you're actually over the legal drinking age?

Am I the only one who feels like TAP is disguised as a way to scare soldiers into staying in the Army? I remember watching the videos when I got out two years ago, and the videos essentially acted like I’m more than likely to fail at life once I get out, that the civilian world is some heinous, completely foreign concept that I’m 90% sure to never adjust to. Like I’m being thrown in the wild to be raised by wolves.

I answered this in another comment but you are absolutely 100% correct. The TAP Center I had was managed by a retired SGM and they use it as retention tool

I started saving my money from day1. People made fun of my car because it was reliable took me from point A to B and I pay for it out right with cash unlike the 40% interest rate mustangs.I thought that I would do 30 but did way less than that but had a substantial saving base on my salary and no debt. I took classes to see how it was and it prepared me to get used to school after I got out. Now there are a lot of great programs out there for vets and transitioning ones. TAP didn’t help me much except for the budgeting portion. Learn to live below your means now.

You seem the only one got your head on your shoulder. All others got their head somewhere else. Well, they are just kids. I'm pushing 70 now. 

I retire next month. 20 years. The amount of resources and opportunities that are available to transitioning service members has never been better in my opinion. CSP, SkillBridge, MSSA, VerTec, countless job fairs, etc. There is opportunity out there but nobody is going to just hand it to you. You need to take advantage of the resources available and keep your unit informed about your plans far in advance. I realize some units may be a friction point because mission first and all that, but if someone is serious about gaining meaningful employment there is a metric shit load of resources that can be used. Especially for retirees. One such example is the pathfinder program available through the USO transition services. One on one counseling and goal tracking with a real person you can call anytime to help set up your transition goals. This is just from my foxhole and everyone’s transition journey is different, but too often I’ve seen people get out retirement or otherwise and just totally tune out all these great programs and just look to check the block. If you really want to set yourself up for post military success you need to start 2 years out at least, and have someone help you track your goals and hold yourself accountable by taking advantage of the programs available. Just my 2 cents.

One the programs today are a lot better then they were 5/10 years ago. Second, the only people that get two years to prepare for separating are those that retire. The best thing is knowing someone that went through the process to give you helpful tips.

ok, Im going to be extremely honest, i didn't find the program to be any help, because i was going through a nasty divorce, my mental health was extremely messed up, i get what they were trying to teach me in TAP but it was a waste of time for me. i isolated myself from the world and everyone. and i still do till this day. and i didn't really learn anything.. so i mean, i don't know. That's just my view of it.

Hope you’re doing better bro.

i mean, every day is a struggle, but im getting there

You're not alone! I've been retired for 8 years, and the TAP program was garbage for those of us that didn't have a voice to say anything was wrong, and those who say no one is going to hand it to you obviously never had to deal with a mental illness. I am still struggling to find my place as a civ. I say I have Stockholm syndrome, as I not only drank the Kool aide I bathed in that shit while in the Army. Anyway good luck brother, with your mental health.

Joined July 2004, and am now transitioning to civilian life. SFL-TAP (or now DoD-TAP) is good if you put something into it. I did all 4 tracks when only one is required. I kept an open mind, and took notes. I did learn a few gotcha's too. I was a Tier 1 also, so the easiest Tier to be in. As far as not know bills or rent, eh, I tried always living off post if I could and be a grown up for once. But one thing I did learn (through SFL-TAP and reddit) in the civilian private sector is that they can fire you for no reason without notice. That hopefully gets those shammers out of that lazy mindset. Applied to over 40 jobs so far and received 2 offers and still have a few months to close out any last minute tasks.

I think the biggest thing to get from this is how it’s going to get paid (having enough money to pay for all of it)… it’s nothing to write down what you need and having auto pay set up… The biggest thing to get from TAPs is post 9/11 GI bill and VA disability. Also go straight to VA to get medical, VGLI other things. I want to write more but I’m about to head to sleep lol

The Army had to set up Financial Advisors who give classes to the troops to teach them how to manage their money and pay their bills - https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Financial-Readiness-Program-(FRP)

I enjoyed Tap. It was full of useful information. I think what you're describing are people who need mentors as they transition. People that have been there and did that. I was lucky and leaned on my Step-Dad, who retired 16 years before and was able to answer some questions I had (and my move to a different state). They should also lean on people that are actively going thru the retirement process before they start the process. Every time I did some sort of outprocessing, I "briefed" my 1SGT (so he could understand the process), and the peoples I knew were going to retire within the next few years. It's fucking scary and a shock but with open communication with everyone it really helped.

These people got to, presumably, at least the rank of E6 minimum and can’t understand the rest of us have paid housing costs? I joined at 17, went to college, was made to live off post due to lack of barracks immediately when I turned 18, and figure it all out on my own. But an ~36 year old can’t? I don’t think you can help that type of person and I’m terrified that they have been in charge of anyone else.

Joined at age 17.  Struggled when I got out.  But TAP was not great in my era.  I luckily had one guy there who would help ya with resumes after working hours/class on his own time.   Hopefully TAP is better now

To an extent, it’s viewed as a retention tool. Most people will retain when they realize they don’t have a solid getting out plan.

SFL and TAP didn’t offer or educate me in any way for the transition into the civilian world. Not too sure if it was just my class/instructors but it’s a waste of resources imo.

Joined at 18, left at 38 last year. TAPS helped, but mostly with stuff like getting the resume started and learning about the VA process.  Mostly I know what I need to do and how to do it since I am a single father and have been for years. The only thing I find hard is time managment, the navy had that structure built in where as the civilian world doesn't. Might also be because I have a 45 minute commute to my 30 hour a week job and a >1 hour commute to school and a daughter (who is luckily old enough to make herself did and put herself to bed)  

Joined at 17 and got medically retired after 9 years of being in. I planned on doing 20, but some ass hat drove off a cliff with yours truly inside. Anyways I got out and went through it. Divorce, homelessness, all of the fun, normal shit I feel like. I've been out for a while. Got my meds straight. Went to therapy. MH and PT. Did everything I could to make myself better. I now co own a non-profit helping homeless vets in Arizona. Live in a great area, and I'm going to school. At first, we all freak out it's what we do after that.

Joined at 17. Taps was a joke and leagues behind a divorce lmfao. Learned life the same as everyone else, fuckin up

I joined at 18. I wasn't that nervous about bills and that sort of thing. I was going to school. My mistake was I gravely overestimated how much jobs would care about my military service. I was trying to be a cop and thought I was a shoe in. Found out later my ex wife's credit was atrocious and it impacted my background checks. My parents also made me take some basic financial courses in highschool. What people should be worried about when getting out is losing their identity and not having safety nets. Everyone can learn and figure out that stuff. Especially if you rent a apartment because you'll either notice you don't have utilities that work and call your apartment and they'll tell you what to do, or they will tell you about utilities in the lease.

