For veterans, service members & families
Second Muster
Translate your military job, find and track civilian jobs, understand your VA benefits, find military discounts and VA care in your state, and connect with other veterans.
Independent resource. Not affiliated with the VA, DoD or any military branch.
En EE. UU., los currículums y las solicitudes de empleo casi siempre se escriben en inglés. Por eso estas herramientas escriben su currículum en inglés, aunque la app esté en español.
Build a bullet
Fill in the blanks, get a resume-ready lineYour bullet
No exact number? A careful estimate is fine ("about 30%"), as long as you can explain it in an interview.
De-jargon a bullet
Paste military-speak, get civilian-speakCivilian version
Highlighted words were changed. Read it once more before you paste it: the swap is a starting point, and your own wording will be sharper.
What hiring managers look for
- Lead with a strong verb: led, managed, trained, reduced, built.
- Give numbers: team size, dollar value of equipment, percent improvement, hours saved.
- Drop rank and unit names; say "team of 12" and "organization of 600" instead.
- Mention your security clearance near the top if it's still active. Many employers pay more for it.
- Tailor each resume to the job posting. Mirror the posting's key terms.
Veteran job boards
Employers here are looking for veterans
Hire Heroes USAFree one-on-one coaching, resume rewrites and a veteran job board.
RecruitMilitaryVeteran job board plus in-person and virtual hiring fairs.
Military.com Veteran JobsJob search with a built-in military skills translator.
VA CareersThe VA is one of the largest employers of veterans: health care, IT, admin and more.
Hiring Our HeroesHiring events and 12-week corporate fellowships for service members.
MSEP (military spouses)Military Spouse Employment Partnership: employers committed to hiring spouses.
Federal jobs
Veterans get extra advantages hereHow federal veteran hiring works
- Veterans' preference puts eligible veterans ahead of other applicants: generally 5 points, or 10 points with a service-connected disability. Upload your DD-214 (Member 4 copy). For 10-point preference, also upload an SF-15 and your VA disability letter.
- VRA (Veterans Recruitment Appointment) lets an agency hire an eligible veteran directly, without a competitive process, up to GS-11 or equivalent.
- 30% or more disabled veteran authority lets an agency hire a veteran with a 30%+ service-connected rating directly.
- VEOA lets eligible veterans apply to jobs normally open only to current federal employees.
- Keep your federal resume to 2 pages. USAJOBS no longer considers longer resumes. Tailor it to the job announcement's qualifications.
Security clearance jobs
An active clearance often means higher payApprenticeships & trades
Paid while you trainCompany military hiring programs
Dedicated veteran recruiters
AmazonOperations, AWS, data centers and more, with military-specific programs.
WalmartStore, supply chain and corporate roles for veterans and spouses.
USAAInsurance, banking and tech careers built around military members.
Lockheed MartinDefense and aerospace roles, many needing a clearance.
Booz Allen HamiltonConsulting, cyber and intelligence roles with military recruiters.
Microsoft MSSAFree IT training (SkillBridge-eligible) with interviews at Microsoft and partners.
Add an application
Applications
Tap a status to move it forward. Saved on this device only.| Company | Role | Applied | Follow up | Status |
|---|
No applications yet. Add your first one above.
Talk to another veteran today
Free, confidential, no VA enrollment needed
Vets4Warriors24/7 peer line: 855-838-8255Talk to a trained peer who is a veteran or military family member. Free and confidential, any time of day.
Vet CentersFree, confidential counseling and peer groups, many staffed by veterans. No VA enrollment needed.
Make the ConnectionShort videos of veterans talking about what helped them through the transition, stress and recovery.
Veteran communities
Meet in person, serve together, find a mentor
Team RWBFree local fitness and social events that connect veterans with their community.
Team RubiconPut your skills to work on disaster-response teams with other veterans.
The Mission ContinuesVeteran-led community service projects in cities across the country.
The American LegionLocal posts for camaraderie, advocacy and help with VA claims.
VFWVeterans of Foreign Wars posts, events and free claims help.
DAVDisabled American Veterans: free benefits help, rides to VA appointments and job fairs.
Wounded Warrior ProjectFree programs for veterans who were injured or became ill while serving after September 11, 2001: peer groups, mental health, career help.
