What military life cycle event should members attend when preparing for separation or retirement?

When preparing for separation or retirement, members should attend pre-separation counseling and the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) class. This event is specifically designed to equip service members with the necessary resources and knowledge as they transition from military to civilian life. The pre-separation counseling provides vital information about the benefits available to service members following their separation, such as educational and employment resources, medical care options, and financial planning.

The Transition GPS class builds on this foundation by offering workshops related to job search skills, resume writing, interviewing techniques, and understanding the civilian job market. This preparation is crucial for a smooth transition to civilian life, ensuring that members are aware of their entitlements and opportunities.

While deployment briefings provide information related to specific missions or operations, and physical fitness evaluations assess a member's physical readiness, they do not address the comprehensive needs that arise during the transition from military service. Similarly, an operational readiness review focuses on unit preparedness and does not cater to individual transition needs. Thus, the pre-separation counseling and transition GPS class are explicitly tailored to help service members navigate the complexities of their separation or retirement process effectively.