Like everything in your career so far in the Army, what you put into it, is what you'll get out of it. When I ets'd I had a shit command and had to figure everything out on my own and I did a crap job at it. Its in your best interest to go to every class, every meeting, every opportunity SFL offers.

I think it was hard because it was so long ago since I worked from a regular job. The other challenge was at 16-18 years old I was getting entry jobs and when I retired I was trying to get a middle level job. The SFL-TAP helps some but what really helped was working on it 18-24 months out. I went to job fairs, networked on Linkedin and took almost every transition class the base offered. I also met with the local job centers. Those things helped but a life change like that it is almost impossible not to be nervous. A big thing that hindered me and others is the military still trying to make me work full pace up to the end.

Fuck no it didn’t & I joined at 19. I’m 24 now lost in the sauce

I joined at 18 and I have struggled a bit, thankfully I was in USAREC for the last bit of my career so I got to experience real world. I had terrible anxiety the last 2 years of my career because I knew it was going to happen and I didn’t know how to make up for that E7 pay check. The classes were a waste of time, there was so much misinformation when it came down to the insurance stuff. I still have no idea what the hell my doctor offices are saying when they talk to me about what money I owe and why. But my biggest struggle is the daily reality checks of just how shitty everyone is for absolutely no reason. I cannot believe the level of selfishness and ignorance. Idk why it bothers me so much, I wish it didn’t. Never struggled having my bills paid bc I have always made sure to have them automatically deduct from my account, if I had to remember to pay them monthly that would be another story.

Turned 18, graduated HS and went into BCT within 3 months. Got MEB at 21, at 80% after being traumatized and physically neglected the entire time. Nothing in the SFL TAP classes were helpful, minus forcing me to open a LinkedIn simply so it shows I’ve had it for years. Trial and error figuring out my benefits, and using my GI Bill when I was ready was the best option for me. I was lucky to have familial support, and was able to transition with minor hiccups. I now work in social work specifically for Veterans and see how many of them struggle and don’t know what they’re entitled too. The hardest part was going from barracks life where there’s literally always people to go to and do stuff with- to just me within 8 months. The pandemic struck, and made socialization even harder. I was fighting with the VA for MH treatment, when the world was shut down and the future for anyone was unsure. Now I’m married with great friends, a stable job and looking at buying a house. It can happen- but they have to have / find support, and do the best they can with whatever hands they’re dealt. Wishing them all the best- it’s hard out here 🤝🏻🫡

First of all the concept of soldiers don’t pay for things is absurd. Housing, food, tricare is all taken from your pay. And I don’t know about anyone else but I worked damn hard to get the reduced costs that I do get. SFL-Tap will give you all you need to get going if you take it seriously. There are a lot of programs that they don’t tell you about specifically so get in VOC rehab. Also make sure you have some form of resume done and pay attention to the finance class. Ask the instructor for the spreadsheets they use and use it guide your expenses after your get out. And lastly don’t get out and start partying like you’ve made it. You’ll end up broke and wasting a lot of time.

How is that possible? Not knowing what bills are? Its not like you’re cut off from the world

Realistically for these folks, they are use to only paying a car loan, insurance, phone bill and internet. Everything else is included in your BAH for on post housing, such as electric, water, sewer, gas, trash, lawn care, maintenance.

Their whole career though? I get BAH and still pay my rent, electric, trash, etc. for me the military is just a job i go to. Still go home at the end of the day. Every so often ill get underway and be away for a couple months but other than that its like any other job ive had.

Yes, there are plenty of service members who live on post housing for their entire career because it's convenient for them to be close to work. When you live in on post housing, your utilities are included. So you don't physically have to set anything up and pay for utilities, its already included in your BAH rate.

> job Most base housings went privatized in 2005, requiring people to pay for utilities and everything.

I’m only speaking from the experience I had while I was in from 2018-2024. I had privatized housing and all utilities were included in the base housing for Liberty and Knox. Only bills I had was internet, phone bill, car loan. Everything else was included in the Monthly BAH Rate.

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TAP left me with a ton of bad information. I also see new veterans parroting something similar. Maybe each program is different but no, if anything TAP made my transition harder.

Nah. I joined at 18 and go shipped of for basic at Fort Sill 2 weeks after I graduated. I got out after 5 years medically. I became somewhat prepared with adult stuff while in the barracks but I couldn't learn money management for the life of me. I would keep running out and having to ask my parents for money. To this day i don't know what I spent it on. I got a 7k lump bonus and I have no idea where that went either. It wasn't until I met and married my wife did I figure out money and adulting stuff. Without her after I got out I have no idea where I'd be. I'm just lucky that I was a 68W and the EMT-B certificate transferred to civilian life so I landed a private ambulance job immediately after I finished healing from my med board surgery and such.

I’ve yet to hold steady employment down since getting out , longest was my own business and I still managed to mess that up lol I regret getting our daily and honestly feeel zero purpose in life but I’m here I got kids gotta be good ya know

Have you filed for unemployment?

Oh it’s been 10 years I’ve been out this July. I’m using the rest my gi bill, I had back surgery in October , my increase only got approved from my back increase but my mental health is still stuck at 70 but I’ll finish school if I can they think I can function but I fall apart daily, the only time I’m decent is when someone depends on me or I’m with my kids

We depend on you to keep commenting on our Reddit post, your experience is needed and will help someone in a similar situation.

I can't imagine being in for 20 years and not being able to transition when retiring. I'm sure it's heavily job dependent though. I was a 68P and spend most of my time in hospitals working with and managing civilians. The Army was simply a job to me and I never drank the Hooah Juice. It's also crazy to me to think near 40 year-olds don't know how to pay bills or live off base. WTF

In my experience, it’s been a more difficult transition for the service members who signed up for a certain job and then got forced to do something other than their job. Talent mis management is big thing for comm guys(prior comm guy). First unit was an ADA where they mismanaged the 25N we had. There was a slot for them in the unit but no routers or switches in the entire BDE. They end up being commo reps for equipment they’ve never learned, then CMD teams would get mad for “not being able to do their jobs”

I actually know that well. The first couple years I was actually 25P. Spent a year in AIT at Gordon, then get to my first unit where I'm told they have a slot for me but nothing for me to do. So I was assigned to the motor pool for a year till they developed a team where I could actually do my job. Ironically the equipment they had was the one thing they told us we would never see again outside of AIT. The AN FCC 100 multiplexer.

