Separating members receive career readiness insight

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Greg Nash
  • 23d WG/PA
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The 23d Force Support Squadron personnel provided insight on accomplishing a smooth transition period for separating and retiring military members at a Pre-separation Counseling briefing Aug. 25, here.

During the event, Airmen sought advice and assistance about their future endeavors and opportunities before discontinuing their military obligations.

"It's difficult leaving the military," said Sharon Register, 23d Force Support Squadron community readiness specialist. "It can be a tough and emotional situation. "We discuss things (Airmen) may or may not have thought of to prepare them for a successful separation. This is why we implement ways for Airmen to improve their career readiness."

Airmen and their families will experience reduction in income because they will be unemployed upon separation," added Register. You'll have to decide whether your spouse or partner might have to seek employment and make lifestyle changes. If you're single, you have to figure out how you're going pay your rent, mortgage, and car insurance."

The briefing serves as the first of a three-phase series of mandated courses all Moody service members must attend prior to separation.

"We want them to understand how they can reach the standards of being career ready and accomplish their goals," said Register. "The pre-separation briefing introduces Airmen to the transitioning process. This is where we give them a scope and first insight on a path to success through various services, benefits and opportunities."

The briefing educated attendees on the various resources available by emphasizing the aspects of the Department of Defense Form 2648 pre-separation counseling checklist. Informational pamphlets and brochures were also distributed to assist attendees work through the separation process.

"The information and resources we provide allows individuals to complete their checklists such as employment and relocation assistance, healthcare options, furthering their education and veteran benefits," said Register. "We talk about anything from credentialing requirements for career opportunities, building their resume skills to utilizing state boards to find available job positions. We do all of this to enhance their ability to translate their military skills and experience into the civilian sector."

In addition to preparing for career readiness, retiring members in attendance were provided information about the Survivor Benefit Plan and its benefits.

"Before retiring, Air Force members must choose whether or not to continue the Survivor Benefit Plan," said Derrick Harris, 23d FSS SBP counselor. "The SBP is a voluntary program providing survivors of participating retirees a monthly income beginning when the member dies and retired pay stops. As an active-duty member, the government provides this protection at no cost to the spouse."

One retiring Airmen in attendance looked forward to utilizing the information provided to transition into his new lifestyle upon separation.

"The brief provided me with information of what to expect as me and my family transition into a new period of our lives," said Chief Master Sgt. Manuel Camacho, 23d Mission Support Group chief enlisted manager. "The most important data for a person in my position was the employment opportunities and the resources that will be available to those transitioning out of the uniform."

To make a reservation and find more information about future classes, individuals may contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 229-257-3333. Retirees can also schedule an appointment with an SBP counselor at 229-257-3265.