Move Forward and Thrive
It’s our responsibility to care for the Soldiers who serve our country, and that mission doesn’t stop when your contract ends. As a veteran, you’ll receive lifelong access to a wide range of federal programs and services through Veteran Affairs (VA).
A Program That Helps You Plan Your Next Move
Beginning up to two years before your contract ends, TAP, or the Transition Assistance Program, helps you prepare for life after service. It provides individual career counseling, as well as extensive training on resumé and job application skills, veteran benefits, budgeting techniques, and more.
Education and Training
Take on a new degree or career path after your service with help from these education and training programs.
GET HELP PAYING FOR SCHOOL AND TRAININGS
Go back to school and get most of your education costs covered, whether you’re pursuing your associate’s, bachelor’s, or getting certified through the GI Bill.
CONNECT WITH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS
Get matched and interview with desirable companies through the Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) and the Compensated Work Therapy program.
RECEIVE PERSONALIZED CAREER COUNSELING
Discover new career paths and receive the necessary training you need through the VA Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG) program.
GET SUPPORT FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
Take advantage of resources, support, and special advantages for your small business through the Vets First Verification program.
FIND EMPLOYMENT AFTER A DISABILITY
Receive the education, training, and assistance necessary to secure a new career after a service-related injury through the Veteran Readiness and Employment program and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services for Veterans with Disabilities program.
Home Loans and Financial Assistance
From buying a new home to receiving financial counseling, these programs help you establish financial security for you and your family.
PURCHASE A HOME WITH AS LITTLE AS 0% DOWN
Become a homeowner, get favorable refinancing offers, and get support if you have trouble paying your mortgage through the VA Home Loan Program.
SECURE A HOUSING GRANT AFTER A DISABILITY
Get money to buy or change a home to meet your needs after a disability through the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) program.
RECEIVE FINANCIAL COUNSELING AS A BENEFICIARY
Get free advice on a range of topics relevant to beneficiaries through the VA’s Insurance Service.
Counseling and Support
Even after your service ends, the Army is always here for you with dedicated counseling and support. There are a variety of programs and resources available to sustain your mental health and wellness.
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
Individual and group counseling is free for you and your family, even if you’re not enrolled in VA health care or receiving disability compensation from VA Vet Centers.
MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT PROGRAMS
Residential rehabilitation and clinical care centers are open 24/7 for support on a wide range of issues and needs.
HOUSING AID AND ASSISTANCE
The VA provides veterans experiencing homelessness with housing solutions, employment opportunities, health care, and reentry services.
ALCOHOL OR DRUG DEPENDENCY TREATMENT
Therapy for alcohol or drug dependence exists through the VA Alcohol and Drug Dependence Rehabilitation Program, including detoxification, rehabilitation, and psychiatric care.
Medical Coverage And More
As part of our commitment to look after the well-being of veterans and their families, you'll receive additional great benefits.
HEALTH CARE AND INSURANCE
You’ll receive access to a wide range of health care plans and medical coverage, as well as the following options:
- Military and commercial life insurance options, including Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance
- Access to disability claims and compensation
- Tax-free monetary benefits for surviving dependents
SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS
Caregivers play an essential role in the health and well-being of veterans, and the VA offers a number of services to support family caregivers including monetary support for designated caregivers of severely disabled veterans.
Additional caregiver benefits include:
- Comprehensive assistance programs available for primary care
- Resources and support including peer-to-peer mentoring, coaching, skills training, and access to online programs
- Temporary care to give caregivers a break
Common Questions
When can I start the Transition Assistance Program (TAP)?
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is a 12-18 month program that ensures Soldiers are ready to make a smooth transition out of the Army and into their next endeavor—whether that’s a new career or continued education. You must start it at least one year before your contract ends, although you can start it up to two years before leaving to get the maximum benefit.
Can TAP help me find a job?
Yes, one of the main goals of TAP is to help Soldiers find new careers after service. At the start of the program, you’ll receive individual career counseling to identify civilian jobs that line up to your existing skills and experience. You’ll receive help improving core jobs skills like resumé writing, applying for jobs, and interviewing. Beyond that, you’ll have access to job fairs, first-class apprenticeships, on-the-job training, job shadowing, and internships.
Do you get health care as a veteran?
Yes, retired service members and their families have access to a variety of low-cost and high-quality health plans through TRICARE even after service. The options available and details of each plan will differ based on whether you served full-time or part-time, the ages of you and your family members, eligibility for Medicare, and more. Health care coverage is also available for surviving spouses and children, and former spouses, who meet eligibility requirements. Also, it’s important to know that you can receive free treatment at the VA for any conditions caused or made worse by your Army service.
What disqualifies me from my VA health benefits?
If you receive disability benefits, you can lose them by committing fraud, like lying about the severity of your condition. Disability benefits can also be impacted if you are incarcerated—the impact varies based on the reason for incarceration. Incarceration does not disqualify you from your VA health benefits, although access to VA medical facilities may not be available during incarceration.
How is the Army helping veterans with PTSD?
PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a serious mental health condition and the Army is committed to helping veterans experiencing it. Whether you just left service, or you’ve been out for decades, you can receive free individual therapy, group therapy, outpatient care, specialized in-patient care, and medicine at the VA’s more than 200 PTSD treatment programs across the country.
Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?
How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out,
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Do I qualify to join the Army?
Can I join as an Officer?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
-
While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can I join ROTC at my age
Can I join as an Officer?
- Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?
No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore more topics that may interest you
Thanks for reaching out, .
We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.
Questions you may have right now
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you
- How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?
Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.
- How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?
To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.
- What are the ways to serve part-time?
You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- How do I become a health care provider in the Army?
You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.
- What types of medical careers are available in the Army?
There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.
- How can the Army help me pay for college?
There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.
- What are the benefits of joining ROTC?
ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.
- How do I prepare to join ROTC?
When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.
- Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?
Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.