Living in military barracks with dozens of other soldiers, showering and eating together, working and training together, and then fighting together creates a sense of a hive mind. When you decide to leave the military life, you may feel quite lost out in the world. There are no supervising officers telling you what to do, when to do it, and where to go. The transition can be quite a shock. Here is how to prepare for it.

Do Not Exit Without Your Certification for Veteran Benefits

In fact, ask for this certificate in triplicate. Each of these certificates is necessary for claiming certain benefits, such as first choice in government jobs, primary selection from a group of candidates for other job positions and internships, and even college acceptance and full tuition for services rendered. If you leave the base without these documents, you will only have to come back to fill out the paperwork and then wait to get the certificates.

Even if you never intend to use these benefits, things change. You may decide later this year or early next that you do want to go to college or tech school. If you have your certification for veteran benefits, you'll streamline the college application process.

Talk to Real Estate Agents About Military-Friendly Housing

There are several properties out there that provide discounted housing to military and ex-military personnel. When you no longer have military pay to pay rent on an apartment or a house, these properties will help you cover the first month or two until you can get a civilian or government job. 

Find a Good Therapist

Many people who leave the military find that the adjustment is bumpy at best. If you also spent time serving in a war, you have much bigger problems adjusting. Find a good therapist to talk to as you are leaving the service life. Establish a regular meeting schedule until you and the therapist feel you can handle most of the daily tasks in a routine manner. Then you may see your therapist less or withdraw from the meetings altogether.

Go Shopping

Military discounts are offered everywhere, which is good considering the fact that you will need civilian clothes, furniture, and household items for yourself and your new living space. Around Memorial Day weekend and Independence Day, many stores give really big discounts to military and ex-military when you show a military I.D. Buy what you can and what you absolutely need first.

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