TotalMilPay · Structured Guides
THE FIELD MANUAL
Written by soldiers, for soldiers. No recruiter fluff — just what you actually need to know.
From Civilian to Soldier
The complete enlistment guide — MEPS, contracts, DEP, and what to expect before BCT.
6 sections · 14 min readBasic Combat Training
Everything that happens during BCT — phases, weapons qualification, PT standards, graduation.
3 sections · 8 min readAIT & First Duty Station
After BCT — your MOS training, first unit, and how to hit the ground running.
4 sections · 10 min readPCS Moves
Every entitlement before you move — HHG, PPM/DITY, DLA, TLE, MALT-Plus.
5 sections · 12 min readPromotion Board
E-4 to SGT, E-5 to SSG — promotion points, board prep, NCO Creed, cutoff scores.
5 sectionsVA Benefits
Disability compensation, GI Bill, VA Home Loan, and healthcare — what you earned and how to claim it.
5 sections · 11 min readRoad to ETS
Your 12-month ETS checklist — BDD, TAP, terminal leave, DD-214, Skillbridge, VA claim timeline, and first 90 days as a civilian.
7 sections · 18 min readFinance 101
LES, TSP, BAH, SGLI, budgeting, predatory lenders, credit building, and the car buying trap.
10 sections · 22 min readComing Next
Ch.09 — VA Claim Walkthrough · Coming soon