Call a Relationship Manager you can trust: phone icon1-910-307-3500

Military Retirement Planning Resource

6 Decisions You Need to Make Before Your Military Separation

2024-02-12

Separating from the military is an exciting time in your life, however, it can also be intimidating to leave military life behind. An array of questions may come to mind, but rest assured, AAFMAA (American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association) is here to guide you through the process.  

There are many important decisions to consider during your transition from Active Duty to civilian life. For guidance with each of these important decisions, this series of articles contains brief information, links, and tips to assist you in making the best decisions for you and your family as you prepare for military transition and your financial independence. 


Things to Think About When You're Separating

The decisions to consider before military separation include:  

  1. VA Benefits
  2. Life Insurance to Replace SGLI  
  3. Healthcare to Replace TRICARE 
  4. Education and Employment Resources 
  5. Planning for Retirement — Social Security 
  6. Planning for Retirement — Medicare  

AAFMAA has created a downloadable Transition Timeline to assist you in planning for your military transition back to civilian life.  

As always, we are here to assist you throughout your life in the military and beyond. If you have any questions or need our assistance with your military benefits, an AAFMAA Member Benefits Representative can help. Call 888-691-4574, select option 2, then option 2 again; or email [email protected].  

When you’re ready to retire, or to consider it, check out our 7 Decisions Before You Retire series for information about other choices you’ll need to make.