Employment Frequently Asked Questions
1. I am interested in teaching after I leave the service. Where can I obtain information about the Troops to Teachers program?
You can obtain information about this program at http://www.proudtoserveagain.com.
2. I am interested
in teaching after I leave the service. Where can I obtain information about teacher
certification requirements, etc., for a particular state?
Each state has its own requirements for teacher certification. You will need to
contact the Department of Education for the individual state to determine requirements.
The
U.S.
Department of Education
provides links to the Agencies or Departments of Education
for each state.
3. I am a Military Policeman and am interested in pursuing employment in the Law Enforcement field when I retire. What is a good source of information for this type of employment?
SFL-TAP On-Line provides links to a number of job search resources on the Links page. One website that would be of particular interest to you is The Police Officer's Internet Directory.
4. I am interested in employment with the U.S. Marshals Service. Where can I find information about employment opportunities with the U.S. Marshals Service?
The U.S. Marshals Service is under the U.S. Department of Justice. To access information about the Marshals Service go to
http://www.usdoj.gov/marshals/
.
5. I am interested in obtaining information about policies governing veteran’s employment with the federal government. Where can I obtain information?
The Officer of Personnel Management (OPM)
website
provides extensive information about federal employment. When visiting this site, veterans should take the opportunity to download a copy of the Veteran's Guide, which provides detailed information for veterans. The guide can be viewed as a
Web
document
. In addition, the OPM government-wide veteran's employment website,
FedsHireVets provides consistent and accurate information about federal employment for veterans, transitioning service members and their Family members.
6. Where can I access
job vacancy announcements for federal positions?
One website of particular interest to
you is USAJOBS, which provides a current listing of federal job vacancies. The address
is http://www.usajobs.gov.
7. I am interested
in applying for a federal job; however, I have been unable to find a copy of the
Optional Form 612. Is the form available online?
You can download a copy of the OF612 from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
website.
8. Where can I obtain
a copy of the Application for Employment Standard Form (SF171)?
The SF171 became obsolete on December 31, 1994. As a result, federal agencies can
no longer require the SF171 as the only acceptable application form. Because the
SF171 is no longer an official form, the Office of Personnel Management does not
make the form or software available. Applicants for federal employment may now apply
for employment consideration using a resume, the Optional Form 612 (OF612) or any
other written form of choice. Occasionally however, other specialized application
forms may be required as specified in a job vacancy announcement.
9. How can I obtain
my Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) DD Form 2586 document?
Your VMET document, DD Form 2586, is available online. The document you receive will list your military training
and education and can be used to help you prepare for a job search or further education.
10. I have applied
for a position in juvenile justice/custody that requires evidence that I have had
a prior position with professional administrative duties. Can you tell where I can
find documentation that describes the administrative duties of a First Sergeant?
DA PAM 611-21 (Military Occupational Classification and Structure) will provide
the information that you need. This document is accessible on the Internet and can be viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
11. I am looking
for the job description for my MOS. Where can I find this information? Is
it available online?
The SFL-TAP Center at your location can assist you in this regard. You can also
access DA PAM 611-21 (Military Occupational Classification Standards), as well as
the majority of Army Regulations, on the Internet. The address is http://www.apd.army.mil/.
12. What resources are
available online for veterans to use when conducting job searches or completing
resumes, etc.?
Internet sites that would be useful to you include http://careeronestop.org, which permits users to post resumes
and conduct job searches, and https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/education/index.html, which
provides extensive information about using your military experience and training.
Leader's FAQ
1. Is SFL-TAP
mandatory?
SFL-TAP is mandatory for all Soldiers who will complete at least 180 days of continuous active duty. These Soldiers must participate and meet all transition Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) and Career Readiness Standards (CRS) requirements.
2. When can my
Soldiers start SFL-TAP?
Retirees may begin SFL-TAP services 2 years before retirement. All Soldiers will begin SFL-TAP services no later than 1 year before the separation date recorded on DD Form 214. With an early start, Soldiers can take full advantage of all SFL-TAP services and continue to contribute to unit mission requirements.
