Clients in the Executive Transition Assistance Program discuss the current topic. (Courtesy photo)
Transition Services
Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program
Military Personnel Division
Directorate of Human Resources
U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- The Soldier for Life (SFL) Executive Transition Assistance Program (ETAP) launched, here, June 24-28, 2019.
Mildred Lonergan, Transition Services specialist said, “Fort Shafter offered ETAP first, and Schofield Barracks wanted to offer ETAP to clients and extend the program to master sergeants.”
Clients were welcomed by Tim Ryan, chief of Military Personnel Division on the first day. The program is structured to meet all Veterans Opportunity to Work Act requirements while incorporating complementary presentations from the Social Security Administration, TRICARE, Retirement and Transportation.
The week course was extremely well received by all in attendance, participants who were Army, Coast Guard and spouses.
ETAP is essential to the executive client’s successful transition to civilian professions. It shines a light on concerns that pertain to executive level clients in order to meet their needs during their transition and emphasizes the information that prepares executive level clients with tools to boost their level of expertise in the workforce.
The atmosphere ETAP encourages is for executive level clients to engage with their peers and begin networking for their own success story. The challenges executive level clients are subjected to differ from a general transitioning clients. One of the biggest challenges for executive level clients is simply taking time for themselves to prepare for transition and start thinking about their next mission, which consists of creating a civilian resume, building a civilian wardrobe and learning how to adapt to a different pace of life.
Angela Mattison-Taylor, with Insignia Federal Group, presents the topic "Building an Effective Resume" at the June 27, 2019, Executive Transition Assistance Program. (Courtesy photo)
ETAP Clients Share Their Experiences
A chief warrant officer 4, ETAP client, expressed her perspective in her experience.
“Establishing the S.T.A.R. (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) statements was definitely beneficial for myself. I haven’t used a resume in 15 years. I really enjoyed telling my story. ETAP has maximized my preparedness for interviews."
A lieutenant colonel, ETAP client, shared, "The Veterans Affairs benefits workshop provided concrete information to understand my benefits. ETAP is great for executive level service members.”
Career Counselors’ View
Amanda Volker, an SFL-TAP career counselor, said, “ETAP focuses on senior leaders who have different life circumstances, searching different jobs, and are at different financial levels. ETAP hones in on their expectation for transition. Executive clients will begin to connect and network within their sphere.”
Also, Ann Marie Rabara, a career counselor, said “Executive level clients can have discussions amongst each other and listen to each other’s questions and concerns. They will get the opportunity during ETAP to focus on themselves first and concentrate on their transition.”