Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

Today I want to share information with you on the Transition Assistance Program (TAP).  This program is for those service members who will be transitioning back into civilian life.  From my own experience I have to say that this was not an easy thing for me and they didn’t have TAP when I came out.  It wasn’t so much the finding a job or anything like that but it was more so about how to behave while on the job.  I was so used to literally “cussing like a sailor” that it was second nature to me.  Unfortunately, that is not how people speak in the workplace in the civilian sector.  

I also had to change my mindset in the way I did things.  Having been in the military, and for the most part being told what to do it was very hard for me to take the initiative on anything.  I had to learn that it was okay to make decisions on your own, as well as feel free in expressing new and innovative ideas.  I would stress heavily to anyone who is transitioning soon that you take advantage of this opportunity.

I was in a meeting today, because that’s pretty much all I do, and someone told the story of how he had met a young veteran who was out of work and homeless.  This young man was an E7 when he separated so you would have thought that he would not have had any trouble getting a job.  Well that is what a lot of service members think.  Believe me it is not as easy as it used to be and just because you are a veteran does not guarantee you a job.  As a matter of fact, in some cases, it may work against you, especially if you have seen combat.  Again I cannot urge you enough to take advantage of the information below.  

Along with TAP, you should also register with your local Department of Labor (DOL).  As a separating vet you are entitled to receive Unemployment Insurance.  They also offer Veterans’ Priority of Service and have employees who do nothing but work with veterans (Local Veterans Employment Rep (LVERs) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOPs).  I also strongly suggest you register with your local Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) office.  In some cases they are located in your DOLs.  They have money to send you to school as well as offer On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship opportunities.

TAP Overview

VA Benefits I and II Briefings are part of VA's portion of Transition Goals, Plans, Success (GPS), which is designed to help transitioning Servicemembers, to include Guard and Reserve members demobilizing after 180 days or more of active service, adjust to life after the military. 

All transitioning Servicemembers are required to attend Transition GPS. The briefings consist of two classroom modules: a four-hour VA Benefits I Briefing and a two-hour VA Benefits II Briefing.

VA Benefits I Briefing provides you with information on education, health care, compensation, life insurance, and home loans, as well as vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits information and counseling.

VA Benefits II Briefing helps you understand some of the services and programs related to your VA health care and understand the VA disability compensation process. Additionally, you will learn how to navigate through eBenefits.

Spouses and family members are encouraged to attend both briefings.

Optional Two-Day Technical Training Track

VA is leading an optional two-day technical training track. This workshop assists transitioning Servicemembers in identifying civilian occupations, establishing career goals, and beginning applications for credentialing and vocational training.

Additional optional tracks focusing on education and entrepreneurship are also available, and are led by the military services and Small Business Administration.

Have a wonderful day. TTYL!!!