veterancareerpath.com · Free for all veterans · Print as many copies as needed · Updated 2026
The complete printable toolkit for TAP counselors and VSOs. ETS checklists, benefits eligibility cards, VA claim guides, GI Bill comparisons, resume translation sheets, salary data, certifications, crisis resources, and links to every VCP tool — organized by TAP class session.
| Benefit | Discharge Required | Service Length | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VA Healthcare | Other Than Dishonorable | 24 months (or full period if called to active duty) | Combat veterans: 5 years enhanced eligibility. Priority Groups 1-8. |
| VA Disability Compensation | Other Than Dishonorable | Any (if service-connected) | File BDD claim 180-90 days before separation for fastest processing. |
| Post-9/11 GI Bill (Ch 33) | Honorable | 90+ days aggregate after 9/10/2001 | 100% at 36 months. Tiered benefits. Includes BAH + tuition + books. |
| Montgomery GI Bill (Ch 30) | Honorable | 2 years continuous active duty | Must have paid $1,200 during service. $2,054/mo (2026). 36 months max. |
| VR&E Chapter 31 | Other Than Dishonorable | 10% SC disability + employment barrier | No GI Bill months consumed. Covers tuition, books, supplies, stipend. |
| DEA Chapter 35 | N/A (dependent benefit) | Veteran must be 100% P&T or died in service | For spouse/children of qualifying veterans. 36 months of benefits. |
| VA Home Loan | Other Than Dishonorable | 90 days wartime / 181 days peacetime | No down payment. No PMI. Reusable. One of the best veteran benefits. |
| CHAMPVA | N/A (dependent benefit) | Veteran must be 100% P&T | Healthcare for spouse/dependents not eligible for TRICARE. |
| State Veteran Benefits | Varies by state | Varies by state | Property tax exemptions, education, employment preference. Check your state. |
| Feature | Post-9/11 (Ch 33) | Montgomery (Ch 30) | VR&E (Ch 31) | DEA (Ch 35) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Coverage | 100% at public schools; cap at private ($28,937/yr in 2026) | Flat rate ($2,054/mo) | Full tuition at approved programs | $1,399/mo (full-time) |
| Housing Allowance | E-5 BAH rate (varies by ZIP) | None | Ch 31 subsistence ($735-$914/mo) | None |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000/year | Included in flat rate | Covered in full | Included in flat rate |
| Duration | 36 months | 36 months | Up to 48 months | 36 months |
| Eligibility | 90+ days post-9/11; Honorable | Paid $1,200 buy-in; Honorable | 10%+ SC disability + employment barrier | Dependent of 100% P&T or service-connected death |
| Transferable | Yes (to dependents with 6yr commitment) | No | No | N/A (already for dependents) |
| Can Use Together? | Cannot combine with Ch 31 simultaneously | Can elect Ch 33 instead (irrevocable) | Can switch from GI Bill; does not consume GI Bill months | Independent benefit |
| Best For | Most veterans; highest total value | Veterans who paid buy-in and have not elected Ch 33 | Disabled veterans needing retraining; preserves GI Bill | Children/spouses of severely disabled veterans |
| Military Term | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| Platoon Leader / Platoon Sergeant | Operations Manager (30-45 direct reports) |
| Company Commander | Director of Operations (120-200 personnel, $5M+ budget) |
| Squad Leader | Team Lead / Supervisor (8-12 direct reports) |
| NCOIC | Department Supervisor / Section Manager |
| OIC | Program Director / Department Head |
| Battle Staff / TOC | Operations Center Manager / Watch Officer |
| Deployed to (location) | Managed operations in austere/high-risk environment |
| MOS / Rate / AFSC | Professional specialty / Technical discipline |
| PT / Physical Training | Maintained rigorous physical fitness standards |
| AAR / After Action Review | Post-project analysis / Continuous improvement review |
| OPORD / Operations Order | Strategic operations plan / Project execution plan |
| CONOP | Operational concept brief / Mission plan |
| Force Protection | Security management / Risk mitigation |
| Accountable for $X equipment | Managed $X asset portfolio with 100% accountability |
| NCOER / OER / Eval | Annual performance review (top X% of peers) |
| Meritorious Service Medal | Award for exceptional organizational leadership |
| Secret / TS / TS-SCI Clearance | Active (level) security clearance (valuable — state it prominently) |
