FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TAP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What does the TAP curriculum seek to accomplish?
The curriculum is designed to provide service members with the resources, services, and skill-building training needed to meet Career Readiness Standards (employment, housing, finance and benefit needs).
2. Who qualifies for TAP?
The mandatory components of TAP apply to all Service Members who have served 180 days or more on continuous active-duty status upon separation (including National Guard and Reserve), regardless of the character of their discharge.
3. What is the timeline for starting TAP?
TAP should begin between 18-12 months before a Service Members ETS date. Retirees are to begin TAP 24-18 months before their Retirement date. If a Service Member is in a Chapter process OR in the MEB process, begin TAP as soon as possible.
4. What happens if I do not complete TAP?
TAP is a government mandated requirement (According to AR 600-81 Transition Assistance Program). Besides not getting the tools, resources, information, services, etc., that are important for transitioning Service Members, Service Members would be out of army regulation and have extreme difficulties and/or inability to obtain their DD214.
5. Do I really have to do all these classes if I'm Retiring?
Yes. TAP is a government mandated requirement (According to AR 600-81 Transition Assistance Program). However, if you are retiring with 20+ years of service and can provide proof; that, you are taking a break from working for six months or more, have already obtained employment, OR are transitioning into Full-time Education, you will be exempt from the DOL One Day and CMSC (Continuum of Military Service Counseling) Briefings.
6. Can my spouse attend TAP classes?
Yes! Spouses are encouraged to attend TAP classes with their eligible Service Members. Also, spouses can access the entire TAP curriculum online by visiting ToL Website.
7. Can I retake classes?
Yes. Service Members are welcome to retake any course and utilize our resources as much as you wish. Active-Duty Service Members may utilize our resources up to 6 months post for ETS, CHP or MEB and Retirees can utilize our resources FOREVER.
8. Do I need to complete all TAP course in person?
No. Some activities within TAP are mandated in person activities; however, there are several briefs that may be completed on-line at our ToL Website.
9. How do I begin TAP?
Please contact our offices at either Schofield Barracks 808-787-1036, Ft. Shafter 808-787-1037, or email us at armyhawaiitap@army.mil.
10. Are there options for Apprenticeship or Internship programs?
Yes! Once Service Members begin TAP, they will learn about all our resources including Internships, Resume writing, Career exploration, financial readiness and more......all free and at their fingertips!
11. Who can attend Executive TAP courses?
Executive TAP courses are offered twice a quarter for eligible service members. Eligibility is E8 and above, W4 and above, and O5 and above. Please reach out to one of our TAP counselors if you are interested in taking these courses.
CSP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Where can a Service Member get a CSP Packet?
The CSP Packets are given by the CSP office once a Service Member initiates the process by email the CSP office at armyhawaiicsp@army.mil.
2. How does a Service Member turn in my CSP packet?
Service Members will send their fully completed packet electronically to the CSP office group inbox at armyhawaiicsp@army.mil.
3. Can a Service Member attend two different CSP programs?
A Service Member can only attend a second CSP if they are assigned to the SRU and SRU offers CSP programs requirement (According to AR 600-81 Transition Assistance Program). The SRU in Hawaii is not offering CSP programs currently.
4. How can a CSP program be terminated?
A CSP program can be terminated in three different ways. The command can terminate a CSP program, The employer can terminate a CSP program, and a Service Member can terminate a CSP program. To terminate a CSP program and email needs to be sent to the CSP office at armyhawaiicsp@army.mil stating the reason for termination and the termination date. The CSP office will then draft a termination memo to be signed and sent out to the Service Member, the command, and the employer.
5. Is Skillbridge the same as CSP?
No. Skillbridge is a resource Service Members can use to find a CSP program. Service Members do not attend a Skillbridge program. If a Service Member chooses to use a Skillbridge program, the program will be turned into a CSP.
6. Is a Service Member allowed to change their separation date for a CSP?
No. Service Members are not allowed to change their separation date to be able to attend a CSP program (According to AR 600-81 Transition Assistance Program).
7. Can a Service Member do a program that is more than 120 days?
Yes. The Service Member will have to get HDQA G1 approval to attend a CSP program that is over 120 days. In order to complete this process, the Service Member must send a fully completed packet to the CSP office at armyhawaiicsp@army.mil, and then the CSP office will send it up to HRC to get approval. This process can take from 3 months to 6 months.
8. When a Service Member is completing a packet, must the signatures be wet signed or digitally signed?
Service Members have the option to use either a wet signature or a digital signature when completing their CSP packet. If a Service Members decides to use a wet signature, the rank of the signer must be present.
9. Can a Service Member take terminal leave after a CSP?
Yes. Service Members can use their leave they have accumulated either at the end of their CSP or at the beginning depending on command approval.
10. Can a Service Member take leave while attending a CSP?
Service Members that are on Administrative Absence CANNOT take any other leave in conjunction with the Administrative Absence (According to AR 600-81 Transition Assistance Program and AR 600-8-10 Leaves and Passes).
11. Does a Service Member have to come back to installation to clear?
Service Members who are doing an Off-Island In-Person CSP are eligible to pre-clear the installation prior to their CSP. This option is at the discretion of the Service Members command. If a Service Member chooses this option, they must go to Transitions or Retirement Service to start this process.
Important: Service Members doing an On-island or Off-Island Remote CSP MUST return to their permanent duty station after completion of their CSP program to complete out-processing requirements before separation or retirement date. CSP attendance may not be extended with any other absence, to include ordinary leave and pass, in accordance with AR 600-8-10 Leaves and Passes, Chapter 5-12; para 14(e).
12. Can a Service Member move household goods prior to a CSP?
Yes. Once a Service Member has an approved CSP, they will email a Memorandum of Approval from the CSP office. Once the Service Member has this MOA, they will take this over to the Transitions office and they will cut their orders to use at Transportation.