As the possibility of retirement inches closer for our Army family, I’ve been looking for helpful transition resources. The good news is that there are many useful guides and articles on Military OneSource and connected government websites to help your service member begin the process.
However, I didn’t realize transition resources are available specifically for military spouses through MySTeP. The program is all-inclusive; packed with videos, articles, checklists and guidance for just about any transition and separation topic, from career and education to survivor benefits and financial counseling, plus so much more.
Three Parts to the MySTeP Military Spouse Transition Program
MySTeP is broken down into three stepping stones, which are built on each other. No topic is left uncovered! I couldn’t believe the amount of content. Not only are the answers to your questions available, but there are also direct links to outside vetted resources that make all the difference in supporting military spouses.
1. Stepping In
I consider “Stepping In” the place to brush up on the basics you might have been putting off, thanks to a hectic military life schedule. It focuses on spouse education, employment and growing your network in preparation for leaving the military. It also has resources to help you start or boost your financial plans. Basically, “Stepping In” is a launch pad for goals that might take a few years to achieve fully. It’s perfect for the new military spouse who needs a one-stop shop for all things related to MilSpouse life.
2. Stepping Through
The second part of the trio, “Stepping Through,” further explores career and education options useful after a PCS or even post-retirement. There are resources for creating a business, building a resume, and finding remote work to follow each duty station.
This step also introduces you to the Spouse Ambassador Network, a collection of organizations ready to support spouses in a variety of ways, like mentorship, social support and advocacy. You’ll learn about some of our biggest cheerleaders, like the Military Spouse Advocacy Network, the National Military Family Association, Blue Star Families and the USO. All are waiting to support and guide you through your next steps.
Although the information benefits spouses across age groups, “Stepping Through” concentrates on spouses with a few years of military life under their belt and who might begin to see a bright retirement light at the end of the tunnel.
3. Stepping Beyond
The final step offers what you probably imagine — a detailed collection of how-tos for those actively pursuing separation and retirement. What I like about this step is that it addresses spouses regardless of how many years their service member’s served, whether four or 40.
A lot is going on in this phase of military life, and “Stepping Beyond” lays the groundwork to keep you on a straight path. Not only does it cover practical topics like out-processing and retirement financial planning, but it also covers less black-and-white situations like crisis management and social and emotional health. I’ve already experienced how retirement planning can bring up a lot of mixed emotions, especially when deciding where to live after separation.
You’re also in the right spot if you’re worried about post-military life topics like transferring GI Bill benefits to family members, life and health insurance, VA hospitals and VA home loans. There’s a lot to learn at this point, so checking out the resources two years out from making your transition isn’t too soon.
Although I know planning for a major life change isn’t just a couple of visits to a helpful website, I feel a lot better having a strong starting point to find many resource avenues offering tried-and-true advice and up-to-date information.
Great article Dawn. I remember the apprehension I had early in my career when I thought about getting out. Back in the ‘80’s we had to go to the library and use the Dunns and Bradstreet books and write letters. The info you provided will go a long way in alleviating that transition anxiety in current servicemembers.
In addition to the great info you provide, the Department of Labor (DOL) also has Transition Employment Assistance for Military Spouses. The Transition Employment Assistance for Military Spouses and Caregivers (TEAMS) support is a series of Department of Labor (DOL) employment workshops that extend the Department’s Transition Assistance Program to assist military spouses and caregivers as they plan and prepare for their job search in pursuit of their employment goals. All TEAMS workshops are instructor-led training, provided at a variety of times, to meet the needs of individuals stationed throughout the world.
TEAMS workshops are stand-alone training modules. You can take all of the workshops or just a few and they can be taken in any order that fits your availability and schedule. A search for “DOL TEAMS” will take you to the website with the workshop schedule. Happy job hunting!