Transition Assistance Programs and Resources

Individualized initial counseling between the service member and a TAP counselor is now the official start of the transition process. During the IC session, service members complete their personal self-assessment and begin the development of their Individual Transition Plan to identify their unique needs for the transition process and post-transition goals.

Once the individualized counseling is complete, pre-separation counseling commences. Pre-separation counseling, just like IC, must start no later than 365 days prior to transition. Pre-separation counseling covers bylaw information including benefits, entitlements and resources for eligible transitioning service members, and includes an overview of the TAP process and curriculum. Caregivers and spouses are especially encouraged to attend pre-separation counseling with their service members.

The DOD Transition Day follows pre-separation counseling and is mandatory for TSMs. It covers these topics:

• Managing Your Transition gives service members an understanding of the importance of preparing for their transition from military service into the civilian sector and provides a review of the TAP process.

The “less obvious” topics of transition are introduced — including personal and family transition concerns, the differences in the culture of civilian and military workplaces, transition-related stressors and the importance of effective communication during the transition process.

The course concludes with both military and civilian resources that can provide support during and after transition for military personnel and their family members.

• Military Occupational Code Crosswalk demonstrates how to translate military skills, training and experience into civilian credentialing appropriate for civilian jobs. Service members will document their military career experience and skills, translate their military occupation experience to civilian occupations and skills, and identify any gaps in their training and/or experience that need to be filled to meet their career goals.
• Financial Planning for Transition builds on the financial training provided during the military life cycle and helps service members understand how transition will impact their financial situation.

Subjects include changes in income, taxes, health care costs, new expenses and other financial matters. Online tools are used to calculate the military-to-civilian income equivalent and to research the cost of living for at least two geographical locations. Throughout the course, service members have the opportunity to develop or update a spending plan.

This one-day interactive briefing teaches service members about the Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and programs based on their needs and where they are in their transition journey. Each module highlights real stories and examples from service members who have already transitioned from military to civilian life.

Topics covered include disability benefits and compensation, memorial and burial benefits, education and economic support, housing benefits and health care options, including both physical and emotional health needs.

This course provides an introduction to the tools and resources service members can use to evaluate career options, gain information for civilian employment and understand the fundamentals of the employment process.

TAP also includes a service member election of two days of instruction. These include the DOL Employment Track: Employment Workshop, DOL Vocational Track: Career Credential and Exploration, DOD Education Track: Managing Your Education and the Small Business Administration Entrepreneurship Track: Boots to Business. TSMs must elect at least one track but may attend more than one based on their ITP and post-transition goals.

The Capstone is the culminating event where commanders verify achievement of Career Readiness Standards and a viable ITP. It must happen no later than 90 days before separation or release from active duty.