Together We ServedFind people you served with and look up your old units.
American Corporate PartnersFree year-long mentorship with a professional in your target career.
VeteratiBook free one-on-one mentoring calls with experienced professionals.
Student Veterans of AmericaChapters on campuses for veterans using the GI Bill.
Families, caregivers and women veterans
Support for the people around you, too
Military OneSource800-342-9647Free counseling, tax help and transition support for you and your family for up to a year after you get out.
VA Caregiver SupportSupport line: 855-260-3274Help for family members and friends who care for a veteran: training, respite care and a local coordinator.
VA Women Veterans Call CenterCall or text: 855-829-6636Women veterans and their families can call or text for help with VA benefits, health care and services.
Blue Star FamiliesLocal chapters and events that connect military and veteran families.
TAPS24/7: 800-959-8277Free 24/7 support for anyone grieving the death of a service member or veteran.
Stay connected with Second Muster
New videos on VA benefits, deadlines and discounts every week. Know a veteran who's getting out? Send them the app.
If a conversation here brings something up, you don't have to handle it alone. Veterans Crisis Line, free and 24/7: call 988 then press 1, or text 838255.
Never pay for help filing a VA claim. No one may charge you to prepare or file your first claim. Accredited Veterans Service Organizations like DAV, VFW and The American Legion help for free. Watch out for "claim consultants" who promise a higher rating for a fee or a share of your back pay. Find a free accredited representative ↗
Disability compensation
- Still serving? File 180 to 90 days before separation through Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) to get a decision faster, often soon after you get out.
- Already out and not ready to file? Submit an Intent to File first. You then have 1 year to finish your claim, and if it's approved, back pay can start from the Intent to File date.
- Collect your service treatment records, private medical records and buddy statements before you file.
Toxic exposure (PACT Act)
The PACT Act expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, Gulf War hazards, radiation and other toxins. Many conditions are now presumed to be caused by service, so you don't have to prove the link. Enrolled veterans can ask for a free toxic exposure screening at any VA facility.
Education, housing & insurance
Deadlines matter here
GI Bill Comparison ToolCompare schools, housing allowance and your estimated benefits before you enroll.
Veteran Readiness & EmploymentTraining and education for veterans with a service-connected disability. Can be used alongside or instead of the GI Bill.
VA home loansBuy a home, often with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. Start by requesting your Certificate of Eligibility.
Life insurance (VGLI)SGLI ends 120 days after separation. Apply for VGLI within 240 days to skip health questions (final deadline: 1 year and 120 days).
State veteran benefits
On top of your federal benefitsBenefits, amounts and eligibility rules change. Tap a benefit to check the official source, and confirm with your state veterans office before you apply. A county veterans service officer can help you apply for free.
Earned, not given
Military & veteran discounts
The biggest savings come from federal benefits most veterans don't know they have. Retail discounts change often, so confirm the details at checkout.
Federal benefits
The biggest value
Online military exchange shoppingAll honorably discharged vetsAll honorably discharged veterans can shop online at the Army & Air Force Exchange, Navy Exchange, Marine Corps Exchange and Coast Guard Exchange. Eligibility is checked once on the exchange website. Uniforms, alcohol and tobacco are excluded.
In-person commissary & exchangeDisability rating, Purple Heart, POW, caregiversShop on base at the commissary, exchange and some MWR facilities if you have a service-connected disability rating, a Purple Heart or Medal of Honor, or were a POW. Primary family caregivers qualify too. Bring your VA Health ID Card.
Free lifetime national parks passAll veteransFree entry to national parks and other federal lands for life, including Guard and Reserve veterans and Gold Star Families. Show your Veteran ID Card, VA Health ID Card or veteran-designated driver's license at the park, or get a digital pass on Recreation.gov.
Everyday savings
Register once, save every visit
The Home Depot10% off10% off eligible items in stores and online for veterans, service members and spouses. Register your military status once, then the discount applies at checkout.
Lowe's10% off10% off every day for veterans and their spouses. Register your military status once, then give your phone number at checkout.
Amtrak10% off10% off train fares nationwide. Choose “Military Veteran” when booking and bring proof of veteran status on board.
T-MobilePhone planDiscounted unlimited plans for veterans and their families. Savings grow with more lines.
