Background

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) was developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) to help separating and retiring service members and their families make a smooth transition from a military career to the civilian sector.

Key Points

The DoD TAP consists of four components:

• DoD Preseparation Counseling. Preseparation counseling is congressionally mandated and must be completed before a service member can separate or retire. It can commence twelve months prior to separation and twenty-four months prior to retirement. Service members leaving for deployments should consider completing preseparation counseling prior to deployment if they have ninety days or less remaining on active duty upon their return from deployment. All separating and retiring service members who have unanticipated separation dates (administrative discharges, medical separations/discharges, etc.) should begin the process as soon as possible. Service members must serve a minimum of 180 continuous days on active duty to be eligible for the preseparation counseling.
• Department of Labor (DoL) Employment Workshops. This two and a half day workshop is for separating and retiring service members and their spouses. During the workshop, personnel learn how to write a resume and cover letter, obtain information on skills assessment, hone job search techniques, and receive other information about career and job services available through DoL. They also learn how to access their local DoL Career One-Stop Center to continue their job search post separation or retirement.
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Briefing. During this half day brief, separating and retiring service members learn about VA benefits, the procedures for applying for benefits, the Montgomery GI Bill, and where to go to get VA assistance once they return home.
• VA Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP). All service members separating or retiring with a service-connected disability or who suspect that they may have a service-connected disability must attend this briefing. During this brief, participants will learn about eligibility for Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service benefits. They will also receive information on the application process to include when to start the process and all the required application documents.

Eligibility

Transition services are available to all service members (and their family members) who are retiring or separating from active duty military service.

Program Availability

TAP is available on major military installations. Transition Assistance Offices are typically located at the Family Service Center for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps; and at Army Career and Alumni Program Centers.

Submit a Question

To submit a question regarding DoD policy or programs for this topic, click on the button.