Skip to content
Frequently Asked Questions

Launched in 2023, Map My Future (MMF) is a skills-based hiring platform that helps individuals translate formal and informal learning into digital badges and Learning and Employment Records (LERs). Built on open standards, MMF connects education, employment, and credentialing systems to expand opportunities for veterans, adult learners, and the future workforce.

Yes! MMF is completely free for individual users—no subscription, no hidden fees. It's designed to increase access to career opportunities for service members and veterans.

If you’re a veteran, active duty, National Guard, Reserve or a transitioning service member— you’re in. MMF is built to spotlight the skills you already have and show how they line up with real-world jobs in industries like manufacturing, logistics, and leadership.

Yes and no. You can log back into your account anytime, no pressure to finish everything in one go. Here’s the catch: your service document isn’t saved after your session ends. That means if you come back later (like when new badges are added), you’ll need to re-upload it to get your updated badge matches.

What is saved? The info you used to create your account and any badges you’ve already claimed. So your progress isn’t lost, your uploaded document just doesn’t stick around in the system. Think of it as a privacy-friendly clean slate.

Once you upload your service documents, you’ll typically see your badges and skill matches in just a few seconds. If something takes longer than expected or you run into trouble, reach out and we’ll help you get back on track.

Yes. MMF works on any device with a browser, including your phone or tablet. Just make sure your service documents are in PDF format if you’re uploading from a mobile device.

Think of a badge like a mini trophy—but cooler and more useful. Each one represents a skill or a group of skills you’ve earned through your military service. MMF’s badges are built using real workforce standards so that when you share one, employers understand exactly what you can do on the job. Badges are available now in manufacturing, logistics, and leadership, with more on the way.

Not yet, and that’s intentional. The badges currently focus on specific, in-demand skill areas like manufacturing, logistics, and leadership. So while they capture a slice of your experience, they don’t reflect everything you’ve done. MMF is growing though, so check back for new badges as we expand.

Badge matches depend on how your military job lines up with the core skills we’re highlighting, like manufacturing safety or logistics basics. If your occupation didn’t align directly, it doesn’t mean your service was any less valuable. It just means there’s not a direct skill match yet. MMF doesn’t evaluate every single training experience (for now), so no worries, your contributions absolutely matter.

If you think you should’ve gotten a badge and didn’t, shoot us an email—we’re here to help. Just know that MMF currently offers a limited set of badges, and we’re building more all the time. If you're still unsure, drop us a line and we’ll take a look.

Here’s how your badges can go to work for you:

  1. Talk the talk. Review the badge descriptions—they give you language to describe your military experience in ways employers understand.
  2. Show them off. Many job applications let you upload credentials. Your badges can live in SmartResume or a digital wallet and are easy to share with employers.
  3. Lean on your network. If you’re coming through the Heroes MAKE America program, your badges may already be shared with potential employers. If you’re working with Hire Heroes USA, ask your coach how to bring up your badges in interviews or applications.

Bottom Line: Badges are conversation starters and credibility boosters.

It’s MMF’s behind-the-scenes wizard. You upload your service documents, and it gets to work, scanning your experience and translating it into civilian-friendly skill sets. Those skills get linked to badges, which you can then use in your job search.

Stick with PDFs, and try to use one of these:

  • Joint Services Transcript (JST)
  • Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET)
  • Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcript
  • Single Unit Retrieval Format (SURF)
  • Employee Summary Sheet (ESS)

Select a document link below for details on how to obtain your service documents:

Joint Services Transcript (JST)

To access your JST, go to the Joint Services Transcript website. This is an official U.S. Government website, and will provide records for Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, including active duty and veterans. On the right-hand side under 'Sign In to JST' you can either login with your Common Access Card (CAC) or sign in with a JST username and password. If you are a veteran and no longer have a CAC, you must register before logging in to access your record.

  1. Click 'My Transcripts' at the top left of the page, directly under the JST logo.
  2. Select the 'My Complete JST Transcript' option from the drop-down menu.
  3. Download a copy of your JST by clicking the 'Download PDF' button at the top right of the record screen.
  4. Save the file to a location that is easily accessible to you.
Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET)
To access your VMET, go to milConnect.
  1. Log on by clicking the 'Sign In' button in the top right corner. You can login with your CAC, DS Logon, or DFAS myPay account.
  2. In the top navigation, click on 'Correspondence/Documentation' and select 'DOD Transition Assistance Program' from the dropdown.
  3. Click the 'VMET' tab on your transition dashboard.
  4. Select the radio button for VMET and click 'Submit'. Your VMET will download as a PDF document to your computer.
  5. Save the file to a location that is easily accessible to you.
Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcript
To access your CCAF unofficial transcript, go to the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC).
  1. Login to the AFVEC.
  2. Under the Self-Service section, select 'CCAF View Progress Report'.
  3. In the Student Tools banner, select 'View My Unofficial Transcript'.
  4. Save the file to a location that is easily accessible to you.
Single Unit Retrieval Format (SURF) or "Record Review RIP"
To access your SURF, go to the Assignment Management System (AMS).
  1. Log into AMS.
  2. Click on 'Personnel Information'.
  3. Click on 'My Career Brief'.
  4. Click on 'Consolidated SURF' (HTML).
  5. Save the file to a location that is easily accessible to you.

SmartResume is your resume, but smarter. It's a digital resume that’s built from verified credentials—like the badges you earn in Map My Future—and designed to speak the language of hiring systems and real-life employers.

Unlike traditional resumes where anyone can type anything, SmartResume pulls in trusted data from places like MMF, educational institutions, and workforce platforms. That means employers know the skills and achievements listed are the real deal, no guesswork required.

Why it matters for you:

  • Your badges and credentials from MMF can be added directly to SmartResume, giving you a polished, verified resume without all the formatting headaches.
  • Employers using SmartResume’s network can find you based on your actual skills and badges.
  • It helps you stand out in a crowded hiring pool by proving your experience is real, relevant, and ready to go.

It’s your secure digital backpack for badges. Built by the Digital Credentials Consortium, the Learner Credential Wallet (LCW) is a mobile app that lets you store, organize, and share your digital credentials wherever your career takes you.

Why it matters for you:

  • It keeps your MMF badges all in one place—organized, portable, and ready to go.
  • You can share your badges with employers, schools, or training providers, no digging around for files.
  • It shows you're serious about your skills and gives you control over how and when you showcase them.
  • Because it’s built on open standards, your wallet works with multiple systems, making it easier to plug into the future of hiring and learning.

Mobile method:

  1. Go to https://lcw.app and download the app.
  2. Set your password and tap Take Me to My Wallet.
  3. Choose Add Credential and scan each QR code.
  4. Accept the badge. Done!

Desktop method:

  1. Download your badge as a file and email it to yourself.
  2. Open the LCW app on your phone.
  3. Tap Add from File, find the JSON file, and upload.
  4. Click Accept — and boom, you’re credentialed.

Pro tip: Skip the "Paste JSON" option — it’s a bit finicky.

An error has occurred. This application may no longer respond until reloaded. Reload 🗙