Transition Assistance
The Transition Assistance Program is designed to make separation or retirement from service a well- planned, organized, and thoughtful progression that empowers Service Members to make informed career decisions, be competitive in a global workforce and become positive contributors to their communities. The mandatory components of TAP are applicable to all Service Members who have at least 180 continuous days or more on active duty; this includes National Guard and Reserve.
TAP Timeline
Service Members are required to initiate the TAP process no later than 365 days from the date of separation or retirement. However, the process cannot begin until within 24 months from retirement or within 18 months from separation.
You can find a comprehensive timeline for the entire process here:
01
Individualized Initial Counseling (IC): IC is the official start of the transition process and is required no less than 365 days prior to the Service Member's official separation date. During IC, Service Members complete their personal self-assessment and begin the development of an Individual Transition Plan (ITP) to identify their unique needs of the transition process and post-transition goals.
02
Pre-separation Counseling: The Pre-separation Counseling commences once the IC session is complete and is also due no less than a year before a Service Member plans to officially leave the military. This workshop is packed with by-law information regarding various benefits, programs, and services to assist transitioning service members to become familiar with the available resources.
03
Transition “TAP” Workshop: Multi-day workshops presented by the M&FRC, Department of Labor (DOL), and the Department of Veteran Affairs. The M&FRC topics include resiliency, managing your transition, military to civilian occupational specialty code, and post-transition financial planning. The DOL will cover the Employment Fundamentals of Career Transition. And the VA will present various programs and services available. Additional 2-Day Tracks: Additional tracks are available to Service Members based on your transition goals and needs. These include Employment, Vocational, Education, or Entrepreneurship. They are provided by experts in these fields such as the Department of Labor, Education Center, and Small Business Association.
04
Capstone Event (Finalizing DD Form 2648): The final piece of the TAP process. At the Capstone appointment, the transition counselor will certify that the Service Members have completed all the Career Readiness Standards, ensuring the Service Member’s preparedness to successfully transition from military to civilian life. The Capstone must be completed no less than 90 days before the final out-processing date.
Steps to Completing TAP
Complete Tasks Below to Begin TAP!
Complete ALL documents listed below and email them to: 11FSS.MFRC.taporg@us.af.mil
a) Transition Assistance Self-Assessment Worksheet
b) Individual Transition Plan (ITP): Pages 1-3 (up to Section A only)
c) Customer Info Sheet-SOU-PRI
These documents will be carefully reviewed and used to help determine your TAP requirements and registration for workshops. Incomplete documents will delay the process significantly.
Transition Workshop Documents:
Approximately 5 business days prior to your 3-Day TAP Workshop, you will receive an instructional e-mail with location, ROEs, and tasks to be completed prior to class. You will need the following documents throughout the TAP process and during workshops. Click on each of the links below to review. An explanation of how these are accomplished will be provided during class.
1) Managing Your (MY) Transition Timeline
2) DoD TAP Login (DS Registration) Instructions
3) Retrieving VMET Instructions
4) Tier 1 Brochure
5) Tier 2 Brochure
6) Tier 3 Brochure
7) Pre-Separation Workshop Handout
8) MOC Crosswalk Participant Guide
9) MOC Crosswalk Gap Analysis
10) Financial Planning Participant Guide
11) Post-Transition Spend Plan Template
12) Personal Budget Worksheet
13) DOL EFCT Download
Additional Resources:
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Joint Service Transcript (JST): To request an official copy of the JST be sent directly to the school or obtain an unofficial copy.
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Community College of the Air Force Transcript: To request an official or unofficial copy of your CCAF transcript.
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Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL):
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O*NET My Next Move: Research occupations, determine existing skills, and find careers using those skills.
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DoD TAP Additional Resources: Additional info and planning assistance for transitioning Service members and their spouses.
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Air Force TAP Information: A&RC/M&RC locator and additional AF TAP information.
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TAP Online Courses: Financial Planning for Transition, Military Occupational Code Crosswalk, etc.
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Statement of Benefits Guide: Overview of the benefits and services, and resources to obtaining those benefits.
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VA eBenefits Factsheet: Joint VA/DoD web portal that provides resources and self-service capabilities.
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Connect with your Remote VA Benefits Advisor: Remote One-on-One assistance sessions.
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VFW VA Disability Claim Appointments: Accredited veteran reps to help with VA disability claims.
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TRICARE Retiring from Active Duty: Medical coverage after Active Duty.
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TRICARE Cost Sheet May 2021: Overview of cost and fees for services and program.
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Transition Employment Assistance for Military Spouses: Online workshops for transitioning military spouses
Capstone Event:
Capstones are held every Thursday between 0900 – 1430. In preparation for your Capstone event please be sure to have the following items complete and ready to present at your appointment:
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E-Benefits Account Registration Established
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MilConnect DS Logon Created – eFrom Signed
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CCAF Unofficial Transcripts Printed (Air Force Only)
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VMET Printed
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Individual Transition Plan
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Resume
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12 Month Budget
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Gap Analysis Worksheet
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Interest Profiler Assessment (mynextmove.org)
Military & Family Support Center
118 Brookley Ave.
Building 13
Washington, D.C. 20032
202-284-4462
Monday - Friday
8 am - 4 pm
Holidays, AFDW Family Days & Weekends: Closed
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