Posted on Sep 6, 2014
Does the new DOD TAPS program set military members up for success, or, is it just a “looks good on paper” program?
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There is a new(ish) TAPS program that has rolled out on the active duty side that is aimed at tightening up the transition process for members that are separating. Their standards and curriculum look great on paper...but is that all it is? Has anyone gone through the new briefings and/or process, or, know if the new process is working on a measurable scale? The program info can be found at the following link: https://www.dodtap.mil/
Posted in these groups: 
Transition
Honor Guard
Transition Honor Guard
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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As the program is meant to be similar (identical?) from installation to installation, I think there are two critical factors:
1) The expertise and attitude of the of the staff at the individual installation. You can hand three people the same program and have one superb, one acceptable, and one poor course. The team at Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall has been great - I have heard less stellar comments from a couple of other locations in the region.
2) The attitude and amount of effort the separating service-member puts into it. As others have noted, it is an "Assistance" program. It is NOT a "find me a cushy job" program. A service-member MUST be willing to go beyond the 5-day course. He/she must be willing to do a candid self-assessment, identify where and what the next chapter of life will be, what pay is acceptable, and what skill/educational gaps need to be filled.
Without question, factor two is preeminent. The TAP staff can and will assist you with the path forward, but it is incumbent upon the veteran to ruck up and start walking that path.
1) The expertise and attitude of the of the staff at the individual installation. You can hand three people the same program and have one superb, one acceptable, and one poor course. The team at Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall has been great - I have heard less stellar comments from a couple of other locations in the region.
2) The attitude and amount of effort the separating service-member puts into it. As others have noted, it is an "Assistance" program. It is NOT a "find me a cushy job" program. A service-member MUST be willing to go beyond the 5-day course. He/she must be willing to do a candid self-assessment, identify where and what the next chapter of life will be, what pay is acceptable, and what skill/educational gaps need to be filled.
Without question, factor two is preeminent. The TAP staff can and will assist you with the path forward, but it is incumbent upon the veteran to ruck up and start walking that path.
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I am a product of the new program. I feel it does a far better job of preparing transitioning service members then the old program. There are a lot of strides yet to be made, but I have been out since April and I refer to what I learned often. I agree with the good SGM Matthew Quick you will get out of it what you want, but it does a fantastic job. I appreciate that they do not romanticize the process. They prepare you for all possibilities and are not ashamed to acknowledge challenges facing today's veterans.
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It's an 'assistance' program...servicemembers will get out of it what they put into it.
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SSG Stephanie Mitchell
SGM Quick,
I agree. I forgot to mention that in my post. You have to put your work and effort into doing more than the 5 day class, ask questions, schedule to attend the other workshops, build a relationship with your ACAP/Soldier for Life Counselor. I had to also put in the work in order to be successful.
Successful Transition for a Retiring Career Counselor! With the assistance of Soldier for Life, I will beginning my new career 15 September.
I agree. I forgot to mention that in my post. You have to put your work and effort into doing more than the 5 day class, ask questions, schedule to attend the other workshops, build a relationship with your ACAP/Soldier for Life Counselor. I had to also put in the work in order to be successful.
Successful Transition for a Retiring Career Counselor! With the assistance of Soldier for Life, I will beginning my new career 15 September.
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