Is SFL-TAP mandatory?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 May 2018 10:59:40 -0400

I’m less than 6 months out from my ets, and I just now got informed that I have to complete SFL, and that it may take me 15 months to complete...how long is SFL, and is it mandatory?

Response by CSM Eric Olsen made May 27 at 2018 11:02 AM

CSM Eric Olsen — Sun, 27 May 2018 11:02:31 -0400

Yes! Absolutely mandatory for law, meaning mandatory for the Chains of Command to force the Soldier to go, starting at the 18 month out from ETS timeframe. It's a great program, request an extension if you're not a troublemaker. Good luck

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2018 11:25 AM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 May 2018 11:25:37 -0400

It's not only a military policy requirement, it's a congressional law tasking the military to enforce. This came about as means to help resolve the Veteran homelessness challenges. They didn't have mandatory TAPs in the '80s when I got out the first time. I wish they did though. I didn't know that I was medically covered for 6 months post-separation. (Retirements are different.) I had no clue about the VA disability system. Do you think writing a resume is easy? After more than 30 years of service and two college degrees, I can tell you that writing a resume is like a "muscle" that needs to be worked to be of any use. I recently retired and I attended TAPs three times with three different military branches prior to separation, just to get a different perspective and to ensure I was getting all the necessary information. I learned a little more each time.
Pick your battle SPC. You won't win if you resist. Congress is holding the military accountable on this one.

Response by SPC Brady Allen made May 27 at 2018 2:26 PM

SPC Brady Allen — Sun, 27 May 2018 14:26:37 -0400

The question is: Are you really "PREPARED" to transition out? I know many soldiers want to just get out, but take the opportunity to transition right.

Do you know where you want to go, do you know what you want to do? What are you doing to accomplish this? Do you have a LinkedIn account and are you networking with people in your future career field?

If you going to school, what school do you want to go to? Have you applied? Besides a degree or certificate, what other things can you work on NOW, BEFORE you transition to help set you up for success later?

In short: Don't rush your transition. Like CSM Eric Olsen said, it starts 18 months out for a reason. Be prepared.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2018 2:32 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 May 2018 14:32:36 -0400

All understandable. I currently have a Bar on me, and literally got told today that I need SFL done. Not 100% sure how I can go about getting it done/extending my contract since I have a bar that will exceed past my ETS

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2018 3:05 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 May 2018 03:05:02 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member please see the link below. Sfl-tap can be short and painless, but you have 18 months to do it. I don’t know if I’d go so far as to call it great, but it checks most of the boxes.

https://www.army.mil/article/181180/what_does_sfl_tap_do

What does SFL TAP do?

The Soldier For Life - Transition Assistance Program provides transitioning services to Soldiers who have completed at least 180 days of continuous active duty service. SFL-TAP consists of comprehensive three-day workshops at selected IMCOM installa...