INFO - things that might help

[Debby]

DISCLAIMER - This comes from MY personal experience ….with all federal government entities inaccurate information is the norm, there is a lot of trial and error when leaving the Navy. Hope this helps..

 

During the separation process it can be a whirlwind here a few things to remember this is just a start to the list new members are welcome to post their recommendations too then we will compile a master list... The Navy does work with the guys to make the separation process a little easier.. However the real world is a totally different thing and can get overwhelming.. This is where Mom is important!

1. Get complete copies of all service record and medical records

2. YES you can file for unemployment; this is typically done in the state of your last duty station. You will need your DD214. Do not give up on this it can make or break your ability to live while your waiting for other income to come through.. Such as the MGI Bill (Post 9-11 and Montgomery discussed in another post). It will be easier to start the process before you leave the state, some states require a local address.. on some of the bases there are unemployment offices.. I know this is true in Norfolk.

3. GO to the local VA you can walk in to Eligibility and Enrollment, you need your DD214 for this process, we took all service/medical records just to be on the safe side.  They will start the process of enrollment, and then an appointment will be made with medical this appointment can take up to 4 months to get in but once your enrolled you can go there for help. IF your sailor has been wounded during service this appointment is a priority and they will get in faster. The appointment is a full medical exam.. blood tests physical etc.. It’s a long day be prepared.

4. When looking for a job.. Look at USAJOBS.gov you are a veteran of the greatest military in the world the federal government gives you extra points towards federal jobs! You can also build your resume on USAJOBS.. remember for federal employment the MORE you put the better, government jobs are not like civilian where less is more, on my son’s resume we included ALL of his training, ALL weapons he uses, ALL equipment/vehicles he has touched. EVERYTHING!! Nothing is to small or insignificant! (This is where the service record helps it has lists of the training)

If hired you can do what is called a “buyback” of your military time.. It’s a small fee where your military time goes towards your civilian time in federal work. Example.. you were in the Navy 6 years you get employed by the federal government you now have 6 years service to the federal government (also helps in the seniority structure of most agencies).  When my husband did this his biweekly cost was $30 for 1 year. Unsure how much now.. my son may have a job at the VA I will post more when we know more..

5. Some job related things to remember.. What did you do in the Navy? And how can you transition that to civilian life?  Example a Navy Corpsman in most states is the equivalent to a LPN/LVN, see the local board of nursing for information on what you can do to transition into a nursing career, in some states LVN’s can make in the 40,000 a year range, and the VA still uses LVN’s so that is an opportunity! Then use the MGI bill to do a LPN to RN bridge program..  MP – Police, local state county federal airports the VA has a police dept too!!