ETS Transition Advice for Soldiers: How to Prepare for Civilian Life
- Esther Kim
- Sep 19, 2024
- 5 min read
ETSing is overwhelming. There’s no sugarcoating it. The appointments, the paperwork, the deadlines—it all adds up fast. I’ve been there, and I know how easy it is to miss something important or feel completely lost.
That’s why I wanted to share some real, honest ETS transition advice for soldiers getting ready to transition out of the military. Whether you're applying to jobs, heading to school, or still figuring it all out, I hope this gives you a clearer path forward—and maybe a little peace of mind.
SFL TAP Appointments: Your First Step Toward Civilian Life
Do your research early.
Keep track of your SFL TAP appointments—they’re incredibly helpful and educational. Honestly, they’re one of the first ways you’ll start to feel like a civilian again.
Write everything down. Be punctual. Don’t miss appointments. No one will track them for you—this is step one in taking charge of your civilian life.
If you no-show, you’ll have to sign back in. Don’t waste people’s time—it only hurts you.
Make a clear timeline with no-fail checkpoints. And start thinking seriously about where you want to go and what you want to do.
Turning Volunteer Work into Career Experience
Non-paid work is still experience. Volunteer!
If you're volunteering, log your hours in the Army’s Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS). It’s not mandatory, but it helps you get recognized by both the organization and Garrison Command.
Weekly logging is best—hours are harder to track after 30 days. VMIS lets you populate official forms like DA FORM 4162 (Volunteer Service Record) and DA FORM 4713 (Daily Time Record).
These documents can back up your resume, portfolio, and awards. Your time matters. Make it count.
Career Skills Program and Job Applications After ETS
The Army Career Skills Program doesn’t guarantee a job—but it’s full of opportunity. Research what fits your career goals best.
Networking starts now. The people around you are already evaluating whether they’d want to work with you again someday.
Stay sharp. Stay professional.
Understanding and Using Your GI Bill Benefits
The GI Bill can carry you through this transition—and even beyond. You can use it for school abroad.
Use the GI Bill calculator to compare costs. Check if you're eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program to help cover tuition gaps.
If you’ve served at least 3 years on active duty, you qualify for 100% GI Bill benefits (unless medically retired).
You may also be eligible for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) based on your disability rating.
Research your state’s veteran education benefits—like the Illinois Veterans' Grant (IVG) or Hazlewood Act in Texas. Some states offer nearly free public college for veterans.
Need help navigating school applications? Service to School (S2S) provides free counseling to help you apply to undergrad and grad programs. Use it!
Education Resources You Can Use While Still in the Military
Use Tuition Assistance and Credentialing Assistance while you still can. It’s free money, and if you don’t use it, it’s wasted.
Plenty of service members complete degrees through Education Center programs before they ETS. Why not you?
How to Request Strong Letters of Recommendation
Get your letters early. Ask professors, supervisors, or NCOs you’ve worked with closely.
Most of my letters of recommendation and references were from my undergraduate professors. I got one reference from a military coworker. Your NCO can also write you a letter of recommendation. Don’t forget, military leaders make great references, so cultivate those relationships.
Contact people early if you need a letter of recommendation. I sent each of my recommenders a template of what I would write. Make it easy for them to help you.
Make sure your letters of recommendation include job skill areas for your future career
Free LinkedIn Premium for Veterans
Here’s a tip I wish more people knew: Veterans get one free year of LinkedIn Premium Business, which includes LinkedIn Learning access.
Use it to network, learn, and grow your civilian career. It's an incredible resource.
Back-Up Plans and Veteran Readiness Programs
School isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay. Programs like Veteran Readiness and Employment and Veterans Technology Education Courses offer alternatives. They’ll even pay for your training or school.
Apply early. Book appointments. Be your own advocate.
Gather Medical Records and Explore Reserve Options
Don't forget your medical records.
Also consider whether the Reserves might work as a gradual step out. It’s not for everyone, but it can be a valuable back-up plan—with a bonus, too.
Civilian Life Skills: Resume, Interviews, and First Impressions
Start with Employee Readiness and create a solid resume.
Buy some business casual clothes. Seriously—it helps you feel the part.
Practice interviewing. Ask thoughtful questions at the end—it shows you're invested.
And yes, be nice to people. In the civilian world, they’re not required to help you.
Asking for Help Is Strength, Not Weakness
Do not miss deadlines. Get your signatures early. Do not be afraid to ask for help or to lean on your network.
Army Emergency Relief fund is for soldiers. ETSing soldiers are high-risk, and considered protected Veterans even after 6 months of leaving the service. Apply if needed!
Go to the therapist, and take care of yourself! You cannot help anyone unless you take care of yourself. Make sure the people around you are also okay.
Be Resilient: Life After the Army Isn’t Always Easy
I was rejected a lot. I applied to many schools, internships, and apartments. Finances are important. Applying to college is expensive. School is expensive. Flights are expensive. Rent is crazy. Groceries, too. Dogs are expensive. Credit scores are real. Apartment hunting is also stressful. Everything is stressful. Two phone bills is stressful. Retirement is important to consider.
Support networks are important. Get the support that you need. Don't forget Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Service Member Loan Interest Cap.
Be careful with information unless you get it from the source. Things change all the time. Everyone's experiences are different. Sometimes it's misinformation. Sometimes it's... conflict of interest.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
ETSing does require a lot of personal effort and a lot of sacrifices to do it right and enter civilian life prepared.
But you’ve done hard things before. The experts at your installation are there to help—use them. Be your own best advocate. This is your time. You’ve got this.
More ETS Transition Advice for Soldiers
If you're preparing to transition out of the military, here are a few more reads that can help guide your next steps:
What Employers Look For in Employees: Keys to Employment Success Get an inside look at what hiring managers actually want—and how you can stand out in today’s job market.
From Career Gaps to Community Impact: The Value of Volunteering in Korea Explore how volunteering can help fill your resume, build new skills, and make a real difference while you're stationed overseas.
LinkedIn for Military Spouses (and Service Members Too) Learn how to use LinkedIn like a pro, build your personal brand, and connect with the right people during your job search.
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