Every year hundreds of thousands of U.S. service members transition to civilian life. It's a change full of opportunities, but also concrete questions: how do you look for a job? what education options are real? how do you understand earned benefits and the paperwork? Almost half of post-9/11 veterans say their adjustment was difficult.
OpenAI is proposing something simple: practical AI support for people taking that step. Starting today, service members and veterans in the United States who are within 12 months of their retirement or separation can get a free year of ChatGPT Plus.
What's included and why it matters
This initiative isn't just marketing. It grew from veterans working at OpenAI who know, from firsthand experience, where help is most needed. What will you receive if you apply and qualify?
One year of free access to ChatGPT Plus, with the newest models and features.
100 sample chats designed specifically for veterans, created by veterans at OpenAI.
A personalized starter video in the OpenAI Academy showing how to use the tool for your transition.
Verification via SheerID to make sure access goes to people who served.
Why is this useful in practice? Because AI can act like a 24/7 assistant for concrete tasks: tailoring your resume so your military experience reads clearly in civilian terms, practicing interviews with realistic questions and feedback, and demystifying forms and paperwork that sometimes feel like a maze.
Practical examples
Imagine this: you're a sergeant with 10 years in logistics and want to move into the private sector. With ChatGPT Plus you can ask: "Translate these responsibilities into a job description a recruiter will understand" and get several versions (formal, for LinkedIn, for a cover letter).
Or think of it this way: you have an appointment with the VA and don't understand a form. You show the text (or paste it) and get a simple, step-by-step explanation and a list of documents you’ll likely need to bring.
Security and verification
OpenAI relies on SheerID, a permission-based verification platform, to confirm that recipients of the offer are indeed service members or veterans within the eligibility window. It's not an intrusive system; it's designed to protect access and prevent fraud.
What this represents
This isn't a magic fix for all the challenges of transition, but it is a concrete, immediately available tool. Having an assistant to help polish a resume at 3 a.m., practice an interview without judgment, or understand complex benefits can make a real difference.
If you're in that period of change, this offer can save you time and reduce uncertainty. And if you know someone who is, sharing this news could be a big help.
