Our Mission
Our mission is to foster and promote retention, both active duty and in the Reserves by helping Service Members compare and contrast benefits and compensation with similar public or private sector occupations, and to make informed career decisions. When Service Members decide to leave active duty, the program shows them how continued service in the Reserve and or National Guard, can supplement their income, provide education and career opportunities, and expand their contacts in the community.
All Service members serving 180 continuous days or more on active duty must begin the TAP process no later than 366 days before the date of their anticipated transition from active duty (date on their DD Form 214). Service Members within eighteen months of separation, two years of retirement, pending "involuntary separation actions" for any reason, including potential medical separation, are eligible and encouraged to begin using TAP and transition services as soon as separation is anticipated.
a. Retirees, to include medically retired, may participate in the TAP on a space-A basis for life.
b. Veterans, Soldiers who did not retire, with 180 days or more of active service may participate in the TAP on a space-A basis for life.
c. DACs who are subject to BRAC, reduction in force, or are retiring may participate in the TAP upon notification of separation and up to 180 days following their separation date.
Going early and often to TAP has statistically proven to increase the chance of post-transition success for Soldiers. A study by Hiring Our Heroes found that Service members are two times more likely to get a job before leaving active duty if they start their job search at least six months or more before transitioning.
Transitioning Service members can receive services at JBLM by sending an email to usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dpfr-tap-outreach@army.mil, calling (253) 967-3258, or visiting us at the Hawk Career Center for assistance in setting up their TAP Training schedule. The core requirements are:
· Individualized Initial Counseling (IIC) 1 hour -
This is the official start to the transition process. During the IIC session, service members complete their personal self-assessment and begin the development of their Individual Transition Plan (ITP) to identify their unique needs of the transition process and post-transition goals.
· Pre-Separation counseling (PSC) 2 hours -
Pre-Separation counseling, just like IIC, must start no later than 366 days prior to transition. Pre-Separation counseling covers by-law information to include benefits, entitlements, and resources for eligible transitioning service members. Caregivers and spouses are encouraged to attend pre-Separation counseling with their service member.
· Transition Day 8 hours -
This portion of TAP includes curriculum modules on building resiliency by managing your own transition My Transition, a Military Occupational Skills Crosswalk, and Personal Financial Planning to help define and translate military skills, and the financial plan for transition module, which fulfills the mandated financial literacy requirement.
· VA Benefits and Services 8 hours-
The Department of Veterans Affairs Brief help you understand the VA benefits, services, and tools you have earned through your service to our country. The information included in this brief applies to all members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including members of the reserve components. It also applies to your families, caregivers, and survivors.
· DoL Fundamentals of Employment 8 hours -
This course lays the foundation for transition from military to civilian careers by introducing essential tools and resources needed to evaluate career options, gain information for civilian employment, and understand the fundamentals of the employment process.
· Track Classes
Some Service Members may require an additional two-days of instruction; these include the Employment Track, Vocational Track, Education Track, or Entrepreneurship Track. Depending on their tier assignment during the IIC, transitioning Service members must elect at least one track, but may attend more than one based on their ITP and post-transition goals.
· Capstone
This event, is the culminating event where commanders verify achievement of career readiness standards and a viable ITP, must happen no later than 90 days before separation or released from active duty. This is where the Counselor, Service Member, and Commander complete the DD Form 2648 eForm needed for out-processing.
Career Skills Program/SkillBridge
Welcome to the Career Skills Program (CSP)
Career Skills Program: The CSP is a connection tool the Army uses to assist transitioning Soldiers within 180 days from their separation from AD military service date as indicated on their DD Form 214. The program provides Soldiers with an opportunity to participate in pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, employment skills training, and internships with civilian employers upon command approval. The CSP encourages Soldiers to capitalize on civilian career skills training and development opportunities for success during their transition period. Participating in the CSP leads to increased post-transition employment opportunities for Soldiers.
DOD Skillbridge: The DoD SkillBridge program is used by all branches of service within the DoD. It is the service members responsibility to coordinate with the program manager on the (Authorized Skillbridge site- https://skillbridge.osd.mil/locations.htm.
The CSP & SkillBridge programs provide Soldiers the opportunity and training to acquire high-demand and highly skilled civilian careers upon their transition from AD service.
Note: CSP & DoD Skillbridge Applications should be completed in conjunction with the TAP Program
Getting Started: The first step is to start TAP and attend the Mandatory CSP Brief. To get started reach out to your TAP Transition Counselor, Stop by the Hawk Career Center, Bldg. 11577, 42st Division Drive, call us at 253-967-3258, or email us at usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dhr-career-skills-program@army.mil
Requirements for all CSP Participation
· CSP Soldiers Checklist (Link to Document Provided)
· Successful completion of TAP courses (DD 2648 issued at Capstone)
· Documentation of ETS date, Personal Action Request (PAR) for ETS orders, REFRAD, Retirement Orders. There is no documentation required if you are in an MEB process
· IPPS-A Absentee Request (Soldiers using administrative absence to participate in a CSP)
Requirement for all DoD Skillbridge/Individual Internship Participation
· CSP Soldiers Checklist (Link to Document Provided)
· Successful completion of TAP courses (DD 2648 issued at Capstone)
· Documentation of ETS date, Personal Action Request (PAR) for ETS orders, REFRAD, Retirement Orders. There is no documentation required if you are in an MEB process
· IPPS-A Absentee Request (Soldiers using administrative absence to participate in a CSP)
· Individual Internship or Approved DoD SkillBridge Program Requirements (Link to Document Provided)
Where to Submit Completed Packet: Once all documents are completed you will scan them and forward to the TAP CSP Team at usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dhr-career-skills-program@army.mil
AER CSP Grant- Up to $250 locally or $500 outside 50 miles of JBLM (Link to Document Provided)
TAP Partners
Army PaYS: The Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program is a strategic partnership between the U.S. Army and a cross section of corporations, companies, and public sector agencies. The Program provides America's Soldiers with an opportunity to serve their country while they prepare for their future. PaYS Partners guarantee Soldiers an interview and possible employment after the Army. This unique Program is part of the Army's effort to partner with America's business community and reconnect America with its Army. Visit us at www.armypays.com
Career Team: Employment Assistance and Spouse Ambassador Program: jblm@careerteam.com
Employment Readiness Program: https://jblmerp.timetap.com
Goodwill Military and Veteran Services: vetservicesinfo@goodwillwa.org
JBLM Unlimited: For continuous updated job/event information visit: https://www.facebook.com/JBLMUnlimited
RecruitMilitary: RecruitMilitary is a comprehensive military-to-civilian recruiting company that connects military veterans, transitioning military service members, and their spouses with employment opportunities. From government jobs for military veterans to remote opportunities, RecruitMilitary has the resources to set things in motion. Visit us at RecruitMilitary.com
WorkSource Washington: www.WorkSourceWA.com
USO Transitions: Bldg. 2201, 12th and Pendleton, JBLM, WA 98433, 253-337-4859, USO Transition Program · United Service Organizations
References and Resources
AR 600-81 Transition Assistance Program
MILPER 23-173 Updated Process for Transition Assistance Program
JBLM Policy Memorandum #16, Transition Assistance Program
JBLM Policy Memorandum #9, Career Skills Program
Commander’s Guide to CSP-Tri-Folder