Phase One: Assessment

Ask yourself: Who am I? What are my talents and experiences? Why would someone want to hire me?
In this phase, document your portfolio of knowledge, experience, skills, talents, and abilities. For starters, create a list using your personal Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) document, DD Form 2586. Your VMET outlines the training and experience you received during your military career. It is designed to help you, but it is not a resume. 
To get your verification document, go to the VMET web site at: http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/vmet . (VMET can ony be accessed from a government computer network) All separating military personnel can electronically download and print their VMET document and personal cover letter from your military service from the VMET web site. Simply click the "Request Document" and "Request Cover Letter," tabs and print each of these documents after their downloaded. 
You can get your verification document online as long as you have a current DoD Common Access Card (CAC) or have a current Defense Finance, Accounting Service (DFAS) myPay Personal Identification Number (PIN). However, you should retrieve it within 120 days prior to your separation. If you have problems getting your VMET and need assistance, check with your local Transition Counselor.
Add anything else you can think of to this list. In essence, you are now creating an "asset bank" from which you can draw later when called upon to write a resume or attend a job interview. If you need help, use the professional guidance available through your local installation Transition Assistance Office or Education Center. Or refer to the self-help section of your local library or bookstore for useful career planning books.
In addition you can get an official transcript of your education and training credits from your service branch. Each branch has their own system for recording your military (and civilian) education and experience. The following explains how to:
Army
  • The Army’s AARTS (Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System) automatically captures your military training, your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and college level examinations scores with the college credit recommended. AARTS Home Page: http://aarts.army.mil/
Navy and Marines
Air Force
  • The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) automatically captures your training, experience and standardized test scores. Transcript information may be viewed at the CCAF web site: http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/
Coast Guard
Veterans
  • Under most circumstances, Veterans are eligible to use their former service branches transcript program. However if you are not eligible for AARTS, SMART, CCAF, or CGI systems, you will need to fill out form DD-295 and provide your DD-214 Discharge Document to receive credit or your experience. 
 The investment you make now in conducting your assessment is crucial. It will bring the "professional you" into clearer focus, and it will have a major impact on your career decisions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot Tip:
The key to a smooth transition is to be prepared well before you separate from the military. Start early. Make connections and build networks that will help you transition into the civilian world.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Need–to–know Information