3. Where can
Soldiers receive SFL-TAP services?
SFL-TAP Centers are located on most major Army installations.
Soldiers who are not located near an SFL-TAP Center can use the SFL-TAP On-Line
website at SFL-TAP or by calling 800-325-4715.
4. Can Soldiers
do everything on line?
Soldiers can register for and schedule services as well as receive required preseparation
counseling and complete DD Form 2648 or DD Form 2648-1 online. SFL-TAP On-Line makes
the process of getting services easier and provides access to the same job search
tools and resources used in the SFL-TAP Center to write resumes and cover letters,
practice job interview skills and conduct online research.
5. What is the
average length of time required for a Soldier to complete SFL-TAP?
A typical Soldier will receive a preseparation briefing, Department of Labor Employment Workshop and VA benefits briefings through a combination of online and classroom options. Additionally, many Soldiers will work writing and revising resumes, searching for job opportunities, preparing for job fairs and interviews and researching career fields. Obviously, all this work can’t effectively be accomplished in a compressed timeframe. Consequently, Soldiers often spread their SFL-TAP related activities over a period of months. Finally, Soldiers have to work their SFL-TAP activities around duty requirements. That’s why it is important to get your Soldiers started early.
6. Should I expect
a transitioning Soldier to have multiple SFL-TAP appointments?
Yes. Soldiers will require several appointments to complete their SFL-TAP services and meet the VOW/CRS requirements.
7. How do I know
my Soldiers are really doing something at SFL-TAP?
The SFL-TAP scheduling capability lets Soldiers print appointment slips. Therefore, beginning with their first visit, they will be able to show you an appointment slip for every service they schedule. If you ever want to check, you can always call the SFL-TAP Center to verify that your Soldier actually reported as scheduled.
8. How can I
perform my mission if Soldiers are at SFL-TAP?
The earlier a Soldier starts the SFL-TAP process, the easier it is for them to schedule SFL-TAP services around mission requirements and use SFL-TAP On-Line to receive services. By allowing your Soldiers to begin their SFL-TAP process early and spread their investment of time over a longer period, their participation in SFL-TAP services will have a minimal impact on your mission.
9. Does SFL-TAP
train Soldiers in a new skill or career field?
No. SFL-TAP helps Soldiers to set new career goals and attain those goals, but it does not deliver skills training except in the area of job search skills.
10. Why is the
SFL-TAP workshop so long?
Most installations conduct workshops jointly sponsored by the Army, Department of Labor and Department of Veterans Affairs. While there is some flexibility, the curriculum is standardized and cannot be materially altered.
11. Our unit
is going to be deploying. Can my Soldiers initiate SFL-TAP now or do they have to
wait until they return to start?
Yes, starting the SFL-TAP process before deployment will help you to ensure that your unit timeliness rate stays high and helps Soldiers plan for a well-orchestrated separation when they return from deployment. Even while they are deployed Soldiers can use job search tools and receive counseling support through the 24/7 SFL-TAP Virtual Center.
12. How can
I keep my timeliness percentage high?
Ensure you identify a responsible Soldier as the focal point for your unit transition program to ensure Soldiers are informed and up to date on their transition requirements. Get Soldiers to start their transition training early. Make sure Soldiers know that you expect them to complete transition requirements on time. Create an atmosphere that allows Soldiers to know there service was valued and their transition from active duty is just as important.
13. Can Soldiers
use SFL-TAP services during duty hours?
Army policy considers SFL-TAP to be an official use of time, just like a dental appointment or a visit to JAG. Soldiers can use the 24/7 SFL-TAP Virtual Center to receive services at their leisure, whether from work or home. As always, the unit mission is a Soldier’s priority, and commanders can ensure SFL-TAP appointments are coordinated with unit mission requirements.
14. Are Soldiers
who are being involuntarily separated required to receive SFL-TAP services?
All Soldiers who will have 180 days or more of continuous active duty upon separation are required to receive SFL-TAP services.
15. Are Soldiers
eligible to reenlist once they have started SFL-TAP services?
