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

So my experience with TAP was a mixed bag. I only received a week for this program and for the most part, felt way too rushed. I don't discount the information that was provided AND the fact that they tie into the VA fairly well.

When I got out I applied at the Post Office. I was hired several months after. They told me that I met all of the qualifications to be hired. I learned different things from other veterans that worked for the post office. I was retired with 20 years after I hit an elk while riding my motorcycle to work. If you work for the government, check with personel to get your military time added to your civilian time. I served 9 years in the Army and had just gone over 11 years at the post office. I retired with 20 years after paying $4000.00 to add my military time to my post office time. And I just paid off my house on 80 acres.

When I took TAPs it seemed somewhat pointless at first. However, they made us create accounts on LinkedIn, and helping us word our jobs in a way that would be understood by civilian employee seekers. So this account that I did not care much about ended up catching the eye of a Google recruiter. Now I have a great job working at Google, all because of a requirement in TAPs class.

It had it's good and bad points in 2008. One part basically was about how to dress for an interview, which would have been helpful if I was interviewing for an executive or management position. After several unsuccessful, and finally one successful interview within the same organization, I found that the way I presented myself in interview made it clear that I was clearly over-qualified for the jobs I was applying for and that management did not want to hire a short term replacement for themselves. I was intending on attending college (and did), and the VA representative did not know anything really about the Montgomery GI bill (current at the time) or the proposed Post 9/11 GI Bill (went into affect one year later). The Norfolk VA TAP class/program seemed more geared toward junior officers separating from the military vice enlisted personnel with some sort of specialty. In regard to finding jobs in the civilian sector, the answer essentially was "Networking" or head-hunters, with little to no explanation as to what "Networking" was, other than to throw out a buzz word and call it good. No reference was made to online job searches. All focus was on how to write a paper resume, and none on how to write an online resume. Feedback on the resume I did have basically was to leave out all information pertaining to my actual career field, and fill my resume with buzz words that would fit into a middle management interview. There was some financial planning talk, but it was tailored to those going onto government jobs, with little or no discussion of how to roll the Thrift Savings Plan into a 401K without tax penalty (luckily Edward Jones was knowledgeable on the topic). While a student, I was unaware of a 5 year medical/health care benefit that I had until I was in my 4th year of college, during which I had no health insurance that I was aware of. I kept getting told that I needed to get the VA to document any disability prior to separation, but no explanation on how to go about it. It wasn't until 3 years after separation that I was able to get that clarification and got paperwork in order. I kept getting told that I was required to take classes X months out, and again x months out, at a minimum with recommendation for a third course. What I was actually allowed to attend was one class the week before my separation. For the most part, the class was a waste of time which provided a lot of information with little to none of it being overly relevant.

I use to be a transition assistance advisor for the state of Texas. The TAP is a good starting point for those transitioning to the civilian life. Every state has a transition assistance advisor. Google skyline ULTD, and click on transition assistance and you will see every advisor for your state.

I did mine in late 2014 for a medical retirement. It was informative, and I can see where it would be a huge help for those that joined at 18 and have done 20+ years of service. I got a decent resume that was further worked at the WTB. But it was 40 hours that could have been distilled down into 10 easy for me.

Its useless they just give you very little info and half the time it's inaccurate. The civilians at JB-MDL talk down to the military members unless you stand up to them. So if your there and about to retire or separate from the military from JB-MDL make sure you never take them for their word.

Unfortunately in 2012/13 the DOL made changes to the program that has impacted the way organizations interact with the TAP. This change has adversely affected the service members and their future. Hopefully someone in the DOL will realize how big of a mistake it actually was and take corrective action to change the program

TAP delivers what you put into it. I've seen folks try to complete the req's in a week or less and then complain about it but I've seen folks try and complete the req's in a year and do as little as possible and complain. I've seen folks complete the req's in 3 days or a year and say they loved it and enjoyed it immensly.

I retired in 2006 and so the program was/is radically different now than it was then. When I went through TAP it was optional. Now it is a requirement as a part of the transition process. If you want a lot out of it, go through the classes twice if you can as well as attend ANY optional classes they may offer. Take advantage of the counselors knowledge and advice. Not all of them are good counselors so don't be afraid to see a different one. Try to get a retiree counselor if you can.

The biggest issue I see is commands don't enforce the requirement to go. Folks show up with a month or two left and then are left scrambling to try and get everything done all while staying commited to the commands mission. If the military cared about you and what you need they wouldn't ask for your SSN every time. Now is not the time for you to worry about making them mad. Use the TAP process and put a lot into it and you will get a lot out. I don't say it that way to seem like I am down n the military. I am not. But too often military members forget to worry about themselves POST-military career. TAP is meant to help you and they can't help unless you want the help and ask for the help.

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