Preparing for the next step after active duty

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sarah Dowe
  • 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

When an individual decides to separate from active duty service, the Transition Assistant Program is available to help them succeed with their next step in life.

In 1991, Congress mandated that the TAP be embedded throughout the military. Program managers and counselors strive to ensure that each participant receives first-class transition and job assistance. In addition to military members, Department of Defense civilians, and family members can take part in the program.

Service members that have served on orders for more than 180 consecutive days are required to participate in the program; including those who are retiring, leaving for medical reasons and involuntarily separating.

“My favorite part of the job is helping service members and seeing them succeed once they transition out of the service,” said Cassie Rucker, contractor installation manager, Inverness Technologies. “We provide the member with the tools and resources they will need to be successful in the civilian sector.”

TAP services include career counseling appointments, workshops, and connections to outside resources and agencies.

Workshops target four different areas: employment, formal education, vocational education, and entrepreneurship. The program offers bi-yearly job and monthly employer days for service members to attend.

“Members do not need to prepare ahead of time, but should be ready to receive the information that is provided,” said Rucker. “The participants should start applying the information they learn as soon as possible.”

Participants start with an individualized initial counseling session or self-assessment as well as pre-separation counseling. As the individuals separation date grows closer, they will complete additional workshops and counseling appointments.

For more information or to check when participants should enroll in TAPs, visit https://www.sfl-tap.army.mil/