• Taking off the uniform for the last time can be traumatic if there is no planning.sailor statue image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
  
  Each sailor receives separation counseling starting at least 90 days prior to leaving the Navy. By voluntarily filling out the Department of Defense Form DD 2648, or Counseling and Preseparation Checklist, the sailor learns of the benefits due him. A checklist of the benefits quickly allows the counselor to know where to focus attention to best meet the needs of the sailor and his family after separation.
  
  

Employment Assistance

• Department of Labor-sponsored transition assistance workshops and service-sponsored transition seminars/workshops are provided before the sailor separates. The sailor is taught the use of DD Form 2586 (Verification of Military Experience and Training) and the transition bulletin board. The Teacher and Teacher's Aide Opportunities/Troops to Teachers and the federal employment opportunities programs are available to qualified Navy veterans.
  
  

Health And Life Insurance

• The Serviceman's Group Life Insurance may be ported to the Veterans' Group Life Insurance. An option to purchase an 18-month conversion health insurance policy is part of the health benefits. Any injury or medical condition that existed prior to separation may continue to be treated at no cost to the sailor.
  
  

Fianancial Benefits

• Those sailors who have been involuntarily separated due to the needs of the Navy may be eligible for separation pay. They must have served from six to 20 years and be honorably separated. The pay is based upon the number of years served and the pay grade upon separation.
  
  All those who separate from the Navy are eligible for unemployment benefits. Veterans benefits may also enable them to purchase a home.
  
  

Education

• Depending upon the choices the sailor made while serving, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill or the Veterans Educational Assistance Program may pay for portions of her education after separation. The programs pay for training or higher education tuition. Payments depend upon the location of the school and the type of degree sought. Each approved school has a VA benefits counselor to help with understanding and obtaining educational benefits.
  
  

Relocation

• Travel and household goods relocation expenses are covered anywhere between the point of discharge and the "home of record" for a Navy person. Extra time away from the Navy is allowed before separation to give the sailor the ability to relocate at a distance with a minimum of problems.