Veteran Transition Resources in Fayetteville

Transitioning from military to civilian life is a significant change. Fayetteville, with its deep military ties, offers extensive resources to help veterans successfully navigate this journey.

Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP)

Fort Liberty's primary transition program provides comprehensive preparation for separating service members.

Location: Building 3-2610, Fort Liberty Phone: 910-396-7114

Core Curriculum

Pre-separation counseling
Department of Labor employment workshop
VA benefits briefings
Financial planning
Individual transition plan development

Career Tracks

Specialized tracks based on your goals:

Employment Track: Traditional job search
Education Track: Degree or certification programs
Entrepreneurship Track: Starting a business
Career Technical Training Track: Vocational skills

Timeline

Begin SFL-TAP at least 12 months before separation (24 months for retirement).

Employment Resources

Veterans Employment Services

NC4Vets State program connecting veterans with employers.

Job matching
Resume assistance
Interview preparation
Employer partnerships

Website: nc4vets.com

NCWorks Career Center - Fayetteville Location: 410 Ray Avenue Phone: 910-486-1010

Services:

Job listings
Skills assessments
Training programs
Career counseling

Federal Employment

USAJOBS Veterans receive hiring preference for federal positions.

Veterans' Preference points
Special hiring authorities
Disabled veteran preference

Military Skills Translator

Tools to convert military experience to civilian terms:

O*NET Military Crosswalk
Military.com skills translator
CareerOneStop veteran tools

Education Benefits

Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

Most comprehensive education benefit:

Full tuition at public schools (or cap at private)
Monthly housing allowance (BAH rate)
Book stipend ($1,000/year)
Yellow Ribbon Program (additional funding)

Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30)

Monthly education stipend for qualifying veterans.

Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)

For veterans with service-connected disabilities:

Career counseling
Training and education
Job placement assistance
Resume development
On-the-job training

Local Education Options

Fayetteville State University

Military-friendly designation
Veteran support services
Yellow Ribbon participant
Flexible scheduling

Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC)

Veteran resource center
Credit for military training
Career and technical programs
Affordable tuition

Methodist University

Strong veteran support
Yellow Ribbon participant
Business and healthcare programs

VA Benefits

Healthcare Enrollment

Enroll in VA healthcare before separation:

Website: va.gov/health-care/apply
Phone: 1-877-222-8387

Disability Compensation

File claims for service-connected conditions:

Begin process 180 days before separation (BDD program)
Contact a Veterans Service Officer for assistance
Gather medical documentation

Life Insurance

Convert SGLI to VGLI within 240 days of separation:

No health exam required
Coverage up to $500,000

Housing Assistance

VA Home Loan

Benefits continue after service:

No down payment
Competitive rates
No PMI
Refinancing options

Transitional Housing

If needed during transition:

HUD-VASH: Housing assistance for homeless veterans
SSVF: Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Local veteran housing programs

Financial Transition

Final Pay and Benefits

Understand your final compensation:

Terminal leave or sell-back
Separation pay (if applicable)
Retirement pay processing
TSP decisions (withdrawal vs. rollover)

Financial Counseling

Personal Financial Management Course Available through ACS and Military OneSource

Key decisions:

TSP rollover options
Healthcare cost planning
Budget adjustment
Emergency fund maintenance

Healthcare Transition

TRICARE Options

TRICARE Retired Reserve: For retirement-eligible
CHCBP: Continued Health Care Benefit Program (18 months)
VA Healthcare: Enroll before separating
Marketplace/Employer coverage: Alternative options

Dental and Vision

FEDVIP for retirees
VA dental (limited eligibility)
Private insurance options

Local Veteran Organizations

Cumberland County Veterans Services

Location: 301 East Russell Street, Fayetteville Phone: 910-321-6640

Services:

Benefits claims assistance
Local resource referrals
Emergency assistance

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

Free claims assistance and community:

American Legion: Multiple posts
VFW: Posts throughout area
DAV: Disabled American Veterans
AMVETS

Veteran Support Groups

Team Red White & Blue: Social fitness
Team Rubicon: Disaster response
The Mission Continues: Community service
Wounded Warrior Project: Wounded veteran support

Entrepreneurship Resources

Small Business Development

FTCC Small Business Center Free counseling and workshops for starting a business.

SCORE Fayetteville Free mentoring from experienced business professionals.

SBA Resources

Veteran business loans
Government contracting opportunities (SDVOSB)
Training programs

Veteran Business Networks

Bunker Labs: Veteran entrepreneur network
Dog Tag Inc.: Business fellowship program
Veteran Business Outreach Center

Mental Health Support

Vet Centers: Readjustment counseling
VA Mental Health: Comprehensive services
Military OneSource: Free counseling (up to 12 sessions)
Give an Hour: Pro bono mental health

Crisis Resources

Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1)
Crisis Text Line: Text 838255
Vet Center: 910-488-6252

Transition Timeline

12-24 Months Out:

Begin SFL-TAP
Research career options
Start networking

6-12 Months Out:

File VA disability claim (BDD)
Apply for education benefits
Finalize career direction

3-6 Months Out:

Active job search
Finalize housing plans
Begin healthcare transition

0-3 Months Out:

Complete SFL-TAP requirements
Finalize separation paperwork
Confirm first civilian job/school

Key Contacts

| Resource | Phone/Website | |----------|---------------| | SFL-TAP Fort Liberty | 910-396-7114 | | VA Benefits | 1-800-827-1000 | | NC4Vets | nc4vets.com | | Cumberland County VSO | 910-321-6640 | | Military OneSource | 1-800-342-9647 | | Veterans Crisis Line | 988 (Press 1) |

Your military service prepared you well for civilian success. Use these resources to make the most of your transition.