Determining the path after recovery and evaluation may be difficult for your Soldier. They may want to bring you into the process and look for you to weigh in with your thoughts and feelings. However, they may also need time to process this decision independently and not reach out for guidance or opinions.

No matter how your Soldier processes this life decision, they will need your support and respect. Continue to stay engaged and available so your Soldier knows you are there for them.

As with any new milestone, the time leading up to the decision and after the decision is made is sometimes as impactful as the decision itself. Make sure you continue to show support after your Soldier has determined their path. They will most likely have a transition period where they need to adjust to their new normal and will likely look to you for support during this transition.

No matter what your Soldier decides, continue to be supportive and respect their decision. Just as they decided to enter into service, they will need to determine how and if they continue their service.

Your Soldier can feel as if they have not reached the end of their service. It is not uncommon for them to feel a deep connection, sense of pride continuing to serve amongst their unit and friends which will leave them wanting to submit a continuation request. The Army has a strong set of core values that helps grow, shape, and connect all Soldiers together that your Soldier strongly identifies with and will feel called to continue their serve. In this case your Soldier will be looking for your support. While you may disagree with this you must respect their decision and trust that their medical team and their evaluation has their best interest at heart and would not allow them to return to service if they were not ready.

Sometimes the Soldier needs more time to process and prepare for their next step. If there are situations or circumstances beyond you or your Soldier's control that keeps you from determining the Soldier's statutes, you can file for an extension.

You and your Soldier will need to work with your team to define the right extension necessary. Once you submit the extension it will be reviewed and a determination of approval will defined. If the extension is approved, your Soldier will have more time to decide which path is right. If the extension is not approved, your Soldier will need to provide their decision within the allotted time period.

When the Soldier decides to return to service, they will need to identify their Military Occupation Specialty (MOS). The Soldier will work with the Human Resources Command (HRC) to review and determine the correct military occupation options. Once these options are submitted, they will be reviewed based on the Soldier's unique case and needs to determine the best match.

When a Soldier decides to return to service, they may be faced with new challenges and limitations different then the last. As they worked through recovery and rehabilitation they will now need to work through a period of rediscovery in continued service.

They may need to apply for and attend special training on new technologies or skillsets needed to align to new areas of operation they are not familiar with. Some of this transition may be exciting and very empowering while other parts of this transition may cause anxiety and concern. The Army will provide all the necessary tools and training to equip your Solider, your support and celebration of your Soldier’s victories will continue to help in the speed and success of their transition process.

In some way you will need to stay close to your Soldier. This may include driving them to medical/coaching appointments, helping them with rehabilitation, managing medications, equipment use and requests, or checking in to learn how they are adjusting to their new position.

If your Soldier's service ends based on their own or your own determination, they will enter into Veteran status with an honorable discharge. Becoming a Veteran is a very personal journey that impacts each Soldier differently. The Department of Veteran's Affairs is designed to guide your Soldier through process of filing, monitoring, and receiving Veteran status and their many benefits your Soldier and family are entitled to receive.

To receive these benefits, your Soldier will need to submit their military and medical paperwork. The Health and Eligibility Center will then review your Soldier’s records and may require an additional evaluation to process and determine your Soldier's benefits package. Throughout this process, you may need to help your Soldier consolidate and complete paperwork or you may need to submit paperwork on their behalf. Staying involved and supportive through this process is critical to your Soldier receiving the benefits they deserve.