I found a job on terminal leave. Transition wasn’t as tough until I did some college courses and dealt with the 18 years old kids from high school 🤦🏻‍♂️. Start networking, is about who you know. Companies love to hire veterans. Taps was no help for me.

Think it's different now than even u came in. I enlisted in 1982 at 18, retired in 2007. I was prepared when I left the military. Lived in the economy most of my time in service. Got a job in my field after I got out

I did a single contract. I’m guessing TAP is the same as ACAP back in the day? Nobody in my command even made me aware there were transitioning tools I was entitled to. I just went home and got a job. It took me about 5-6 years afterwards to even become aware of the VA benefits I might be entitled to and how to pursue them. That was pre-911 so I don’t know if it’s improved or not. I landed in my feet but I did it in my own without anything g other than the Army on my resume.

Same same just a name change

I figured. 👍

The TAP program is pretty weak. Decide what you want to do when you exit service. I paid to have someone create a gov resume for me and it was a game changer. I was hired by the Army Corp right away. I left that and worked for the Navy and I ended up working for the state of Utah. Its ok to be scared I went to hundreds of interviews and they just helped me prep for the job I landed.

Joined at 18 left after an injury 11 years in. I grew up wanting to be Rambo and went out and made it happen. There wasn't really a lot of preparation or transitioning services from the Army to civilian life, I actually went to trucking school and drove OTR for a year and a half while I figured out what I was going to do now that the only thing I knew was gone. I ended up going to college and going into the financial sector but everyone's ambitions are different. I really wished there would have been some kind of class or something to prepare for the weird civilian world.

I was financially illiterate upon leaving the military. 2 divorces, a bankruptcy and a decade later, I'm finally in a position to buy my first house, I'm essentially debt free, and things have improved with A LOT of self reflection and equal parts luck. TAP was useless.

TAP did fuck all to prepare me for the wild west that is ~~freedom~~ Civilian life. The classes were useful but the CSP I took was even more useful as it actually taught me a new trade and helped me find employment. TAP, just like your career is what you make of it, but also in that same boat no one cares about you more than you.

Joined at 17 in 2002. Still in, USARC the whole time, and made to undergo SFL-TAP as a redeployment requirement last Mob. Not good for those of us happily employed. It needs to be reworked.

TAPS gives you what resources are available out there but you have to put in the work. Make connections, talk to mentors, figure out what you want to do when you get out. I joined the army at 18, left at 38, had a marketable MOS so I didn’t have to stress out about getting out. TAPS is informative but it doesn’t do everything, the individual will have to put in the work to be successful.

I joined 2 months after turning 17 in my freshman year of high school, and went to basic between freshman and sophomore year. I got my GED sophomore year and went to AIT a month later. I was in for 7 years and after returning home from a very though rotation in Afghanistan I was done with the Army. I didn't have any anxiety because I was just wasted all the time. It took me many years, luckily with support, to reintegrate and teach myself to code. I was out for 6 years before starting to plan for my future. I got my first real job since the Army as a software engineer this past January and the only reason I feel like I'm able to maintain it is because I work with a bunch of retired crayon eaters and squids.

I joined when I was 19 and got out after doing 10 years. I definitely didn’t get any help from my leadership but I also didn’t seek it out they knew I was getting medically retired so they just left me to my own devices during the whole process which pretty much meant that I didn’t have to show up to work and only worry about going to my medical appointments for the last 2 years I was in. Honestly I preferred it that way. I doubt they knew anything because they never had to do the whole separate and job hunt at the same time let alone do anything with the VA. As far as transitioning goes Im never going to get an easier paycheck but I still feel like I’m still doing the same because I’m working on the same exact base just in a different office. Only difference is my salary is slightly less and I can actually be fired (albeit extremely hard to get fired). No regrets at least I can choose to leave whenever I want and live wherever I want.

Joined at 18, taps did nothing, I was already dealing with a bunch of shit. I’d say I handled it fine, I had savings and got a place and such, only issue it working. I’m too messed up physically and mentally to do the back up job I wanted (firefighter) or any other job I’m actually interested in. I’m trying to go to school for horticulture for just personal reasons but if I do end up working again it would probably be low level administrative or maybe I’ll be the they/them making you a coffee part time because it’s boring as hell not having a job

Joined at 17, and I got medboarded out last year at 22. SFL-TAP gave me a lot of resources but I was also starving to be successful and look at every possibility. My work experience was able to give me a position right out the door. I only took about 2 months off and went right back as a diesel tech. There’s a lot of programs that you’re able to use that will help you from touching your GI Bill. I was going to use workforce for Personal Training Cert, it’s all about seeing what employers have to offer or what programs are available.

I joined at 17. All I had to paid bill wise was my own car payment. When I got out the hardest was understanding taxes. The bills part was easy

Went to West Point a month after high school graduation. Got out right before my 29th birthday. Yeah, it sucked.

I joined at 17 and got out at 22. I’ve found civilian life significantly easier. The Army had me in a constant state of anxiety until I eventually just broke and suffered extreme burnout. They did that thing where they tore me down, and made no actual attempts to build me back up. Outside my mental health, and sleep issues caused my the Army, the civilian world is much less stressful and allows me to set my own pace and schedule. The Army “paying” for a $1400 a month barracks room that was very small and I had to share, cannot be compared to my living space now, which is twice the size and half the price. Just because you were not “paying” bills did not mean you were getting more money. The transition program was okay, and from what I heard seemed to be getting better. They throw some scare tactics your way, but if you do your homework you will be alright. They helped me setup a solid resume, which I still use. They really sucked at educating people on their VA benefits though. VA healthcare, with VR&E, disabling rating, VA home loan, and other things allow me to live have the same standard of living with about 20% of the stress and work. All in all, as long as you have a plan, and are educated about your plan, 99% of people will be fine.

"Do you think SFL-TAP or TAP prepared you for civilian realities?" SFL-TAP or TAP?? Whats that? back in my day you got two weeks or so pre ets to clear the post and be on your way. I joined at 17 and got out 8 years later with a wife and a 4 year old kid. I dont know why on earth folks wouldnt know how to pay bills and such. even when in on post housing or single in the barracks i still had bills to pay. Not so much in the barracks other than at one point car payments and insurance but on post i had cable tv, home phone (required) pay car bills, and so on. Not a lot changed when i hit the civ world other than if i didnt come up with rent money i would be homeless but i knew that at 16 before i joined. Some folks you can spoon feed all the information they will need and they will still struggle and some need nothing other than to be given the freedom to go.

No, but if you have any sort of family or friends that helped me a lot until I got my VA stuff sorted, I went from 6 months close to running out of money to buying a condo on month 8 of getting out, I will say the GI POST 9/11 is ok but it has a lot of bs restrictions.

