Why Starting Your Military Transition Plan Early Is Critical
VT suggests starting to think about your transition as early as five years out.
12/10/20243 min read


VT suggests starting to think about your transition as early as five years out—yes, that’s when our timeline starts! Some might argue that’s too early, but we feel passionately that it’s never too soon to begin. The earlier you start, the greater the advantage you’ll have. Here’s why.
Dream Big and Work Backwards
The first step in any transition is imagining your dream life. What kind of career excites you? Where do you see yourself living? What passions do you want to pursue? This vision is your starting point, and it’s what will guide every step of your planning process.
Once you have a clear picture, begin reverse-engineering the steps to get there. VT provides suggestions and reminders to conduct informational interviews throughout the transition process, ensuring you’re constantly gathering insights and refining your plan. It also connects you with resources for finding veteran mentors who can help you navigate the veteran ecosystem and introduce you to people in your industries of interest.
Whether you dream of becoming a software engineer, owning your own business, managing a nonprofit, joining law enforcement, or pursuing a trade, there’s a path for you. VT will help you explore these options, providing you with tools and connections to make informed decisions about the best route to achieve your goals.
Life Changes—Be Flexible, but Stay Grounded
When you start planning your transition, you’ll likely formulate a detailed plan: industries, companies, schools, or even job titles you want to target. But life has a way of shifting those plans. Maybe you’ll get married and need to move closer to family. Maybe your ideal job market shrinks, or your priorities change.
That’s why it’s so important to focus on foundational research and networking. It’s not about locking yourself into one perfect plan—it’s about building a base of knowledge, connections, and skills that allow you to pivot when life throws curveballs. If you’ve done the groundwork, you’ll understand your industry and have the flexibility to identify opportunities that fit your new circumstances.
The Job Market Is Tough—And Networking Is Key
The reality is that the job market is highly competitive. Many roles posted on LinkedIn receive thousands of applications, and many resumes are filtered out by AI screening tools that don’t fully translate military experience. That’s why networking is critical.
Start building relationships early. Connect with veterans in your target industries, attend networking events, and build genuine, lasting relationships. Your network will be the key to getting your resume in front of decision-makers and opening doors you didn’t even know existed.
Application Timelines Are Long—VT Keeps You on Track
If graduate school, certification programs, or apprenticeships are part of your plan, remember that the application process starts far in advance. Many applications are due 10 months before matriculation, meaning you’ll need to begin preparations a year or more ahead. VT is your guide throughout this process, keeping you on track and on time. It provides reminders for every milestone, from polishing your resume to scheduling standardized tests and securing recommendation letters.
VT also connects you to resources that can help you prepare your applications and coursework, so you’re fully ready to take the next step in your education or career. From navigating deadlines to understanding program requirements, VT ensures you stay organized and confident.
Don’t Wait—Start Today
Nobody ever regrets starting their transition planning too early—but many regret starting too late. Transitioning out of the military is your opportunity to create a life you’re truly excited about, but it takes time, preparation, and the right tools to do it well.
Download your Veteran Timeline today and take control of your transition. Start dreaming big, building your network, and setting yourself up for success—because the earlier you start, the better prepared you’ll be to seize your next chapter.
