Jackson Heights, NY–”The Military Separation Guide for Active Duty Personnel” can now be downloaded FREE online at http://www.unitedspinal.org/publications/vetsfirst/military-separation-guide/.

Created by United Spinal Association, a non-profit organization that has been fighting for veterans rights for over 60 years, this publication advises that career active duty personnel should start planning 24 months in advance of their retirement and other members of the military should begin planning 12 months before their separation from service, because leaving the military is a complicated process.

Transition Assistance Programs are ongoing in each branch of the military, and these programs offer pre-separation counseling, employment workshops, veterans’ benefits briefings, and a Disabled Transition Assistance Program for disabled veterans. Persons retired or separated from the military are eligible for transition assistance for up to 180 days after leaving active duty.

United Spinal’s “Military Separation Guide” emphasizes the importance of the retiree and veteran having all of their military records in their possession, and of insuring that such records are correct, before they leave active duty status. The “Military Separation Guide” also provides detailed information concerning relocation assistance and Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation, education and training benefits.

Other important issues in this publication for individuals leaving active duty military service include: health insurance for the retiree/veteran and family members/survivors; life insurance; mortgage protection life insurance for certain veterans with severe service-connected disabilities; VA/FHA home loans; business loans; rural loans; VA health care eligibility and services; VA compensation and pension; local Vet Centers; state veterans benefits; and, VA vocational rehabilitation and education for certain service-connected disabled veterans.