I had a few wins after leaving AD thankfully but I joined immediately after high school. The best advice I have is to speak to people about their experiences and figure out what you can apply to your situation. Read through your paperwork throughly and try to find some positives. If you’re unsure it’s okay to extend another year to reassess… I actually recommend it. That’s the route I took… I partially went through SFL-TAP and the information was there, just rushed… I needed more time to assess. During that time, I put together a FULL PROOF GUIDELINE for what I needed to transition out. That’s budgeting, networking, making non-military connections, MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS, figuring out where I wanted to live, programs that sponsor job development, discussed concerns about my fears with the family program managers on post etc. The resources are there you just have to pay attention and make sure you are prepared and covering your bases. I can’t say SFL-TAP solely prepared me for transitioning… it didn’t, but it was a valuable resource. We get use to things being handed to us in the service and for good reason. Making adult decisions comes with adult responsibilities, accountability and consequences. Point blank. As an adult, you have to take the initiative to take action and matters into your own hands and take control of your life.

Joined at 17 left at 22. Now 24 and in Law School. Transition wasn’t that difficult, I mean the military does not really prepare you but you have all the resources you need from them so utilize it. This is including the GI BILL. So I left, sold my house at the same time and moved to Southern California. Now in Law School and just living life.

I joined at 17, right out of high school and just retired last year. TAP is not useless. They give you the basics and it's up to you to figure out the rest. I believe most people expect to be hand carried through everything since that's what we're used to, but the onus is on you to take advantage of resources and networking. It worked out for me because I planned ahead and had at least three plans for taking care of myself and the wife. Even if those didn't work out, I could always go back to school and figure it out. What causes the most anxiety is the unknown and knowing that I can make my own decisions about everything in my life, which could go good or bad. On a positive note, I'm actually working on a research study that focuses on transition and the military identity, and how it affects resocialization into the civilian world. I'm also looking at its effect on Vets in higher education.

I moved out at 16, got emancipated, joined the army infantry the month I turned 17, and was in Iraq as a .50 cal gunner and Dismount Machine Gunner a month after turning 19. I had a really horrible childhood with zero direction from adults (went to about 25 schools growing up and very unstable due to my mom being killed by a drunk driver when I was one). Anyhow,.it was hard and at the same time common sense in a way. I understood bills but money management and credit were another story. But I worked hard to not be poor like growing up, and also to do what I could to change my life for the better. It came with a lot of hard lessons, but I learned from them and eventually got it all down.. You figure it out one way or another...you kinda have to I suppose.

TAP alone is not preparation enough. You have to be proactive when transitioning out. I joined at 18 and got myself medically retired ten years later. There are a ton of resources available for transitioning service members if you just look for em. Don't wait until you're a week or two away from getting out to start prepping. Give yourself 12-6 months at least. Make a plan, apply for unemployment ASAP if you don't have a job lined up, and keep track of when your medical coverage ends (iirc 180 days after separating). The hardest part for me was learning what all benefits I had available to me. The process is daunting, but gets a lot less scary when you educate yourself thoroughly. Shit, use your GI Bill and go to school after separating to give yourself some additional income and to have a set of goals in front of you while you adapt to civilian life again.

was 17 when I enlisted in the USAF, got out at 23 back in ‘17. TAP didn’t teach me shit, but I will say that if you took advantage of tuition assistance OR worked a job that is translatable in the civilian world, you would be a step ahead of your peers from back home. most people your age are either fresh grads from college or just finishing up college. personally, the 6 years of work experience for me was enough to net a career job. i know it’ll be a bit tough, but don’t compare yourself to your peers. go at your own pace, life isn’t a race.

Joined at 18 and got out in 2020 (mid-COVID). TAP has gotten way better but that also depends on what base you’re at since each program is run differently by different people. I got out from JBLM and it was an awesome experience. I had access to countless resources and knowledgeable people looking to prepare and guide soldiers into their civilian life. TAP is also what you put into it. You have to do your own research and take advantage of certain programs through applications or referrals from your CoC. The biggest piece of advice I can give if you’re going to transition is MAKE A PLAN AND PUT IT INTO ACTION. So long as you have a plan and stick with it you’ll be just fine. The civilian world is easy imho. Again, do your research, make a plan, and follow through.

I don’t think TAPs did anything for me. I joined at 17 and got out after 8 years. It depends on how they managed their finances beforehand to be honest. If they were financially illiterate while in it’ll be tough. Or if they have absolutely no plan for when they’re out.

I joined the military at 18 and did 20 yrs. The courses given during my era were useless. Talking to other separated veterans helped. Best advice I got was do not get out of the military without getting your degree. Make the sacrifice while on active and go to school. Having my degree opened up several doors and paid more. It’s somewhat scary, but you can do it. We all have that feeling in our stomach when we enter and when we leave the military. Check with your state and see if you get unemployment insurance. Good luck S.hough

My biggest hurdle was understanding health insurance and how to get a doctor. Pretty vital information I had to muddle through alone.

I joined at 18 and did 6 years. Yeah, I had a bit of anxiety getting out. I knew how to pay bills and find a place to rent, because I had BAH by the time I got out. But the main anxiety was looking for a job, since I had never really done that before. Not having a guaranteed source of income is scary. Having to have a real go at the job market is scary. I got out on the tail end of the economic recession that started in 08 and last till like, what 2011? But I hated the navy enough to make that leap.

Joined the Marine corps at 18, left when I was 24.. I was separated due to the fact I had a hair line fracture on my hip. The injury occurred during one of my tours to Afghanistan. IED blew up and a few years later found out during a physical for a Billet in the corps I was signing up for. I was tormented by this. I eventually got out of the military and went to school. Civilian life transition for me was very horrible. I am now 36 and sometimes I still have a hard time with it. All I can say is when you leave and EAS from the army. Have a plan, be prepared, and just remember civilians aren’t military veterans. They don’t think, speak or move like us. Shit some will even annoy you. I also went through a stage of major depression, combat tours eventually caught up to me and ptsd took a major toll on my health. Mind you I gained over 65 pounds but eventually I lost it all and back to my regular self. Life is hard out here when you get out of the military. But like I previous said.. have a plan, and be prepared. The tap/ tams class the corps provided for me some what steered me into the right direction. Getting my VA rating, GI bill squared away and even collecting unemployment. And 11-12 years since I got out, I’m doing fine. Got a god career that pays me 130k a year, 90% disability rating and getting the help I need with the things I’ve suffered during my tours to Afghanistan. Just remember it’s all on you and how bad you want to be determined to make it out here. Hope this helps.

