TAP out of service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon Johnston
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  The Transition Assistance Program is a function for Service members to make the move back into the civilian world as easy as possible.

As of November 2012, mandated by the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act, the TAP class is mandatory for all Service members who are separating or retiring from the military.

"By making TAP mandatory, it ensures all members, separating or retiring, will be better prepared for the transition to civilian life," said Denise Blount, 100th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant.

Before attending the TAP workshop, all separatees must first attend a pre-separation briefing. The brief is offered twice a month, and must be completed no later than 90 days prior to separation.

The five-day TAP workshop covers the military occupational code "crosswalk," which cross-references military occupational codes with their related civilian Federal Standard Occupational Classification codes. There is also personal financial readiness, a three-day Department of Labor employment training workshop and a Veteran Affairs benefits briefing.

"A contractor with the Department of Labor facilitates three days of the TAP workshop and assists separatees with resume preparation," Blount said. "They cover interviewing and networking information, which helps prepare them for the civilian work force. On (the last day), the VA briefs on all veterans benefits."

A personalized plan for each separate is included in the class which will lay out their goals and a way ahead in the civilian world.

"Throughout the five-day TAP class, we have them complete an individual transition plan," Blount said. "It helps them prepare for what they want to do when they get out in the civilian world, whether it is to pursue employment, higher education, entrepreneurship, or technical employment or education."

The TAP class is an essential part of any Service member's move back into civilian life. The skills learned in the course can help the transition be that much easier.