Information to Assist Transitioning Service Members
Navy Retirement Resource Guide
Click the link below to access the latest version of the guide. Scroll down to see a short summary of each section.
Although it is free to view/download the guide, donations are appreciated if you find this resource useful. Donations will be used to help pay for this website and domain name. Additionally, donations will validate there is a demand signal for this resource.
Navy Resource Retirement Guide Overview
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Preface
Nothing earth shattering here…just some opening comments from me
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1. Timeline
Timeline to assist in your preparations and provides milestones along the path (and beyond) your retirement date
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2. Organizations and Resources to Support Your Retirement Preparations
Great place to find organizations and resources to assist you along your path to retirement
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3. DoD SkillBridge Program
SkillBridge program requirements and some information about my SkillBridge experience
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4. Separation History and Physical Examination
Overview on your final active duty trip to your Navy primary care physician
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5. Veteran's Affairs Disability Claim
What is a service-connected disability, how to file your VA Claim, and VA math
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6. Veteran's Affairs Disability Benefits
Significance of your disability rating and an explanation of concurrent receipt
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7. Pay and Taxes
Additional VA programs and assistance for those seeking to open a small business
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8. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty - DD Form 214
Primer on the DD Form 214, how to fix errors, and my experience
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9. Survivor Benefits Plan
Essential information concerning SBP, including purpose, cost, and resources to help make your decision
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10. Healthcare Options Post-Separation
TRICARE options, FEDVIP, VA Health Care, Retiree Eyeglasses, and Health-Related Savings Accounts
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11. Veterans Entrepreneurship Training Program
Info about your final paycheck, retired pay, tax considerations, and more
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12. Additional Benefits and Information
Terminal Leave, National Parks Pass, Retirement Flag - a hodgepodge of information that didn’t fit elsewhere in this guide
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13. Legal Considerations
UCMJ applicability in retirement along with job-hunting/employment restrictions
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14. Websites, Apps, and Credentials
Important websites and access sites you need to establish prior to you handing in your CAC
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Appendix A - RI Veteran Benefits
Veteran benefits in RI (if there is a demand signal I may add info for other states)
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Appendix B - Sample Awards Documentation
If NSIPS doesn’t properly reflect your awards, a recommendation to document them
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Appendix C - My Personal Timeline
I provide my timeline for reference
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Appendix D - Recommended Reading
I read a lot of books, these are the ones I though were worth my time (it’s a short list)
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Appendix E - Useful Forms/Checklists
List of Forms and Checklists discussed in this guide
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References
Although not all the documents I used to make this guide, a significant number of them are here
Contact Us
You can navigate to this website periodically to get the latest copy of the guide, but if you would like to receive email updates regarding significant changes to the guide then please provide your info here. Additionally, if you have questions or feedback please reach out.
MY PROMISE: I will never sell your contact information and I will not flood your inbox. I envision no more frequent than monthly updates when there are changes to the guide.