Posted on Oct 26, 2015
Should TAPS be longer before separation or retirement?
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I myself am a recent Veteran, I separated from the AF in June 2015, I can honestly say that while the TAPs program has improved greatly that it is too short. Since separating, I have found as I imagine other Veterans have that transitioning into civilian life is hard. More so with how we market ourselves through resumes, net-working etc. I have found there is allot you learn that could have been taught or prepared me better for. I just hope that in the coming years the TAPs program is extended longer as the transition is truly life changing especially if your separating and not retiring.
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Transition
Transition
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 21
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Not really. You are already authorised to attend it twice. Transitioning people have a responsibility to do research on transitioning and not expect the branch to do it all. TAPS whets your appetite. Those that plan well...succeed.
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SSgt Paul Esquibel
I just think there should be an initial and followup, you know introduced put you on your path and then follow up to see where you can improve. I do think that TAPS should be AFTAC briefing, I mean it's the best briefing I took in 15 years and while it's allot it's good information I think younger Airman could use, especially since there not working yet and can really absorb the information.
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MSgt John Taylor
I thought that the length of my TAPS was perfect. I retired at the height of the recession. I had no misconceptions about how difficult it would be to get a job etc. TAPS introduced me to the available resources and that was all that I expected. My separation succeeded because of the prep work I did long before my TAPS class.
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SMSgt Cary Baker
SMSgt Barnes hit the nail on the head - I did my research prior to retiring. I particularly payed closer attention to the Department of Labor briefings to learn how to conduct job interviews, resume writing, etc; and the VA benefits briefings. Everything else I didn't care to much about. Almost every town in the US that has a military base, has a Military Job Services Rep - almost! I went to mine, and this lady beat up my resume, conducted leg work to help me get a job, showed me all the job openings, etc. Research is the key.
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A1C Melissa Jackson
One thing I would like to mention: YES! Preparation and planning are the KEY!!!
However, a number of veterans have been in extremely stressful positions for sometimes YEARS- moving right from that kind of stress and insistence on CONSTANT excellence makes for a major SHOCK when introduced to the civilian world.
However, a number of veterans have been in extremely stressful positions for sometimes YEARS- moving right from that kind of stress and insistence on CONSTANT excellence makes for a major SHOCK when introduced to the civilian world.
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TAPS is a joke where I did mine. I went through it in 12, and it was a "check the box" deal. Tons of well meaning people who did the entire thing through powerpoint. Now if that's not enough to bring your spirits down, I don't know what is. Resume writing? I wrote one (my first) and the reviewer just glanced over it and had me do a few changes and that was it. I posted it on LinkedIn and was torn apart by other vets who saw it and from THEM I got it somewhat squared away. For me, I found that I got more information from those who've gotten out, made the million mistakes and was able to pass that down to me. If I could change TAPS, it would be longer, and instead of constant briefings through PP, it would be more of a workshop deal where you're given tasks in either a group or individual, and get graded on them. Resume writing, interview procedures, turning your military lingo into plain English that a civilian could understand. I'd bring in actual HR personnel from local companies to assist troops in their searches, Government and civilian resume specialists, A VA spokesman who isn't glossing over the "finer" points of the VA, but can actually tell you within reason what to expect. Maybe even a finical person to explain how what you made might not equal what you think you're going to make on the outside. I've seen too many buddies chasing a dollar thinking they're going to get paid, and just to find out that all the crap they were getting for free, they now have to pay for. This includes some of them who actually saved some money before getting out. I'd also try as a last two day event, make it a job fair where the troops can actually interact with companies and maybe score a job before they get out. I'm not going to say ALL of TAPS was bad, just where I did mine.
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SSgt Paul Esquibel
I agree it was the best briefing I ever had, in fact I had troops go through it before I separated, at least that way they get ahead of time so they can make informed decisions for the rest of their life. The program has gotten allot better but it's still as you more formal than personal, where is the military invested in you to become the leader you are today they should also be investing in you when you separate. I've found that most Veterans all follow the same path we come back as GS or apply to Defense Contractors as the transition is easier but that's got to change, I've learned through trail and error there are allot of jobs we qualify for even without that specific knowledge of career field but it's how we showcase our skills to a recruiter that amplify our image as the best person for the job that is problem. You also right with the VA I mean it's hard and there is allot of red tape you have to go through as well adjusting without the comforts that the military provided. I'm out and done, but I want the people after me to have better chances to succeed before they separate or retire, we are all to a degree a huge family from all branches and we should take care of each and improve current programs for the future.
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I run the TAP at JBSA Fort Sam Houston and do agree there should be additional information focused more on today's social media and marketing yourself. The biggest challenge is educating service members they can start 18 months out from ETS (24 for retirees), if they do the course could be taken multiple times not to mention some of the other services available. Often the cut it close approach really stings when on the other side. Bring spouses as well; come early, come often.
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Donna G.
Jon, I think you are 100% correct. We need to have more leway to teach or reinforce what is there. Being a part of the CFPB Financial Coach Initiative has opened my eyes. I see contractors stepping way out out of their lane, VA Briefers who are too good to be bothered and Veteran Service Agencys that do not work together. We all need to be able to use our resources and drop the attitude of "our program is better" so we can pull our heads out of the clouds to focus on the mission. IT'S NOT ABOUT US. It's about helping people to thrive . That is all...
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SSgt Michael Cox
I do love how they focus on making sure you have a plan and have work lined up or school lined up for after you separate but it would be nice if they would discuss the if everything fails options in the community. The veterans also need to know not to be ashamed of any disabilities they may have gotten while serving. I see way to may veterans that just say "Oh I don't have a disability" then ask me to repeat myself because they can't hear me. And that goes for other disabilities also.
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Donna G.
I see so many people lost. It's like they forgot how to be a civilian. I understand that for those who have been in 10, 15 or 20+ years. I feel that a better job could be done by commands to let a little bit of humanity into trainings. I've heard horror stories about a certain branch of the military of how they are treated and berated. I see more PTSD from mental abuse than I ever anticipated. The military itself needs to take responsibility of returning them back into society. They accepted them, their responsibility.
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