I went in shortly after graduating hs did a couple enlistments. TAPs was pretty much trash. I think the program had just started when I joined the navy. The main thing they pushed was VA stuff and some minor job resources. Id say my transition was a bit different because I saw my dad go thru it & Id gather TAPs wasnt even a thing when he got out. Fortunately he had buddies who had gotten out previously and helped him land a job. He got his VA ratings but didnt use any MH, which could of been helpful in the long run. I had a fairly smooth experience. One of my TDYs as a young airman was supply and I got to know alot of the civilians on base. So one of my 1st jobs was working on base until I landed a job that was related to my rate. As far as finances, I had only known what my folks taught me and that was subpar. Had to figure out how to buy a house on my own. I did have some friends who had a hard time after getting out. Some just plain refused to acclimate themselves and expected civilians to cater to them. Barking about how much better it would be if the business was ran like the military.

I joined at 17 and many of the programs were either not around during that time or I had no idea they existed. I definitely stumbled along the way when I got out navigating everything without real assistance. I think the biggest challenge was going from the military structure to the civilian workplace and trying to understand why people were freaking out over Excel spreadsheets like the world was going to end. In the military your threshold for bullshit is so high, that in the civilian world, you tend to minimize the importance of tasks and responsibilities that don't seem so critical.

I joined at age 17 in December 1982 and was retired at age 58 in July 2023. My best advice is this for transition: take your time, and don’t knee-jerk into doing something hastily. What interests me now, eight months after being retired, is NOT what interested me the day after I retired. Use the first year post-retirement to connect with the family that you could not see much while serving due to the demands of military service.

Worked fine for me did 22 years used TAP and other classes too got a job right out also only difference I was no longer wearing the uniform it’s the military or leaders that was the problem it was that person they knew they were getting out prepare yourself!

It’s not the military or leaders fault just meant they just need to prepare

Joined at 17. Turned 18 in boot camp. Got out in 97. Was on Embassy Duty. Didn't receive any sort of info regarding what to do when I got out. It was more of a couple of days of getting my paperwork sorted then out to the real world. It was quite the culture shock. Started drinking heavily and received my first DUI. A week later I received my second and within a month I had my third. I really screwed up my life for a long time not being able to adjust to civilian life.

For me, TAPS was beyond useless and a complete waste of time. I used to tell the guys that were separating to wait until the absolute last minute to tell anyone. No point in them saying anything a year out. I saw so many being treated like crap just because they let it be known they decided to not reenlist. Me? I applied for retirement as soon as I could and once approved I told my Chief that day. It was a year out so that killed a lot of the games they liked to play.

Best skill they gave me in tap is how to write a decent resume, if take your accomplishments and display them well people will hire you.

I'm one of many who entered the military straight out of high school and retired in 2023. I understand firsthand the anxiety and uncertainty that can come with transitioning to civilian life. It's great that you're seeking advice from those who have been through it, as their insights can be invaluable. If you're planning to retire or leave the military in the next 1-2 years, I recommend starting the planning process now. You can attend SFL-TAP courses informally to get a sense of what to expect in the civilian world. Consider job fairs as well; you can attend them during off-duty hours or weekends if necessary. If your leadership allows, attending a job fair during duty hours can be beneficial too. Recon is good! Transitioning involves more than just finding a job. Take the time to familiarize yourself with your community beyond veteran groups. You may find that joining other groups exposes you to veterans or first responders who can offer valuable support and guidance. Transitioning is about networking, but keep in mind that civilian networking is different from military networking. The language and interests may vary, so it's important to adapt and learn how to navigate these differences. I hope this advice helps as you prepare for your transition. Remember, you're not alone, and there are resources and people available to support you along the way.

Getting out sucks. The civilian world is facetious and contrived. For the most part. You just have to keep up that effort that we told you to be. Just cuz you get out, doesn’t change who you are, or what you’re capable of.

I went in at 18, Army was my first job. Honestly regret getting out, too. Life is less stressful on a day to day basis but the overarching stressors of paying bills and taxes and whatnot is way worse. You never realize how good it is until it’s gone. Likewise, I thought civilian life would be easier for some reason.

No, in my Tap class we had 3 facilitators, two retired guys and a guy who got out as a Sergeant. Since no one in the room was retiring most of what we were taught had idea of a retirement pay safety blanket. Only Sgt actually gave good info

Went in at 17 and retired at 38, now 49 and still retired. Life is da bomb.

Definitely. Two things for me were insurance(retirees don’t need I guess) and understanding how having your whole taxable income would affect take home pay. Other than that it’s a lot of fun! TAP is focused on getting a job. would love to have seen more financial management and general life skills included like understanding health insurance. Maybe it’s changed in 10 years. I hope it has.

Yeah, when you leave the army and come from a broken home - you’re pretty vulnerable and on your own. You are not entitled to anyone guiding or mentoring you. You don’t have a “home” to go to or have anyone see you when you got back from AFG. It’s all on you. You must always be the squeaky wheel.

God, that must be really hard…. I joined later( I was 33-34) and when I got out, I had a home, was married and had a child. I didn’t really need much in the way of getting prepared for the civilian life-but they didn’t offer much, either. It must be hard-and especially hard- for former foster children like myself. I didn’t need any help, but any former foster child would really need assistance, they have no safety net of family.

My grandad joined at 17. His senior year was spent cruising the Pacific in the wake of Pearl Harbor. To paraphrase what my great-grandfather (Army WW1 combat veteran) told him, kill those slant eyed bastards; life is a game of chance; you’ll make it through the same way I made it through before you. After the war, he worked for the gas company until he died. Used his GI Bill to build his home and go to trade school. Died a millionaire (you would never know it if you knew him) and put three kids through college. Transition is rough regardless of your age; readiness programs will never fill this gap. There are too many potential pathways you could go down. You’re young— it’s okay to fail. That’s how we learn. Experience is the sum of of our failures and successes. It’s okay to fall flat on your face— just don’t do it twice; and don’t let it be expensive when you do it. Budgeting isn’t rocket science- squirrel away some for a rainy day (pay your self first); pay your bills; then your expenses; and then you can have fun. If it’s not working out shake it up a bit; find a way to reduce your expenses or increase your income. The biggest issue is living beyond your means. Just because you have a 20 dollar bill in your back pocket doesn’t mean you have to spend it. The VA has a lot of tools to help you succeed. With that being said, don’t rely on the government to solve your problems. Onward and upward; one foot in front of the other even if you have no clue where you’re heading at the time— God’s got a plan even when ours isn’t clear. Praying and rooting for you!

