How does VR&E benefit you?

I was playing around with ChatGPT earlier and when I asked it "What do I do when I retire from the military", it wrote me an article. I went down the list out of curiosity and stumbled upon "Vocational Rehabilitation". I'll post the whole article it gave me below if you're curious.

The first info I came across was benefits.va.gov and it took me to a home page where you could select who you are out of their list; Veteran, Employer, etc. In the Veteran section, there is a hyperlink for the "VR&E Process Page". I had heard of VR&E through my MEB process from different people, so I decided to look into it a little bit. I found out from the page that VR&E is also known as Chapter 31, in case you see that on a poster some where. The page also explained that Chapter 31 support is made to help Veterans with all manner of things regarding their transition to civilian life, from finding a job that will accommodate any disabilities they may have incurred during service, to using education benefits. I'm not going to do a full dive into every benefit offered here, but I'm going to run through the education and employment benefits as I feel those are the most applicable to the majority of people.

When you click the Apply button, it takes you to the start of the VA From 28-1900. When you apply make sure you have your SSN, your VA file number if you have it, and contact information. At the end of the page it explains that if you are approved, you will be put into contact with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. I downloaded the form as a PDF and gave it a look to see what you should expect to be asked.

The form its self is a standard form much like the one you will have filled out when you filed a VA claim originally, except you don't need any information beyond your contact info and identifying info.

Now how does this benefit us?

The things that caught my eyes immediately are the benefits made to help you find a suitable job. Jobs on the civilian side don't have profiles, so it's important to find one that you can physically handle for prolonged periods. In my limited experience so far, having 30 seconds to lean against a wall is too long and you should be actively doing something at all times.

Next would be the education benefits. The education benefits offered by the VR&E program aren't immediately apparent. The VA website section for education benefits under VR&E is called "VetSuccess on campus" or VSOC, and explains the benefits as "innovative ways to help the Veteran make the transition to college life." It explains that the VA has placed one of their counselors along with a vet center outreach counselor at each participating school and tells us that the counselors are there to provide peer-to-peer counseling and referral services. The site further explains that these counselors can assist with any problems that may impact the veteran's higher education, and provide help with any disability accommodations. If needed, it is further stated on their website that the counselors can provide healthcare referrals.

As of the time of this writing, there are 87 VSOC counselors that provide services at 104 schools across the country. If you decide to become a college student near any of the Northern Tier bases, I have bad news for you, as these services are not offered in ND, WY, or MT currently. Check the website for a full list of schools where to program operates.

For any further information on this topic, please visit benefits.va.gov.

Below is the article written by ChatGPT for entertainment purposes. I have not sorted through it in detail so please take anything in it with a grain of salt, but it may help you get on the right track.

Retiring from the military is a significant transition, and planning for your post-military life is crucial. Here are some steps and considerations to help guide you through the process:

1. Attend Transition Assistance Programs (TAP): Take advantage of military transition programs that provide information on benefits, employment assistance, and resources for veterans. These programs often cover topics like resume building, job search strategies, and financial planning.

2. Evaluate Your Finances: Assess your financial situation and create a budget for your civilian life. Consider your pension, benefits, and any savings you may have. Consult with a financial advisor to ensure you're making informed decisions about investments, retirement accounts, and other financial matters.

3. Explore Career Options: Determine your post-military career goals. Consider your skills, interests, and any additional education or training you may need. Attend job fairs, network with professionals in your desired industry, and explore civilian employment opportunities.

4. Update Your Resume: Translate your military experience into civilian-friendly language on your resume. Highlight your skills, accomplishments, and leadership experience in a way that resonates with civilian employers. Tailor your resume for specific job applications.

5. Utilize Veterans' Services: Take advantage of services provided by veterans' organizations, government agencies, and non-profits. They can offer job placement assistance, educational support, and counseling services. Organizations like the Veterans Affairs (VA) can provide information about healthcare and other benefits.

6. Consider Further Education: Evaluate whether further education or training is necessary for your desired career path. The GI Bill provides education benefits for veterans, and you may be eligible for tuition assistance or other educational programs.

7. Healthcare Transition: Understand your healthcare options post-military. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for VA healthcare, employer-sponsored insurance, or other healthcare programs. Ensure a smooth transition by understanding the coverage available to you.

8. Relocation Decisions: Decide where you want to live after retirement. Consider factors such as job opportunities, cost of living, proximity to family, and the overall lifestyle you desire. Some veterans choose to settle near military bases, while others prefer a different environment.

9. Maintain Social Connections: Leaving the military can mean leaving a close-knit community. Make an effort to maintain social connections with fellow veterans and military friends. Attend veteran events, join community organizations, or participate in activities that align with your interests.

10. Take Care of Your Mental Health: Transitioning to civilian life can be emotionally challenging. If you're struggling with the adjustment, consider seeking support from mental health professionals or support groups. Many resources are available to help veterans navigate this transition successfully.

Remember, the transition from military to civilian life is a process, and it's okay to seek guidance along the way. Whether you're focusing on a new career, education, or simply enjoying retirement, taking proactive steps and utilizing available resources will help make the transition smoother.