Full 600+ action verbs list: veterancareerpath.com/veteran-action-verbs.html
| MOS Category | Entry Civilian Salary | Mid-Career | With Clearance Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence (35-series / 1N / CT) | $60,000-$75,000 | $90,000-$130,000 | +$15,000-$40,000 |
| Cyber / IT (25-series / CTN / 3D/1D) | $55,000-$80,000 | $85,000-$140,000 | +$15,000-$30,000 |
| Medical (68-series / HM / 4N) | $45,000-$65,000 | $65,000-$100,000 | N/A |
| Aviation (15-series / AD,AM / 2A) | $50,000-$70,000 | $75,000-$110,000 | +$10,000-$20,000 |
| Logistics / Supply (92-series / LS / 2S) | $45,000-$60,000 | $65,000-$95,000 | +$5,000-$15,000 |
| Engineering (12-series / CE / 3E) | $50,000-$70,000 | $70,000-$105,000 | N/A |
| Combat Arms (11B, 0311, etc.) | $40,000-$55,000 | $55,000-$85,000 | +$10,000-$25,000 |
| Law Enforcement / MP (31-series / MA) | $45,000-$60,000 | $60,000-$95,000 | +$5,000-$15,000 |
| Admin / HR (42-series / YN / 3F) | $38,000-$50,000 | $52,000-$78,000 | N/A |
| Special Operations (18-series, SEAL, etc.) | $60,000-$90,000 | $90,000-$160,000 | +$20,000-$50,000 |
Full salary data by specific MOS: veterancareerpath.com/veteran-salary-data.html
| # | Certification | Cost | Timeline | Avg Salary Impact | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CompTIA Security+ | $392 | 2-3 months | +$10,000-$20,000 | All IT/Cyber veterans; DoD baseline |
| 2 | PMP (Project Management Professional) | $555 | 3-6 months | +$15,000-$25,000 | Officers, NCOs, logistics, operations |
| 3 | CISSP | $749 | 6-12 months | +$20,000-$35,000 | Senior IT/Cyber professionals |
| 4 | AWS Cloud Practitioner / Solutions Architect | $150-$300 | 1-3 months | +$15,000-$30,000 | IT/Comms veterans moving to cloud |
| 5 | CDL (Commercial Driver's License) | $3,000-$7,000 | 3-7 weeks | $55,000-$90,000 starting | Motor T, transportation, any MOS |
| 6 | CEM (Certified Emergency Manager) | $325 | 3-6 months | +$10,000-$20,000 | CBRN, medical, first responders |
| 7 | EMT / Paramedic | $1,000-$5,000 | 3-12 months | $35,000-$65,000 starting | 68W, HM, medical personnel |
| 8 | SHRM-CP (HR Certification) | $400 | 3-6 months | +$8,000-$15,000 | Admin, HR, personnel veterans |
| 9 | Six Sigma Green/Black Belt | $200-$3,000 | 2-6 months | +$10,000-$20,000 | Operations, quality, logistics |
| 10 | Real Estate License | $200-$1,000 | 2-4 months | Commission-based; $50K-$150K+ | Entrepreneurial veterans; any MOS |
Every state offers unique veteran benefits including property tax exemptions, state education benefits, employment preference, and more. Complete guide with all 50 states:
View All 50 State Benefits Guides →
| State | Link | State | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | View | Montana | View |
| Alaska | View | Nebraska | View |
| Arizona | View | Nevada | View |
| Arkansas | View | New Hampshire | View |
| California | View | New Jersey | View |
| Colorado | View | New Mexico | View |
| Connecticut | View | New York | View |
| Delaware | View | North Carolina | View |
| Florida | View | North Dakota | View |
| Georgia | View | Ohio | View |
| Hawaii | View | Oklahoma | View |
| Idaho | View | Oregon | View |
| Illinois | View | Pennsylvania | View |
| Indiana | View | Rhode Island | View |
| Iowa | View | South Carolina | View |
| Kansas | View | South Dakota | View |
| Kentucky | View | Tennessee | View |
| Louisiana | View | Texas | View |
| Maine | View | Utah | View |
| Maryland | View | Vermont | View |
| Massachusetts | View | Virginia | View |
| Michigan | View | Washington | View |
| Minnesota | View | Washington DC | View |
| Mississippi | View | West Virginia | View |
| Missouri | View | Wisconsin | View |
Real people who understand service. Immediate support, no cost, no judgment.
📞 Call 988, then Press 1 💬 Text 838255 💻 Chat: veteranscrisisline.netAdditional Resources:
Vet Center (Readjustment Counseling): 1-877-927-8387 — Free counseling for combat vets, MST survivors, and bereaved families.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (general, non-veteran specific)
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (substance abuse, 24/7, free)
Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647 (active duty, Guard, Reserve, and families for 365 days post-separation)
VCP Mental Health Resources: veterancareerpath.com/veteran-mental-health-resources.html
VCP Emergency Assistance: veterancareerpath.com/veteran-emergency-assistance.html