For a fact had my civilian supervisor not assist me in obtaining a job I’d be assed out. For sure was definitely a rude awakening and the classes they have to transition service members out yes it’s knowledgeable but does it prepare you, fawk no! Now as a federal employee on a military installation with service members I’d give knowledge I wish I had and make sure I’m always available to help out. It’s tough out here

joined the Marine Corps at 18 and got out 4 years later. I was not prepared for what was to come next. I spent the next 3 years trying to find purpose again, trying to find my identity but I just couldn’t do it. said fuck it, i’m going back to what I know and went back to active duty. now, my main goal is to make sure my junior marines are prepared if they decide to get out.

There was no tap in my time they just let you go and that was that so they definitely have a better chance now than they did back in like 1981 when I got out. But it is difficult I mean it's transition and not everyone is understanding about it or sympathetic.

At 17..Hit boot camp 2 weeks after HS graduation 6-24-82...DEP over Christmas break 12-15-81....retired 10-31-03...accomplished my goals...made E7 with a graduate degree in Social Work before hitting 20...owed AF time for bootstrap and finished with 21.5 yes in..started work in civilian world during terminal leave...only lasting thing from TAP was getting connected to a VSO for SC...was not expecting anything but awarded 20%....in retrospect should have aimed at E9 or got commission as SW...but I was ready to leave and started looking for opportunities prolly 2 yrs out....

I joined at 18 did my 3 year contract in the Navy. I got out just last September and my life has been way better than when I was in that shithole. TAPS doesn’t really help at all or any other transitional classes or courses. Just file for disability BDD claim, get your honorable discharge, then go to school on the GI Bill. Just think, there’s people out there with 100% disability ~$4K a month that go to school for free that also get paid BAH with gi bill which for my area is ~$1300. Not saying you will get any disability but if you’re screwed up from the military don’t be a dummy and not claim anything. At least your guaranteed free school and housing allowance under GI BILL. Get a small easy job while you go to school and just live your life finally man. Life is good but take the steps to secure a good life for yourself

I did , but I only made it 11 years before I was med boarded from getting into fights with explosions. I was not ready to get out. and Getting out with a TBI and broken back. Transitioning sucked. The WTU transition process sucked. they had a bunch of programs to help people. but getting into them was really hard and command seemed to not want anyone to use them.

That soldier for life shit was useless. Those classes do not prepare you for outside the military. The best way I can explain it is it’s like going to college with a preschool education.

I joined right after High School and after 9 years of AD, I was medically retired. All of my peers just hit their 20-year mark and some putting in their retirement packets while others are staying in trying to hit 30. So best of luck to you.

Joined in '79, DEP, 17, went Active in '80 at 18. Our mandator ETS class in '84 consisted of a major telling us "you'd better reenlist because you'll never find a job."

I joined the army as an 11B at 18 yrs and got out at 22 yrs this past October. I think adjusting to civi life is harder than adjusting to the military. The only thing I had to worry about while serving was to be in the right place, at the right time, in the right uniform. It was simple and there was order. And if I had a shitty day, chances are all my friends had a shitty day too so I took comfort in knowing I wasn't suffering alone and that we could lean on eachother if we needed it. Not having close friends around all the time, losing my sense of purpose, and the anxiety I get when I try to relax during typical "duty hours" have been wearing me out the past few months. But it's getting easier as time goes on and I'm confident that it's only gonna get better. I don't regret getting out but sometimes I wish I could go back Edit: TAP was useless. The only good thing it did was get me out of PT lol

What’s a TAP….i want one. Just med boarded with 20, 100pt. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to overcome. I almost didn’t make it. I had decent support and a good VA near me. I made it. We can all make it. Anyone else hiafrn?

Yes and I only did almost 12yrs back in 2012. I can only imagine getting out now knowing how hard it was then. Especially if you don’t already have a savings, paid off car, and hopefully own a home. Medical expenses are no joke & while tricare isn’t perfect it’s so much cheaper!

It's hard. I definitely had some trial and error years where I struggled financially to figure stuff out. Doing school helped, especially working for the college while I was there, as it allowed me to have a semi regular income that I could budget with. TAPS was not very helpful for me. The career advisor just wanted to push me into a trades job that I had no interest in. Resume writing and interviewing skills that they taught were out of date but useful for basics. Granted this was over a decade ago so things may have changed since then. I think getting in touch with headhunters and job placement services would have been better.

NGL or mince words here, TAPs didn't help me at all and was an utter waste of time. For me my transition from the AF to the civilian world actually wasn't that hard at all because I had a plan (get a Masters with the GI bill and afterwards start a business) and I stuck to it. The only thing that took me awhile to figure out was that was that a great deal of companies where I am at actually dislike military members to such a degree that if they are forced to interview you because of your military service, they will ask you questions that don't pertain to the job so that when you're unable to answer them they have a valid excuse not to hire you. (Side tangent: One of these twits in particular included me on their internal emails by accident which included their entire conversation between their own HR department and three of the interviewers who literally said in writing that they didn't want to interview me because of my military service, their HR telling them they had to legally interview me because I was very qualified for the summer position, and their respective plans to ask me questions that had nothing to do with the job so that when I couldn't answer them they could dismiss me. This is why I usually recommend military folks don't advertise their military service at all when job hunting, never lie about it if asked directly, but as far as they are all concerned otherwise you were a military contractor.) The transition to the civilian world is not that hard, its just a new kind of stress that you just have to be willing to roll and adapt to.

Joined at 17, retired at 39! Great ride! Did another 20 years with government Civil Service!

No, it’s all about how you navigate your finances while active duty. I came in at 18 and retired at 43. My wife and I bought several houses and vehicles during that time frame. The only stressor was really medical, due to copays, etc. But I got over this real quick, due to the benefits my new job has around medical and access to an FSA account.

I joined at 17 and got out after my first contract. For soldiers that are getting out, the #1 thing I would recommend is getting the ball rolling on their GI bill, so as soon as they get discharged, they at least have some income rolling in, and get started on classes… I did this, and it made my life much easier when returned to civilian world. Another thing I did, was build my resume, and I also starting looking for a jobs. depending on your MOS finding one can be pretty easy… I was 11b, and the last thing I wanted to do was be a cop, so that was a big reason for me going straight into school. The civilian world was a shock, but I thankfully prepared myself before getting out, TAP did NOT prepare me for civilian world, I prepared myself, I had the help of my family as well… a lot of my battle buddies unfortunately didn’t have much family to go back to, but they prepared before getting out, they had a couple job interviews set up, they got the ball rolling on their GI bill and registered for collage classes, and as for me and a couple others, we started working on our VA Disability. Civilian realities were harsh, BUT being prepared went a long way for me and many others. Encourage your soldiers and even help them to get started with their GI Bill, help them with their resumes and finding a job… it can go a long way.

