Next stop: civilian life! But before you go, make sure your military records are in order and double check them for errors. It is much easier to resolve problems before you leave the service. The following section will provide information on topics ranging from how to ensure the accuracy of your records to the dos and don’ts of wearing your uniform after you leave the military. Make a copy of your complete medical records and take them with you.

Keep Important Documents in a Safe Place

You should keep your performance ratings; service-issued licenses or certifications; DD Form 2586, "Verification of Military Experience and Training" and other service documents (such as your security clearance) in a safe and permanent file. Never give away the original copy of any of these documents. 

DD Form 214, “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty:” This form is one of the most important documents the service will ever give you. It is your key to participation in all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs as well as several state and federal programs. Keep your original in a safe, fireproof place and have certified photocopies available for reference. You can replace this record, but that takes a long time – time that you may not have. Be safe. In most states, the DD Form 214 can be registered/recorded just like a land deed or other significant document. So, immediately after you separate, register your DD Form 214 with your county recorder or town hall. If you register your documents, they can later be retrieved quickly for a nominal fee. You should check whether state or local law permits public access to the recorded document. If public access is authorized and you register the DD Form 214, others could obtain a copy for an unlawful purpose (e.g., to obtain a credit card in your name). If public access is permitted and you choose not to register your DD Form 214, you still should take steps to protect it as you would any other sensitive document (wills, marriage and birth certificates, insurance policies). You may wish to store it in a safe deposit box or at some other secure location. 

In addition your local Vet Center can certify your DD214 and have a copy placed on file. Find your nearest Vet Center online at http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/vetcenter.asp. 

Other military service papers: Documents associated with any military service should be kept in your permanent file at home. This includes those documents mentioned above. 

VA papers: All VA forms and correspondence also should be kept in your file, including certificates of eligibility for loans, VA file number records, and other VA papers. 

Family records: Documents such as marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, and divorce and adoption papers are permanent records you will need on a recurring basis. Keep these in your permanent file as well.

Health records: You and your family members should know the location of your health records, including medical history and individual immunization records. Keep a copy in a file at home, and know where the original is kept (usually in a military medical facility or doctor’s office).Don’t forget to keep your family current with shots and immunizations as you transition.

Insurance documents: Insurance policies and premium payment records should be kept in your permanent file at home.

Wills: All service members and their spouses should have a will. Once prepared by your local legal services office or through your own private attorney, it should be placed in a safe location with your other important documents. 

Leave a Forwarding Address

When you leave the military, you are likely to have a change of address. During this time of transition, people – including prospective employers – will be trying to contract you. Tracking you down will be a slow or impossible task unless you provide the service with a forwarding address indicating where you can be reached up to 120 days following your separation. If you do not have a reliable forwarding address, provide the permanent address of a parent or trusted friend. 

Register to Vote

As you leave the Service and locate permanently in a community, make registering to vote a top priority. For more information, including contact information for your local election official and primary and general election dates, please visit http://www.canivote.org/. Responsibility has no borders - Vote."

Young Men Must Be Registered for Selective Service

Currently, young men must register under the Selective Service system within 30 days before or after their 18 ^th birthday. This is true, even if the draft is not currently in effect. If you failed to register before entering the Service, now is the time to do so. 

If you were born in 1960 or later and did not register before entering active service, you are still required to register for Selective Service after you separate, even if you are in a Reserve unit. You will find the necessary forms at the main branch of your local post office. Failure to register may disqualify you from enrolling in certain federal job and training programs.