Many Soldiers in Warrior Transition Units (WTUs) will return to the force, but some will separate from the Army. The Army and other federal agencies offer a wide variety of resources and programs to help Soldiers prepare for their next step transitioning into Veteran status.
All Wounded, ill and injured Soldiers should work closely with the following Cadre members:
These people can assist Soldiers to use the relevant resources in achieving their career goals in the Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP) .
While preparing for your post-Army career, two U.S. Army programs can help: the Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) and the Army Employment Readiness Program (ERP).
The SFL-TAP provides transition and job assistance services on major installations and is an integral part of the Military lifecycle ensuring that all eligible transitioning Soldiers have the education, training and counseling necessary to be career-ready in the global workforce. SFL-TAP, available in person and virtually, helps Soldiers make informed career decisions through transition counseling. Through the TAP XXI Commander’s report, Commanders will be held accountable for ensuring their Soldiers have access to and complete the SFL-TAP process.
Soldiers in the Warrior Care and Transition Program (P) often have undefined transition dates and should begin the process as soon as medical appointments allow. Soldiers should work with their squad leader to schedule their pre-separation counseling appointment, which initiates the process. The completion of SFL-TAP is documented at a mandatory event called Capstone and is finalized when all required tasks are completed and the DD Form 2958 is signed by the Soldier, the SFL-TAP Counselor and the Commander.
Components of SFL-TAP include:
The Employment Readiness Program (ERP) offers up-to-date information on available opportunities, market and job trends, education, and volunteer resources to help individuals make informed decisions when seeking employment. ERP, located in the Army Community Services (ACS) building on most installations, also offers employment-related classes and seminars on career exploration, resume writing, interviewing techniques, entrepreneurship and other topics.
Internships provide Soldiers with an opportunity to develop practical, hands-on experience for the next step in their career after the Army and support them during the rehabilitation and reintegration process of their Career Transition Plan (CTP). Once a Soldier is determined Career and Education Readiness (CER) eligible by Medical Management (M2) and the WTU Commander, he or she may consider internship opportunities as one option to further their CTP track and career goals. Soldiers should talk to their Squad Leader, Occupational Therapist and Transition Coordinator for more information.
Many Soldiers pursue higher education while receiving medical treatment at a WTU. Higher education, including associate's, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, may help the Soldier prepare for employment.
Federal programs provide a wide variety of financial resources to make education attainable for military personnel and Veterans. The resources most commonly used by Soldiers include:The higher education options most often used by Soldiers include:
What is SFL-TAP? Do I have to enroll in the program if I am transitioning from the Army?
How many hours do I have to contribute to my CER activity?
If I participate in the CER activities recommended for me, is it guaranteed I’ll find a satisfying career/job?
Do I have to be involved in education/training AND an internship?
The Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) is a Commander’s program and an integral part of the military lifecycle ensuring all eligible Soldiers have the education, training, and counseling necessary to be career-ready in the global workforce. SFL-TAP is congressionally mandated, and all eligible Soldiers must complete the SFL-TAP process before transitioning from the Army.
SFL-TAP classes and activities should be the basic tools with which you plan your post transition career goals. You will complete a budget and financial plan, have the opportunity to do some career interest and aptitude testing, along with career research in your areas of interest. The SFL-TAP will help you develop your Individual Transition Plan (ITP) in one of four areas: employment, education, technical training or entrepreneurship. Any CER activities you participate in with the WTU should align with your SFL-TAP career goals and activities. This includes internships and education or training opportunities that will support your post transition goals.
Soldiers in the WTUs have an undefined transition date and should begin the SFL-TAP process as soon as medical appointments allow. The pre-separation briefing should be completed within the first 30 days of arrival at the WTU. Work with your Squad Leader to schedule the pre-separation appointment in a brick and mortar institution or virtually. Pre-separation initiates the SFL-TAP process.
As with all the important things in life, there are no guarantees. The Army has created these CER programs to support you in your search for an appropriate career after you leave the Army. Participating in recommended CER activities will certainly put you in a better position and ensure you are more prepared to find a satisfying career and job. Each individual is ultimately responsible for the success of their own career search. You must be active, aggressive, and accountable in meeting goals outlined in your individual Comprehensive Transition Plan (CTP).
There are no defined hours dedicated to CER activities. The hours contributed should be based upon your clinical needs and your long-term CTP career goal(s). The goal is 40 hours per week of productive activity contributing to your successful transition.
No. Your CER activity should align with your CTP career goal(s) and accommodate your clinical appointments. As you work through rehabilitation and you have fewer appointments you may want to consider adding an additional CER activity to ensure a productive work day and contribute to your successful transition.