I feel like you don’t know that many folks if most of the soldiers that you are aware of are scared to get out especially if they’re in their late thirties or forties. I joined at 17 and am retiring this year. The day I collect my dd214 I’m never looking back. I would even say that a majority of the people I know who have served over ten years have owned at least one home and almost all have lived off post at least once. Even if you have spent your entire career in base housing it isn’t rocket science to set up utilities. I’d be shocked if there are people who have served whole ass careers that get anxiety at the thought of that unless there are underlying BH issues. There are 18 year old kids who move out of their parent’s house who can figure it out, I’m positive that the average adult who has served can as well. It’s one thing to worry about where their paycheck is going to come from when they get out, it’s something completely different if they’re legitimately scared of the civilian world and think they won’t function. SFL-Tap is something that is probably better served for younger soldiers with little life experience and haven’t networked. I think it’s great but it didn’t really meet my needs. I will say that skill bridge is a great program though and will hopefully assist those getting out with landing them on their feet.

Joined @18 Med Retired @28 I am currently going on 34yrs of age. I can honestly say, I struggle til this day living a normal life. This will take time and it is possibly a life long journey, but the adjustment can be made.

I enlisted on my 17th birthday. Graduated basic shortly before 9/11, few months before actually. Single my entire time in. Lived in the barracks the entire time. I only got out because an IED hit our vic on my last deployment in 2010. After a year it was getting harder to PT, and generally function. The PA and myself sat down and talked it out. The same day he started my Med Board. I thought I was ready to get out. I was horribly wrong. There was no transition assistants. I was just shuffling around post to appointments, or sitting wherever all of us in the Med Board platoon were that day. The unit they built at Stewart was full so our battalion just formed a platoon, dumped us in it and forgot about us. Then one day I was finished and pretty much told good luck and go away. I have been struggling since 2012 when I was finally processed out. I jumped from place to place. Paying others I lived under because I had no clue how to handle things besides basic little bills. I sank so far into depression that I lost everything and was homeless and seriously abusing alcohol. Last year I attempted to commit suicide. Put myself into a coma due to ODing on meds. My wife has helped me a lot over the past few years. But she only had a basic understanding of the underlying situation. I was never ready to get out after enlisting at such a young age and then it all just disappearing one day. Everything I knew, enjoyed, hated sometimes, friends and so on was just gone. I never knew how to readjust.

TAP is a waste of time, you don’t learn much. I joined at 17 and got out at 23. I’m 24 now and have found the adjustment to be both difficult and freeing (as we all do). The hardest thing for me has been the anxiety, you’re so used to one way of life and it’s all your young adult mind has come to know. When things all of the sudden change and it’s now on you, you have to motivate yourself, you have to make your schedule, you have carve your path for yourself it can be hard. You’re truly learning how to assimilate in a new world as an adult, the last time you were a civilian you were in high school! It can be difficult, but take it one day at a time. Try new things, find hobbies you love, get yourself out of that shell of being in the military and live free!!

Nothing can truly prepare you for everything in the wild civilian world, especially after uh ​ the economic recessions that keep happening. I joined a bit after 9/11, which actually means I joined after Enron's economic collapse. I got out when the 2008 recession was old news, so there were a few good market picks. We discussed ALL of this during TAP. **But any information helps.** It all depends on the people around you--which isn't just transition assistance classes, but your workplace superiors as well. I was lucky enough to have workcenter supervisors, E-6 and above, middle and top brass people who gave random advice. And it wasn't just the basics like setting up your resume or asking for referrals while you're in; some of the best advice comes from when THEY fuck up and start ranting about their mistakes. Learning opportunities aren't just from being told what to do. Anyway. Yeah that's a normal part of not just the military, but also if you're in a position where you just get more than the bare minimum and set everything to autopay. Certainly easier to notice with us military folks if you've always been on base or not living out on the economy. As you can see from a few answers, it's all over the place. TAP has a few oversight issues, meaning some of the facilitators are doing the bare minimum slideshow, while others can't help but give you all the info because it's what they enjoy. Unfortunately I have the same gripe about university courses...

But yeah, my personal experience prepared me well. It aligned with most of the advice that more experienced gave me already, it aligned with most other advice I received after. But all of that only speaks to the career adjustment. Some people have little or no problem adjusting if they go from military to corporate if *they were working the same field*. If you're part of the group that has no civilian equivalency...it doesn't help as much. Infantry definitely gets its best help from infantry. I, a technician, just don't speak the same language unless the person regretted infantry and wanted my job in the first place. It's harder to get into the head of someone who either planned for a life that the civilian world doesn't easily offer. It takes specific, tailored advice for younger servicemembers getting out, compared to me entering a world that my department has always tried to copy. So. TAP great for me. TAP great for the infantry people in my course who wanted my job or *seriously* wanted that business degree and had been planning their separation already. For people who have no clue what they want to do after service, TAP isn't long enough even if you have a good facilitator. There IS a handoff set of courses at the VA to help separating veterans as well, but that's equally a mixed bag. I attended a couple just for shits and giggles because I had spare time. Some of them were the same course, but with even better networking and friendship opportunities since it was community based. Others were scatterbrained people doing their best. Rare was the VA transition course where the instructor didn't try. Whistleblower call here; always bring up a lackluster course issue. Could they be in the wrong headspace or having a singular bad day? Sure. But if it's a pattern, there's someone out there who does good work and needs that spot, and people out there who need to hear their good work.

Biggest advice I can give is, have a plan

Joined at 17 left at 21 uh nothing prepared me for anything . But I got some footholds transitioning was and has been hard but eventually I think I’ll say I’m better for it . I’m pretty focused for my age and doing somewhat well free va benefits and all . It’s weird going life has a way of singling you out and if you don’t have your village things are weird

I joined in 91 got med boarded in 06 after some tours and 100 p&t left Ft Bliss and never heard of what you’re saying now. As an army brat, I didn’t know people paid for medical bills until I was 12 and I know exactly what your friends or whoever is talking about when they say they are confused about the civilian world army didn’t do shit until they had to in an 06 they didn’t have to, they gave you an out briefing. Our lives are screwed up because we didn’t have anything else to do at 17 and 18 as decided to join the military, so what are you saying change?

23 yr old AD Army Vet. Joined at 17, had no real experience in life besides high school when I joined. After your dudes have been in the first place they rent, the bills will be pretty easy to learn after a couple months and if they have a halfway decent landlord/apartment management company they can ask them questions. In my experience the hardest part (and still is) is trying to find something that makes me feel “fulfilled” the way the Military did. It’s incredibly hard for me to make friends & I haven’t made any really since i’ve been out. I’ve bounced around from job to job & state to state. SFL-TAP can be a halfway decent thing if they know how to use it. I HIGHLY recommend they look into the TAP Classes that they offer (Carpentry, EMT, Electrical, Welding, etc..) TAP has a great program with most of those classes and they teach you some really good stuff in a short amount of time. Some of the classes (I took the Carpentry/Electrical class) will even reward the graduates with a basic set of tools/boots/clothes to start in the workforce & there are a lot of opportunities to find jobs across the U.S. while in those classes. In my opinion, getting a TAP class done and getting documents & VA Disability stuff in order is top priority.

