Transition Assistance Program's mission is to provide Soldiers, DA Civilians, Retirees, and Soldier's Family members with counseling, employment and education workshops, and seminars required to achieve the mandated compliance in law and policy Career Readiness Standards (CRS) in order to "prepare" and "connect" transitioning personnel to ensure the greatest opportunities for successful personal and career achievement upon transition from active duty.
TAP Summary
Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is a Commander's Program and a Soldier's responsibility. The program provides transition assistance services to eligible Soldiers with at least 180 or more continuous days of Title 10 active duty service, except for those in a training status. TAP helps all eligible transitioning Soldiers discover knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to be competitive and successful in the global workforce.
Getting Started
Soldiers begin the transition process 18 months prior to transition or 24 months prior to their retirement, spreading requirements out over the course of several months using a distributive model (short-notice separations only are authorized a five-day consecutive class). Along with Soldiers, retired Army Soldiers, Army Family members, and Department of the Army Civilians (experiencing a BRAC or RIF) are eligible for transition assistance services as well. Going early and often to TAP is statistically proven to increase the chance of post-transition success for Soldiers.
The Army transformed the way Soldiers transition in order to give them the greatest opportunity for a successful and productive post-service career. Congress mandated three requirements prior to a Soldier's transition and the Department of Defense mandated additional Career Readiness Standards (CRS). All requirements must be completed and noted on a Soldier's DD Form 2648.
Soldiers also have the option to attend one of three additional optional career tracks with Commander approval and on a space available basis, which are tailored to their individual transition goals, including Accessing Higher Education, the Career Exploration and Planning Track, and the Entrepreneurial Workshop Training Track.
Transitioning Soldiers can receive transition services at their local brick-and-mortar TAP Center. For transitioning Soldiers located remotely, more than 50 miles from a center, or deployed overseas, the TAP Virtual Center is available online 24/7.
The Virtual Center also has a phone line component, also available 24/7. Transitioning Soldiers can call the Virtual Center at 800.325.4715. Visit TAP at www.sfl-tap.army.mil.
Job Fairs and Hiring Events
TAP coordinates local job fairs and hiring events for transitioning service members and veterans.
For nationwide job fairs, visit the links below:
TAP Classes
TAP also offers the following classes that help Soldiers transition from active duty into civilian life and employment:
Department of Labor Employment Workshops
During this three-day class, participants draft resumes, prepare for job interviews, learn how to dress for success, increase their networking skills, discover effective job search techniques, and translate their military specialties into civilian skills.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Class
During this eight-hour class, participants learn how to apply for VA education and individual medical benefits, understand the disability compensation process, and hear about the VA's home loan program, life insurance, health care services, and employment resources.
Small Business Administration Workshops
During this two day class, participants receive a step-by-step guide to start a business. Topics include how to write an effective business plan, choose an appropriate legal structure, purchase business insurance, obtain a loan, design a website, build a successful marketing and sales plan, and manage records.
Useful Links
Career Skills Program (CSP)
The Army Career Skills Program (CSP) affords Soldiers the opportunity to participate in first class apprenticeships, on-the-job training (OJT), employment skills training (EST), and internships up to 180 days prior to separation from the Army with a high probability of employment in high demand and highly skilled jobs.