Transition Assistance Program (TAP). What are your opinions? Both positive and negative feedback is appreciated.

My problem with transition services is that transition shouldnt end upon separation after retiring it took me years to completely transition and no services were available, va is beuracratic and on post none

For the Navy, but granted this was in 2009, TAP was one more useless retention tool to try and scare young guys into re enlisting. It did nothing to assist in resume building, however unemployment stats for veterans were very well highlighted. I really overlooked TAP as one more check box that I had to go through, and since I had no intent to go into LE after getting out, that I would have to go retrain anyway. In general, from Guam to outprocessing at San Diego, I was pretty much thrown to the wolves because I was getting out. My advice would be- have a solid plan BEFORE you get out(college, employment, etc) locate and purchase a copy of Resume Writing for Dummies, and let TAP in one ear and out the other. They're only trying to scare you into re-upping.

I wished I would have taken advantage of some of these programs like VRE for one. So if you are just know coming out or very soon research this benefits and take advantage of what you can use.

When I separated there was no TAP. It was basically "thank you and have a good life." So if this program does help out individuals then by all means do so. With my MOS I was told repeatedly that I was overqualified for many positions. I made my own transition by making contacts with a lot of people that my parents new and just moving on from there. It wasn't easy but I did it. My biggest problem was when I wanted to use my GI bill to get a degree I got the run around from the college and from the government on using it so I gave up and just went to work.

TAP fulfills the requirement (puts check in box). It doesn't really prepare you for the ups and downs of the civilian job market. We come from a place where honor, integrity, and valor really mean something. Alas - this is not true in the civilian market.
To get something out of TAP - really depends on how aggressive you are. You also have to go beyond what is presented in class and change your mindset. I always get the feeling people are under the misinterpretation they are owed some form of special treatment for transitioning from the military into civilian life. Although it would be nice - and would have helped me a bit in the beginning - I learned much more by doing it on my own and figuring out real fast the civilian job market is cut throat and you have to sell yourself in and on so many levels.
You can easily be told you have a job with (company name here). The day you start - you show up in a suit and tie ready for orientation...and...you find out you don't have that job - because someone in HR pulled your name and slapped in a friend of a friends whose wife was a church members of another acquaintances completely incompetent college dropout son to do a job you busted your butt get. So there.
I think a lot of ex-military also don't understand when you take that uniform off for the last time - you are no longer in the military and no one really cares what you did, who you were, or what your rank was. Sure you'll get a passing "Thanks for your service" but it really doesn't mean a whole lot when it comes down to brass tacks.
What is important is - how effective you are at your new job, how quickly can you do it with as few mistakes as possible, and how well you get along with management.

Sorry - you may not like my assessment. Just something to consider when you are moving on to a new life.

Quite valuable.

I went through a couple of times. The twice at Ft. Carson. The first time was in 1998. TAPS wasn't much then. I wasn't impressed. The last time was in 2010 and it was greatly improved. The best aspect were the guest speakers. People from real companies that can give you some incite into how companies really hire. It was still a bit too long though.

I went through the TAP program at Davis Monthan AFB in 2004. I though it was very informative . I payed a professional to write my resume, some one who was an expert in translating military careers. I got hired 4 days after i retired and have been with the same company the last 10 years . I did a little research and studying on my own about how to interview because i had never interviewed for a job in my life until i retired. TAP is good but i think practice and educating yourself on how to interview will greatly increase chance of success.

I am glad that there is a Transition Assistance Program today; because it sure didn't seem like there was one when I was in the VA's Chapter 31 program 20 plus years ago in college. Pretty much it was us Vets helping each other out that was what really helped you.

I am sure it has to help when I retired ther was no assistance and I had a hard time finding a job even with 20 yrs of electronics experience