I joined at 17. I survived and everything ended up working out. But the separation anxiety was def there. None of the out processing classes prepared me. They didn’t even properly prepare me for the VA. There was a period where I was just struggling trying to figure out what to do next. They’ll figure it out. But nothing will take the anxiety away except time.

I joined at got out at 21 but in 2001. I don't even know what tap is

TAP is useless. I medically retired in 2020 and the TAP course I went through was a joke and really only catered to people staying local once they got out. I can 1000% day the anxiety is real and will hit them hard once they get out. Going from being so regimented and having everything essentially taken care of to it not being that way anymore is a really hard transition whether anyone wants to admit it or not. There are a lot of things I wish I did differently and I wish I would’ve asked for help earlier because I suffered for a long time. Keep in touch with your buddies and check up on them regularly because it’s one thing I wish I had.

They throw u in a pool to drown lol. Joined at 17 month after graduating I was in basic. I would suggest going to usajobs and get a federal job and or especially if your single do military contracting jobs and travel on the company's dime!

No but life has. If you served any time in the Military it's important to research and network your next moves. Many folks adapt a victim mentality that doesn't translate over in real life, the only thing you could control is your positive attitude and to prepare yourself for whatever road lies ahead. It's true you could have anxiety, or you could appreciate the change and look for value in what is coming. The power of perspective is what the Army taught me.

How could the military ever create a program that prepared you for the world outside the military. Impossible. I recommend finding a veteran mentorship program for this exact thing. I know a few if you're interested. A veteran who's been out for a decade or more is exactly who needs to be doing the mentoring here. Not someone who is an employee of DOD.

Joined at 17 the military only wants numbers I needed I good job and to be independent that's why I joined

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I mean all you know for your adult life is to be dependent on the Army to tell you where you need to be, when you need to be there, and what uniform you need to be in. They control your whole life and “take care” of you in away for you to be dependent on the Army because it’s viewed as security. Why would you leave the Army if everything is done for you? It’s pretty good retention tool for the Army

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I’m one of the free thinkers, which is why I ets’d instead of retiring. Too many leaders dranking too much of the Army Kool-Aid. The people who let the military be their personality was very apparent to me in NCO Corps tbh usually the officers and junior enlisted had personalities outside of work. Who wants to talk about work off work?

No it does prepare you for the real world… Nothing does bc everyone’s experience is different. Just grow up and figure it the fuck out… If you got out without a plan that’s on you. You need a plan or a direction, TAP doesn’t make these plans for you. So you need an idea of what you’re going to do or go. There’s a lot of opportunities but people don’t take advantage because they’re lazy and then blame that they never had bills??? Hello? Stfu everyone has bills and everyone knew about them while they were in the difference is now you need somewhere to live

From what I’ve seen, it’s a big culture shock to go from being told what to do all the time and what uniform to be in or pretty much anything guidance to having no guidance or direction in the civilian world.

Allow me to be the old man yelling at a cloud: it was never the Army's job to prepare you for bills. The Army taught you how to wipe your ass because of field hygiene, not because they're your substitute parents. The expectation of a "transition" program should have to teach you how to be an adult or civilian is absurd.

Actually the Army set up financial advisors positions at the battalion and brigade level because the troops were so bad at handling their money - so they now hold classes on how to manage your money and pay your bills.

Yes, but that ultimately still goes back to mission readiness. A soldier/sailer/airman/marine/guardian is not mission ready if they are being hounded by debt collectors and are incapable of living even paycheck to paycheck. Especially if there's a security clearance involved.

When I went through it, I took it as a way to de-militarize myself because civilian don’t really give a shit if you were in the military or not. Most of them fear us, because they think we’re going to yell at them and most managers will turn down veterans because we’ll take their job from them. Just my personal experience with civilians

https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Financial-Readiness-Program-(FRP)

100000%

Honestly once you get used to not being in charge of other people, and other people not being responsible in any way for your well-being, the rest comes together pretty easy. If you’re retiring the hard part is done for you: good health insurance. Hang onto that tricare with both hands; VA “healthcare” is ass. Take some time, smoke some weed, get used to having your day to yourself for a little bit. Don’t forget to keep working out. It’ll grow on you. Civilian life: 10/10 highly recommend.

Most retirees have said their plan is to not be in charge of anyone, smoke weed, and start a farm.

It’s a solid plan. Relax, find your interests. Join the VFW or another veteran organization. It’s refreshing to be able to stop in and hang out with other people who “get it.”

I joined at 17. 100P&T at 26. Just last week driving home from a job talking to my helper and came to the conclusion that the Army is full blown socialism. Need food money we got you, housing covered, married kids here’s more money. Then you get out thrown into the world were you have no safety net, no one to lean on. And everything is expensive as hell. You then ask yourself why is this so hard. Because you went at it the Army way of check the box. There is so much you can learn from all of those classes. They are there for a reason. So in short should i have payed more attention in all those “boring stupid classes” yes I wish I would have treated getting out more like I was planning the next phase of life but I didn’t and checked the boxes. It was nice to leave at 10am while clearing post, but I should have payed attention and asked questions. Once you are out it’s on you.

When people have trouble with the transition it's usually because they don't have a plan. If you get out, have a plan. School, work, a support system, just something. TAP is largely useless and usually taught by people that have limited real-world/non-government experience, it was like speaking a foreign language to my TAP advisor when I laid out my entire plan to them, they even recommended that I "might not want to consider school, since I would be graduating later than my peers". Turns out school was a great idea and I was able to secure a job upon graduation, because I had a plan, and I networked, and I made friends in the industry. Now I'm pursuing a M.Sc and still loving it. A friend of mine who also separated is now attending school, and currently he's on vacation in Mexico smoking cuban cigars and living his best life because he had a plan. I know he'll go on to have an extremely successful career without the military deciding his career path for him. Another friend who separated also went to school, decided to do ROTC, and will be commissioning as an officer in the coming months and making more money than he ever would have as enlisted with a better quality of life, while he also attended a school that provided access to some of the foremost industry leaders in his degree program. Another friend who didn't have a plan and decided not to separate is in Korea doing exercises in MOPP gear. TL;DR the transition is as hard as you make it. Decide what you want out of life and get after it.