The last year in uniform goes fast. SkillBridge, your VA claim, your records and your first civilian salary all have to line up, and the money math is where most people slip.
Start with the income mistakes that cost the most, then the SkillBridge changes.
Your rank, years, VA rating and state, worked out after tax.
See my number, freeAbout a minute. No account, nothing saved.
Avoid these 10 costly mistakes when calculating your post-military income. Covers base pay vs total compensation, federal/state taxes, TRICARE savings, VA disability planning, BRS vs High-3, COLA growth, and more, with real 2026 dollar figures for every scenario.
The Air Force slashed SkillBridge from 180 days to 60-120 based on rank. Every branch now uses tier systems. Full comparison table, approval chain changes, and 6 moves to protect your transition plan.
Executive Order 14426 targets the 90 to 180 days it takes your records to reach the VA after you separate. That delay does not shrink your award, it holds up the cash, and at a 70% rating with a spouse that is $5,884.35 over three months. Every deadline from the signed text, plus the three sentences in Section 4 that decide how much of it is real.
You earned 20 good years with the Guard or Reserve, but your first pension check could be 15+ years away. How the points formula works, which benefits you can use right now, the reduced-age retirement rule that could start your pay years early, and what TRICARE costs while you wait. All 2026 numbers.
Everything you need to know about TRICARE as a military retiree in 2026. Compare Prime vs Select plans, understand Group A vs B costs, learn about TRICARE For Life at 65, and see all enrollment fees, copays, and FEDVIP dental/vision options.
Should you retire at 20 years or stay to 30? A 2026 analysis in today's dollars, with the pension at each point, the pay you give up, TSP growth, a break-even that turns on your civilian salary, and a decision framework.
Transitioning servicemembers get ChatGPT Plus free for 1 year ($240 value). Learn exactly how to use AI for resume writing, interview prep, VA benefits navigation, and landing your civilian job, with example prompts.
See what you take home and the civilian salary it takes to match it.
See my number, freeAbout a minute. No account, nothing saved.