Veterans - Transition to Civilian Life

Transition to Civilian Life

Returning to civilian life after military service is different for every person. Luckily, there are resources available for every need. This page introduces you to some of those resources, staring with some general websites that make excellent starting points for exploring your transition.

Getting help with your transition – best places to start

DoD Transportal – Created exclusively for transitioning service members by the Department of Defense, this site explains the transition process in detail, and offers career guidance, advice on how to manage transition-related paperwork, and links to helpful services nationwide.

Minnesota Veteran – A full-service website for Minnesota veterans. Connects you to county veteran service officers (CVSO), who work with veterans to help them navigate the transition process.

Veterans Services (Minnesota Dept. of Employment & Economic Development) – A guide to programs assisting Minnesota veterans with transition, employment, and business ownership. Has links to Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Representatives(DVOP).

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon – The Minnesota National Guard’s reintegration program that includes unit, family, and community reintegration. The program’s name is a reminder that the support of soldiers cannot end when they return from deployment and the yellow ribbons are untied.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – Serves Minnesota veterans, their dependents and survivors. The VA can provide information about local Vet Centers, Regional Offices, and Medical Centers as well.

Employment support for veterans and Guard/Reserve members

Jobs for Veterans Program – This program provides job development, training assistance, and one-on-one counseling to veterans throughout the 7-county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and the 4-county St. Cloud Area.

Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) – This program promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employers and assists in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.

Transition support for special needs audiences

Incarcerated and Ex-Offender Veterans – Transition program details, a guide for planning your release, and information on receiving benefits while incarcerated.

Disabled Veterans – An extensive list of programs and services to help veterans and service members with service-related disabilities.

People with Disabilities - a comprehensive collection of resources, services, and valuable links to information for those with disabilities.

Women Veterans – Access to resources especially for female veterans, including the VA’s Center for Women Veterans.

Homeless Veterans – Products and services available to help homeless veterans and those at risk of becoming homeless.

Help with benefits, health issues, and relocation

Government benefits – An online questionnaire that lets you determine what housing, education, food, and financial assistance benefits you may be eligible for.

VONAPP – An online application administered by the VA that lets veterans apply for compensation, pension, vocational rehabilitation, and education benefits.

Health & Emotional Support– Links to resources to help with post-traumatic stress disorder, overcoming addictive behaviors, and other health issues.

Relocation Resources– Links to help with all aspects of a move, including entitlements and benefits, points of contact, and employment and education resources.

Obtaining military and civilian records and transcripts

National Archives and Records Administration ( NARA) – Obtain copies of military papers such a separation or discharge papers (DD Form 214), medical or health records from this official repository.

Department of Defense – Obtain Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET; DD-2586) records to help you prepare a resume or fill out college or civilian vocational training applications.

National Center for Health Statistics – Request birth, death, or marriage certificates from issuing U.S. states or territories. Includes contact information and general information about records including cost per copy.

Social Security Administration – Obtain a replacement social security card if you have lost yours or changed your name. The site also describes how recent changes in the law affect the issuing of cards.

Page last updated in August 2008.