This program enables Soldiers to capitalize on their Army experience and skills. Soldiers make informed decisions using transition program services and re-enlistment may be a viable option. It is all about making informed decisions – setting Soldiers up for success.

Steps in the Separation/Retirement Process:

1. Register – Separating = 12 to 18 months prior to ETS; Retiring = 18 to 24 months prior to retirement (All must be registered NLT 366 days before separation/retirement date).  Registration Paperwork

2.  Attend Initial Counseling and be assigned a Tier based on self & counselor assessments (1 hour).

3.  Attend a Pre-Separation Brief (2 hours).

4.  Attend Army Day (8 hours); VA Benefits & Services (8 hours); Employment Fundamentals (8 hours).

5.  Attend Career Track(s) (16 hours each): Employment Workshop, Career & Credential Exploration, Managing My Education and/or Boots to Business.

6.  Attend supplemental workshops (times vary):  Skills Development, Advanced Resume, Dress for Success, Interview Techniques, Salary Negotiations, Guide to Federal Employment and LinkedIn for Professionals.

7.  Seek additional counseling from Transition Team, Education Team, Mentors, etc. as needed.

8.  Complete Capstone Review and eForm (DD2648) with Career Counselor (1 hr) and Capstone Verification with Commander.

9.  Review “Next Steps” with Transition Center for out-processing and your DD214.

Please visit the USAG Okinawa Transition Assistance Center (TAP), located in Building 216, (315) 652-4104/4605. Hours of operation are: 8a.m.  to 4:30p.m. Mon thru Fri. Open on Training Holidays and closed on all Federal Holidays. Email:  usarmy.torii.usag.list.okinawa-transitions@mail.mil

Army TAP is a centrally funded Commanders program that provides transition assistance services to eligible Soldiers. Federal Law is the foundation of the Transition Assistance Program initiative, along with DOD and Army policy.

TAP supports the Active Component retention by helping Soldiers to intelligently compare the Army offerings, benefits and potential for growth with what they can expect from the private sector.  Many Soldiers realize during attendance that they should stay on active duty to strengthen or gain new skills, attend to their education and training and add to their experience prior to separating. 

Successful Army Veterans serve as a powerful example of what Army service can do for a young person’s future.  They support the manning of the total Army and are a living billboard for recruiting purposes.  The decision to join the military and, more specifically, the Army is often influenced by friends and relatives and our successful Army Veterans can be a positive influence in part of that decision making. 

The Army expects its leaders to support TAP because it helps the Army to conserve scarce budget dollars and man the force. Finally, but most importantly, the Army expects its leaders to support TAP because they owe it to their Soldiers. A Soldier's decision to leave active duty cannot erase their sacrifices and dedication.

All Commanders are required to meet with and be briefed on the program within 90 days of assuming command.  The Transition Services Manager (TSM) will be happy to accommodate leadership’s busy schedule by briefing in their office, or leadership may visit the TAP Center for a tour.  The TSM also makes regular TAP overview briefings for units twice a year or upon request (in preparation for deployments, i.e. mass registration).  The TSM and staff are available for Professional Trainings in any of the subject matter relating to transition, federal hiring and the civilian private sector as needed by units.  Finally the TSM can provide you with updates of TAP unit performance metrics. 

Retirement Services and Transition Center