Transition Support

Understanding how your valuable military training translates to the skills sought by employers in the civilian job market can be challenging. Use these tools and resources to match your abilities to specific civilian occupations and learn about programs and services that support you and your family as you transition to civilian life.

Skills Translators

Use these sites to determine how your military training and job experience translates to civilian occupations and career paths. The service-based Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) sites provide additional information on obtaining training and civilian credentials.

Resources & Supportive Services for Veterans

  • Los Angeles County Dept. of Military & Veterans Affairs – Important resources on housing, health care, education, and employment for all veterans.
  • Veterans’ Employment & Training Service (VETS) – The U.S. Department of Labor has assembled a comprehensive suite of resources to assist veterans, including an online version of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and a list of initiatives and programs that help veterans with civilian career choices.
  • eBenefits – A site ONLY for Veterans and their families that explores the benefits that are available to veterans and aids in the process of applying for those benefits ranging from housing loans, education, healthcare, and even insurance. This site also provides a secure access to sensitive information.
  • Disabled American Veterans (DAV) – A nationwide organization with chapters in the local LA area that specializes in providing assistance to veterans and their families with obtaining veteran related benefits. The organization also represents the interests of disabled veterans, families, and widowed spouses before Congress, the White House, and the Judicial Branch, as well as in state and local government.
  • VA Healthcare – The Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System offers health care services to qualifying veterans, with a focus on promoting, preserving, and restoring health. Local VA Healthcare facilities include: Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, West LA Medical Center, and Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center.
  • Veteran Crisis Line – this confidential support hotline is available 24/7 to provide assistance for issues such as sleeplessness or depression. Use phone, online chat, or text messaging to access the hotline, which is available at no cost to Veterans.
  • LawHelpCA  – Provides low-income individuals with basic online legal resources and legal organizations that serve veterans in the areas of veterans’ benefits, tax issues, citizenship through military service, adaptive equipment grants, and more.
  • Center for Veterans’ Advancement (CVA) – This pro bono law firm provides direct representation to veterans and their families on both the local and national level. CVA provides representation in cases that involve securing government benefits and stabilizing living situations, as well as proceeding related to employment, housing, and medical care.
  • Volunteers of America Los Angeles – a non-profit service organization offering veteran services ranging from housing for the homeless and parolees, employment services, and substance abuse recovery.
  • Veterans Economic Communities Initiative – An initiative launched to increase education and employment opportunities for America’s Veterans by bringing together local and national employers to coordinate services for Veterans, service members and military families.
  • CalVet – California veterans website shares insight on state and federal benefits veterans are entitled to receive and gives guidance on the filing process for such benefits. CalVet offers programs such as Home Loans to programs related to Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, and Transgender veterans.
  • People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) – An organization comprised of a collection of agencies that combat homelessness. The program services veterans by providing permanent and interim housing to prevent or remove service members from homelessness.

NOTE: The inclusion of non-governmental links on the FWDB website is for information purposes only and is not an endorsement by the Foothill Workforce Development Board or other related entities.