How will changing the name from ACAP to Soldier for Life benefit a transitioning Soldier?

SFC Andrew Kretz — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 12:14:12 -0400

The Army is changing the name ACAP to Soldier for Life: Transition Assistance Program. When you went through this program whether it be called ACAP, Soldier for Life, or whatever, did it prepare you to transition from military to civilian? Did they effectively teach you how to prepare your resume, take part in a telephone or face-to-face interview?

Response by SFC A.M. Drake made Jul 4 at 2014 1:11 PM

SFC A.M. Drake — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 13:11:17 -0400

As far as commercialization goes for the civilian market its great...however the basics of the program remains the same, corporate America has to reinvest back into our veterans.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2016 12:32 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 12:32:28 -0400

SFC Andrew Kretz I found my time at TAP (Transition Assistance Program) then TGPS (Transition Goals, Plan, Success) to be delivering information too late. The information I gained there was items that I wanted to be more aware of throughout my career, to help with planning and hitting milestones on my way to my secondary career post Military. With every re-enlistment, personnel are entitled to attend the week of TGPS, and I recommended it heavily to all of my personnel, whether or not they re-enlisted. Same thing with Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) training; it taught me a lot which I took back and shared with my section/division/department and fellow officers. Preparation for transitioning to Civilian took me almost two years to effectively execute, and that was with five years planning beforehand. I was lucky in my time to be able to attend TGPS throughout my Career. I made good contacts, and had many job opportunities come up as my transition came closer.
You won't get spoon-fed, but they do provide good assistance to those that work towards their goals. The information and data engines they have access to are fantastic. They are knowledgable about many assistance processes to help in various situations. AND the people you attend with are a wealth of information as well, whether the separation, retirement, or other situation you may experience. Unfortunately, there was a large portion of the class that had already mentally checked out, and didn't get all they could out of the process. My opinion is, if you're there anyway, might as well get the most out of it, even if you're only intending to take worker's compensation or unemployment benefits for six months, then apply to school and use that post 9/11 GI bill...