Whether you’ve completed your first tour or are preparing for retirement after decades of service, deciding your next step — reenlistment, transition, reserves or retirement — is one of the most personal and important decisions you’ll make. It’s not just your career, it’s your family’s future, too.
No matter which path you’re leaning toward, it helps to know what support is out there to help you build a strong, stable foundation for whatever’s next. Here are some key things to keep in mind as you decide your next step.
Benefits that support your next chapter
Your eligibility for benefits depends on your chosen path — separation, reserves or retirement — but each option offers key support.
Consider:
- Transition assistance for active duty, Guard, reserves, wounded service members, and others
- Education benefits and training resources
- TRICARE and VA medical care — medical services are available for up to two years after discharge for some service members
- Home loans and housing assistance
- Continued commissary and exchange access available for retirees, National Guardsmen and reservists
Learn more about transition assistance programs and resources. If you’ve been injured during service, you may receive extra care and support. Find out about wounded warrior specialty consultation services, health care, benefits and more.
Thinking about reenlisting?
If you’re considering reenlistment, you’re not alone. Many warfighters find that staying in uniform offers continued purpose, community and stability — all while building toward retirement and expanding benefits.
Before making your decision, think about:
- Career progression: Are you eligible for promotion, retraining or a new assignment?
- Family readiness: How would staying in impact your family’s goals, education or location preferences?
- Financial stability: Continuing service brings steady income, housing allowances, education benefits and long-term retirement options.
- Personal fulfillment: Many service members choose to stay for the mission, camaraderie and opportunity to lead.
Start the conversation with your chain of command and career counselor. They can walk you through incentives, reclassification opportunities and reenlistment bonuses. You can also explore resources to help you advance in the military.
Planning for civilian life
Transitioning to civilian life comes with trade-offs — more freedom, new expenses.
A steady civilian job is key to a successful transition. Start at least 12 months out and explore:
Relationships matter — before, during and after transition
Relationship support is foundational. Healthy family connections strengthen readiness and ease the stress of change.
Relationship help is preventative help — and often the key to navigating everything else.
Planning for retirement? Must-dos before you separate
Retirement from service is a major milestone. Start with the Military Retirement MilLife Guide to discover your must-dos before your retirement date. Preparing now sets you and your family up for a smoother transition and long-term stability.
Your final move
Your last government-paid move depends on your type of separation. Most service members transitioning out have three years, if retiring, and 180 days, if separating before retirement, to complete a final military move at the government’s expense. Review your options and find additional resources in the Post-Separation Housing Options MilLife Guide.
Facing housing insecurity? Contact the VA at 877-4AID-VET or visit the VA Homeless Programs webpage.
Transition isn’t just a career move — it’s a family decision
What you choose next affects everyone around you. That’s why strong relationships, well-being and readiness matter more than ever. You’ve served with strength. Now is the time to serve your future with just as much commitment.
Support for Military