AT&TPhone planDiscounted unlimited plans for veterans and their families.
VerizonPhone planDiscounted unlimited plans and accessories for veterans.
Proving you're a veteran
- In stores: a Veteran ID Card, VA Health ID Card, or a driver's license with a veteran designation. You shouldn't need to carry your DD-214.
- Online: most retailers use a free military-status check. You do it once on the retailer's own website, and it often unlocks discounts at other stores too.
- Always ask "Do you offer a military discount?" Many local businesses do but don't advertise it.
- Veterans Day (November 11): many restaurants and stores offer free meals or extra discounts. Offers change every year, so check the week before.
Watch for discount scams. A real military discount won't ask for sensitive personal or financial details, or a copy of your DD-214, by email or text. Be wary of "exclusive veteran deals" that ask for payment up front or come from unknown texts and social media ads.
Most VA care happens at community-based outpatient clinics (over 1,100 nationwide), so there's likely one closer than the medical centers listed here. The VA locator shows every clinic with current hours and phone numbers. Always check it before you go: facility names and services change.
Getting care
- Not enrolled yet? Apply for VA health care online at VA.gov or by phone at 877-222-8387.
- Too far from a VA facility or long wait? Ask your VA care team about Community Care, which pays for care from a local provider.
- Urgent but not an emergency? Enrolled veterans can use in-network urgent care clinics. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
- General VA questions: call MyVA411 at 800-698-2411, 24/7.
Separation timeline
Back up your data
Your info stays on this deviceSecond Muster saves your job tracker, timeline checklist and settings only on this phone or computer. Nothing is sent to us. Download a backup file to keep it safe, or to move it to a new device.
Transition programs
Before and after you get out
DoD TAPTransition Assistance Program: required classes, counseling and workshops.
DoD SkillBridgeWork an internship with a civilian employer during your last months of service.
VA Veteran Readiness & EmploymentJob training, counseling and education support for veterans with a service-connected disability.
GI Bill & EducationUse education benefits for degrees, certifications and apprenticeships.
DOL VETSDepartment of Labor employment services, including your local American Job Center.
Hiring Our HeroesHiring events and corporate fellowship programs for transitioning service members.
Credentialing (COOL)Find civilian certifications that match your military training, and funding to earn them.
Records & IDs
Paperwork most veterans need
Request your DD-214Order your DD-214 and military records free from the National Archives.
milConnectRecently separated? Download your DD-214 yourself here.
Veteran ID CardA photo ID proving your service, for veteran discounts. Free.
VA Health ID CardFor check-in at VA medical appointments once you're enrolled.
Discharge upgradeStep-by-step guide to asking for an upgrade or correction. Many VA benefits depend on your discharge status.
Housing help
At risk of losing your home?National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
877-424-3838Veterans who are homeless or about to lose housing, and people calling for them, get connected to their local VA for emergency housing, rent help and legal support. VA homeless programs ↗
Families & caregivers
Support for the people behind the veteranPlanning to share your GI Bill with a spouse or child? The transfer must be approved while you are still serving.
Family Caregiver ProgramTraining, a monthly stipend and health coverage for eligible family caregivers of seriously injured veterans.
Caregiver Support LineCall 855-260-3274, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, for help and local caregiver support.
Survivor benefits (DIC)Monthly payments for surviving spouses, children and parents.
Military OneSourceFree counseling and help with finances, moving and family life. Stays available for a year after separation.
Jobs for military spousesEmployers committed to hiring military spouses.
Starting a business
Veteran entrepreneursHaving a hard time with the transition? The Veterans Crisis Line is free, 24/7: call 988 then press 1, or text 838255.
About
Why Second Muster
A muster is a roll call: everyone accounted for. Getting out of the military is a second muster. You still need to know where you're headed and who has your back. Second Muster puts the tools for that in one free place.
- Free for good. No ads, no account, no paywall. Donations cover the costs.
- Your info stays on your device. Nothing you type is sent to us or sold. See the privacy page.
- Checked against official sources. Job codes are matched to the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET Military Crosswalk. Benefit links go straight to VA.gov and other official sites. Every link was last checked on .
- Built with veterans. Changes come from people who use it. Tell us what's wrong or missing.