I will be going to TAPS next week, what questions should I ask and what would you all liked to have known be for you retired?

Just don't let them scare you into not retiring.

I heard or read a story recently about TAPS folks painting a bleak picture of the civilian job market and almost encouraging outgoing Coasties into staying on longer (if they could).

Might have been just an isolated incident.

What I know now I would want to know more about the VA. How does the rating process work any expected delays, ETC. Also have fun and become a sponge.
Mike

TAPS seems to final,they need to rename the program to something else.You are starting a new life, career,not getting buried.

I didn't go to TAPS. The American Legion or the VFW can help put together your VA disability package too and they are a lot friendlier folk!

The way the retired section of Topeka is set up ... and the whole picture on how the SBP program works ... these were probably the most useful parts to me.

The first 3 (of 5) days was spent on how to get another job ... down to what color tie to wear to an interview. Since I wasn't planning on getting another job, this part was kind of a waste.

Thanks for the responses, I did have fun and soaked up alot of info. They did make the civilian world sound kind of bleak, but not enough to change my mind. I never knew there were so many programs for veterans and the SBP was explained expertley by a retired Admiral. We had a rep from the DAV come in a review our Med records, fill out the forms and give very in depth counseling on how to handle our disability claim. they did change the name from TAPS to TAP and there are probably going to be changes in Topeka in the next 3 to 5 years where the RSA section and active section merge.
Once again thanks for the responses.