Welcome to the Transition Assistance Program web portal!
The DoD Transition Assistance Program (TAP) was designed by the Department of Defense to
smooth the transition of military personnel (and family members) leaving active duty. TAP is a
partnership among DoD, DOL, and VA.
Returning to civilian life is an exciting time, but is also a complex undertaking. The
servicemember has many steps to take, and many questions to get answered. The Transition Assistance
Program is there to help.
FOR FULL-TIME ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS:
The program consists of four components:
1.
DoD Preseparation Counseling: A thorough review of transition services, benefits,
and resources begins your transition process. You should make an appointment with your
transition office
12 months before your known separation date (for retiring Service members, you can make an
appointment 24 months prior to your retirement date).
2.
Department of Labor (DOL) Employment Workshops: During this 2 1/2 day workshop,
you will learn how to write a resume and cover letter, obtain information on skills assessment and
job search techniques, and learn other important information about career and job services
available through DOL.
4.
Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP): If you have a
service-connected
disability (or think that you might), you must attend this 2-hour briefing. You will learn
about eligibility for Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service benefits by VA,
and more.
Once you have completed the four workshops above, you are eligible for one-on-one
counseling and employment assistance training through your service.
FOR DEMOBILIZING GUARD AND RESERVE
DoD Preseparation Counseling: During demobilization, and prior to release from
active duty, Service members returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring
Freedom (OEF) can receive preseparation counseling.
Department of Labor Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
Briefing: You are eligible to receive a USERRA Briefing prior to your release from active
duty. Once home, you should contact the DOL Career One-Stop Center in your community to receive
further employment assistance.
VA Benefits Briefing: Prior to release form active duty, you are eligible to
receive a
VA Benefits
Briefing. You can also receive the VA Benefits Briefing on-line in eBenefits at
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal.
VA DTAP Briefing: This normally occurs as part of the VA Benefits Briefing and
usually includes information about application procedures for vocational rehabilitation and
employment assistance. This information is for Service members who have or think they have a
service-connected
disability. Members should always follow-up once they return home by contacting the VA office
closest to where they live.
Transition Assistance Program services are provided on major military installations by
Transition Assistance Offices. On Air
Force, Navy, and Marine Corps installations, the Transition Assistance Office is typically located
at the Family Support/Service Center. On Army installations, services are provided by ACAP Centers.
Use our
search engine to locate the nearest office
to you.
This website, TurboTAP.org, is intended to supplement the services offered by the Transition
Assistance Offices and other groups. Resources include:
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