Retirement Center
Plain-language explainers on military retirement pay, VA benefits, TRICARE, and transition planning — each reviewed against official sources. Benefits information is educational only and does not replace official guidance from your service, DFAS, VA, or TRICARE. Checklists are planning aids and do not replace official service requirements. This platform does not provide tax, investment, legal, medical, or individualized claims advice, and does not predict disability ratings or VA outcomes.
Looking for the source sites themselves? Browse the free Official Resources directory (DoD-wide and by service).
DOD SkillBridge: Civilian Job Training Before You Separate
SkillBridge lets eligible service members spend up to their final 180 days of service in an approved civilian training, apprenticeship, or internship while still receiving military pay and benefits.
Managing Your Military Transition Timeline
Treat retirement transition as a multi-month project: many activities may begin up to 24 months out, and TAP-related steps generally must start no later than 365 days before separation.
Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Overview
TAP is a DOD-mandated pre-separation program covering VA benefits, financial planning, and one of four individualized career tracks, capped by a Capstone readiness review.