First - Understand Your Timelines
How do I make sense of this?
You have to understand what the timelines are.
End of Service (EOS) timeline
The first timeline is your End of Service or EOS. This is your separation from military service, which could be because you are retiring, your contract is ending, or you are separating for another circumstance, such as a medical board or chapter.
Medical and VA timeline
Disclaimer: I am not an authorized Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) representative. I am not presenting information about VA benefit claims. I'm sharing my experience. Check the www.va.gov website for specific requirements and programs. Check the www.va.gov website for specific requirements and programs.
The first part consists of your medical care in the military and what is written in your medical records. Think about the last physical thing you did, such as physical training or a training exercise. Were you hurting during or after that? Did you roll an ankle, land hard on an Airborne Op, or slam your fingers in the door? You should make an appointment.
The second part consists of the Department of Veteran Affairs or VA. Your medical records play a crucial role in determining your VA claim. Your End of Service date, or EOS, determines when you can start filing claims.
Transition Assistance Program (TAP) timeline
The third timeline is your Transition Assistance Program or TAP. At this time, this is a required program that all service members must complete before leaving military service. The date you complete or capstone TAP could directly affect when you can start your SkillBridge or Career Skills Program. Your End of Service date will determine when you can begin TAP.
Department of Defense SkillBridge (SB) or Career Skills Program (CSP) timeline
The fourth timeline is the Department of Defense SkillBridge or Career Skills Program. SkillBridge abbreviated as SB, and the Career Skills Program, abbreviated as CSP, allow you to intern with employers to gain new skills during your last months in the military. You may be required to complete or capstone TAP before applying for a SkillBridge or CSP internship. Your End of Service date, any TDY, or Terminal Leave, will determine the earliest date you can start your SkillBridge and when it will end.
Clearing the Unit and Installation timeline
The fifth timeline is Clearing, which involves getting those signatures and stamps as you attend your mandatory briefings, classes, and appointments like transportation, finance, medical, dental, or gear turn-in. Your EOS will determine the number of days you have to clear.
The common factor in all these timelines is your End of Service Date. That determines everything.