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Transition

As an Active or Reserve Component Soldier, you have earned valuable services and benefits as a result of your military service. You can take advantage of these benefits if you understand those you're eligible for and how you receive them. Congress has directed the military services to provide each transitioning service member a preseparation counseling session that provides an overview of the wide range of benefits, services and programs that are available to transitioners and makes referrals to helpful service providers for further information. You owe it to yourself and your family to complete a counseling session as soon as possible.

You can contact your nearest SFL-TAP Center to schedule a preseparation briefing.

If there is no SFL-TAP Center near you, you may contact another of the Armed Services in your area or contact the the 24/7 SFL-TAP Virtual Center at https://www.sfl-tap.army.mil or by calling 800-325-4715.

Starting early will ensure that duty demands don't prevent you from getting the services you want and need. Retiring Soldiers can start using SFL-TAP services two years before their retirement and non-retiring Soldiers should start no later than one year before their separation date. Active Component Soldiers preparing for deployment whose separation date will occur during, or within 90 days following, deployment and mobilized Reserve Component Soldiers on active duty for 180 continuous days or more can receive services. Keep in mind that non-retiring veterans 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.

Whatever your situation, SFL-TAP can make a positive difference. You can learn about your benefits and have access to valuable job search resources such as workshops and counseling. You’ll also find research tools and automated resources. Once you no longer are on active duty, you’ll continue to receive the same kind of support. Even if you don’t live near an SFL-TAP Center, the 24/7 SFL-TAP Virtual Center can keep you in touch with the information and services you need. Consider SFL-TAP your resource for all your transition needs.

A preseparation timeline that considers your personal needs and goals can help you organize tasks and requirements and ensure you have a successful transition.

Frequently Asked Questions answer basic Active and Reserve Component questions and addresses many of the concerns associated with leaving Active Duty.