I'm in a similar situation but I get out this summer. I started applying to Direct SRO positions about 6 months before my separation date and just started getting interviews/offers recently. I didn't use a head hunter. I just used the company websites and some networking. One friend received a job offer 10 months before separation but that was a rare case. Usually, the interviews start about 3 months before separation. So, don't get too worried if he doesn't have a job until right before he gets out.
He should make sure that all of his applications and resumes clearly point out that he will not be available for employment until Sept 2011 (or when his terminal leave starts). That will prevent confusion/frustration.
Take some time to look at Nuclear Regulatory Commission jobs as well. They will be hiring quite a bit over the next year or two and pay well. The NRC HQ work schedule is very good. You will just have to deal with living in the greater DC area. He can apply at
www.usajobs.govI don't think your husband will be able to use veterans preference since he is still on active duty. Technically I don't think he is a veteran until after he has separated. I think one of the required documents to use the preference is a DD214 which he will not get until he actually separates. I might be wrong. I don't think he will need the preference to land an interview or a job offer.
He should read "Knock 'Em Dead 2010". It has a lot of good advice regarding resumes/interview prep/negotiations. It helped me prepare and I'm sure my interview performance benefited from the advice in that book.
The initial take home pay will be lower (~$750-$1500/month lower) compared to his current salary. The gap will be closed over time but be prepared for an initial dip in income. I recommend saving as much cash as possible to pad the transition.
Once he submits his resignation letter he probably won't be able to rescind it later. The officer community as a whole is over manned and they are trying to thin the herd. So, make sure he understands the gravity of submitting the resignation. Once it is submitted to NAVPERS he is a greased pig on a water slide out of the Navy and it will be very hard if not impossible to stop. That being said...he will need to keep track of his resignation to make sure it is processed in a timely manner (just call the office his resignation is addressed to and they will direct him to the right person.) I've seen it take over 14 months for someone to get a resignation processed and receive separation orders...which is a pain in the butt if you have a job waiting for you.
Good luck. There are a lot of opportunities out there (inside and outside the nuclear industry).
