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If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves. (Thomas Edison)
   
SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE
  1. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
   
 
Department of Defense Logo The Department of Defense has implemented an extensive array of services and benefits designed to equip separating Service members with the basic job-hunting skills, tools, and self-confidence necessary to secure successful employment in the civilian workforce. The programs described below were developed through the efforts of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the military Services, the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Separating Service members are counseled on and advised of the availability of these programs at their last duty assignment prior to leaving the military. Some of the major elements of the program are:
 
   
  Preseparation Counseling – The military Services are required to make preseparation counseling available not later than 90 days prior to each Service member’s discharge or release from active duty. Retirees should begin preseparation counseling as early as 24 months prior to retirement. All other eligible separatees should begin preseparation counseling as early as 12 month prior to separation. Preseparation counseling will include, as a minimum, information on:
 
  • Development of an Individual Transition Plan (ITP)
  • Positive and Negative Effects of a Career Change
  • Employment Assistance
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Education/Training
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Finances
  • Reserve Affiliation
  • Disabled Veterans Benefits
  • VA Benefits
  Verification of Military Experience and Training Document (VMET) – The VMET, DD Form 2586 is available to all eligible departing Service members online at www.dmdc.osd.mil/vmet. Separating Service members are strongly encouraged to download their VMET as soon as they make the decision that they plan on leaving the Service. The document assists Service members to verify previous military experience and training to potential employers, write resumes, interview for jobs, negotiate credits at schools and obtain licenses and certificates.
   
  DoD Job Search – The DoD Job Search is an associated Department of Labor website that is part of America’s Job Bank (AJB). This website provides online resume entry, want ad, and referrals. You can access this website and put your resume online at www.dod.jobsearch.org.
   
  Transition Bulletin Board (TBB) – The Transition Bulletin Board allows employers to post short-term or long-term job ads electronically bulletin. In addition, the TBB contains business opportunities, a calendar of transition seminars/workshops, job fairs, information on military and veterans associations, transition products and services, training and educational opportunities as well as other announcements pertaining to transitioning personnel. Separating Service members can access the TBB at www.dmdc.osd.mil/ot.
 
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Public and Community Service (PACS) Registry – All separating Service members are encouraged to consider public and community service jobs upon leaving the Service. There is a PACS organizational registry included in a section of the Transition Bulletin Board (TBB). Separating Service members can check the registry to see what public and community service job opportunities are listed.
 
Department of Defense (DoD) Transportal – The DoD Transportal website, www.dodtransportal.org was designed specifically to assist Service members leaving active duty and their spouses. While DoD Transportal contains valuable information and resources, it should be used as part of a comprehensive program of transition and employment assistance.
   
  Employment Assistance – Information will be provided concerning resume writing, job search, job placement, job interviews, job fairs, job training, compensation negotiation, and individual skill assessment. Service members are exposed to a myriad of online job data banks with thousands of employment opportunities in various career fields.
   
Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know”. . . people will respect you much more and will always
place more weight on what you do say. . . because they know you are right.
 
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