• Introduction to Transition Assistance
• Effects of a Career Change
• Employment Assistance
• Entrepreneurship
• Relocation Assistance
• Education and Training
• Health Care
• Life Insurance
• Personal Finances
• Guard/Reserve
• Veterans Benefits
• Disabled Veterans
• Retirees
• Employment Restrictions
• Leaving the Service

Employment Checklist For Active Duty

Download the Employment Quick Reference
Checklist in PDF format

• Discover Your Skills and Career Interests – Contact your installation's Education Center, Transition Assistance Office, or One-Stop Career Center to take a Vocational Skills and Career Interest Inventory. This program can help you determine your career options. for assistance. Visit http://www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil/  for assistance in finding the office nearest you.
• Research the Job Market – Use the TurboTAP Employment Hub to research the job market, develop a career plan, start a list of possible employers in your field, and learn more about writing résumés. The Employment Hub can be found at: /portal/transition/resources/Employment_Hub
• Get Your Official Military Education and Training Transcripts – Visit one of the following websites to request your official transcript:
• • Army: To get the Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS), go to http://aarts.army.mil/
  • Navy and Marine Corps: To get the Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART) go to https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/
  • Air Force: Get your Air Force transcript information at the following website: http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/
    
• Get a Copy of Your Verification of Military Experience and Training Document – Get a Copy of Your Verification of Military Experience and Training Document – Your DD Form 2586, “ Verification of Military Experience and Training” documents your skills and knowledge for potential employers or school officials. You can get your VMET document on line at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/vmet/index.jsp
• Begin Networking and go to Job Fairs – Contact friends in the private sector who may help you find a job. Start networking. Visit http://military.nationalcareerfairs.com/ to find a career fair near you. Also, check out career fairs sponsored by our major military medical treatment facilities and our civilian personnel offices. These websites may have facility, office and schedule information:  www.MilitaryInstallations.dod.mil, http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/, http://www.militaryonesource.com/ or www.TurboTAP.org.
• Create a Resume – Complete the first draft of your resume, and contact your local Veterans' Outreach Program Specialists (DVOP) or Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) at the OneStop Career Center. Find your nearest OneStop Career Center at www.ServiceLocator.org . These centers can offer you personalized assistance and help review your resume. You can also sign up to attend the DOL Employment Workshop with your Transition Counselor. Finally, you can go to www.TurboTAP.org  and sign up for one the many webinars that will support your employment preparation and search.
• Find Resources for Starting a Business - If you are considering self-employment, begin researching economic data and business resources in your chosen new home community. See chapter 4 of the Pre-Separation Guide for more information. The guide can be downloaded from the TurboTAP website at: http://www.turbotap.org.
• Check Out Your Federal Employment Options - Consider federal employment; explore special federal programs and hiring opportunities for veterans. Visit the following sites to learn more:
  • http://www.fedshirevets.gov
  • http://www.goDefense.com 
  • http://www.opm.gov
  • http://www.usajobs.com
  • http://www.HelmetsToHardhats.org
    
    
    
    Note: This checklist is intended to be a quick reference for planning your employment. It is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for the DD 2648 or DD 2648-1. Additionally, you need to check your eligibility for any benefit with the appropriate agency.