What military life cycle events should a member attend when preparing for separation or retirement?

When preparing for separation or retirement, attending pre-separation counseling and the transition GPS (Goals, Plans, Success) class is crucial. This training provides service members with essential information about the separation process, available resources, and tools necessary for a smooth transition to civilian life. Pre-separation counseling ensures that members are aware of their benefits, entitlements, and options after leaving military service, while the transition GPS class covers job search skills, resume writing, interview techniques, and adapting to civilian culture. These resources are specifically designed to support service members as they navigate the significant changes that come with leaving the military, making attendance at these events highly beneficial.

In contrast, other options focus on aspects that are less pertinent to preparation for separation or retirement. For example, deployment briefings and combat training primarily reinforce skills and readiness for active duty but do not address the transition process. Annual physicals and performance evaluations maintain military readiness and assess job performance but do not provide the necessary information or skills for civilian life. Veteran benefits seminars and financial planning, while useful, are typically more relevant after the separation process is underway rather than a fundamental requirement for preparing for it.