Yes, SFL-TAP helps Soldiers to realistically evaluate and compare the opportunities available in the private sector. Many SFL-TAP clients realize that they already have a great career or that they need additional training, education and experience in order to achieve their ultimate career goals and reenlist as a result.
16. Are DA Civilians
(DAC) eligible to receive SFL-TAP services?
Yes. DA Civilians who are subject to a RIF or BRAC are eligible to receive SFL-TAP services at an SFL-TAP Center or through the 24/7 SFL-TAP Virtual Center.
17. Can family
members of Soldiers and DA Civilians use SFL-TAP services?
Yes, Family members of eligible Soldiers are eligible to receive SFL-TAP services at an SFL-TAP Center or through the 24/7 SFL-TAP Virtual Center
18. Who can
participate in SFL-TAP Job Fairs and Employer Days?
Generally, SFL-TAP Job Fairs and Employer Days are targeted to Soldiers and take place on the installation. Employers who participate in these events, typically, are interested in hiring Soldiers and look to fill their job openings with individuals who have skills that are found in military occupations. DA Civilians and Family members may also attend these job fairs and will often locate good job leads and opportunities through them.
19. I want all
my officers and NCOs to get more information about SFL-TAP. What do we need to do?
You can begin by directing your officers and NCOs to the other informational resources
on this website at SFL-TAP Program:
Leader’s Perspective
, Publicity and
SFL-TAP Process. Your installation Transition
Services Manager (TSM) also is responsible for educating leaders on SFL-TAP. The TSM,
typically, is available for individual or group discussions about SFL-TAP. You and
your staff can also receive a demonstration of SFL-TAP services that are available
to your Soldiers by visiting your supporting SFL-TAP Center.
Transition Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is SFL-TAP
mandatory?
SFL-TAP is mandatory for all Soldiers who will complete at least 180 days of continuous active duty. These Soldiers must participate and meet all transition Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) and Career Readiness Standards (CRS) requirements.
2. I want
to use SFL-TAP, but my unit won't let me off. What can I do?
SFL-TAP policy allows you up to one year, if you're not retiring, or two years, if you are retiring, before leaving active duty to use SFL-TAP services. Congress directed this to ensure that you would have enough time to take full advantage of all SFL-TAP offers. Your unit must allow you to receive SFL-TAP services. Keep in mind that your unit's mission is the first priority and you should coordinate your appointments with unit leadership. Begin early so as to allow yourself time to schedule activities and use SFL-TAP services around mission demands. Talk with your chain of command to see how you can fit SFL-TAP into your duty time. Call your SFL-TAP Center to find out how you can creatively schedule your activities.
3. When should
I start the SFL-TAP process and for how long can I receive assistance?
Retiring Soldiers can start using SFL-TAP services up to two years before their retirement and non-retiring Soldiers can start one year before their separation date. AC Soldiers preparing for deployment whose separation date will occur during or within 90 days following, deployment and mobilized RC Soldiers on active duty for 180 day or more can receive services. Starting early will ensure that duty demands don't prevent you from getting the services you want and need. Keep in mind that non-retiring veterans and non-Army retirees can use SFL-TAP for up to 180 days after separation. Army retirees can use SFL-TAP on a space available basis for the rest of their lives.
4. I recently
separated from the Army and have relocated in an area where there are no SFL-TAP
Centers. Where can I get additional transition and job assistance?
If there are no SFL-TAP Centers in your area, you can use the 24/7 SFL-TAP Virtual Center to continue receiving job assistance from a SFL-TAP counselor. You also have the option of using the services provided by one of the other military services if available in your area. To locate a Transition Assistance Office in your area, go to the SFL-TAP Centers Page. As a veteran, you should also plan to visit
a Department of Labor (DOL) One-Stop Career Center in your local area.
5. How do
I contact the Army Wounded Warrior (AW2) Program?
You can contact the Army Wounded Warrior (AW2) Program by phone at 1-877-393-9058
or by email at mAW2careerprogram@conus.army.mil. The AW2 website is
http://wtc.army.mil/aw2/
.