Individualized Initial Counseling (IC) between the service member (SM) and a TAP counselor is the official start to the transition process and may begin as soon as possible during the 24-month period preceding an anticipated retirement date; between 14-18 months before an anticipated separation but NLT 365 days before retirement / separation or release from Active Duty (AD). During the IC session, service members complete their personal self-assessment and begin the development of their Individual Transition Plan to identify their unique needs of the transition process and post-transition goals.
Pre-Separation Counseling (Pre-Sep) is the second step in the transition process; following IC. Pre-Sep may begin as soon as possible during the 24-month period preceding an anticipated retirement date; between 14-18 months before an anticipated separation but NLT 365 days before retirement, separation, or release from AD. Pre-Sep is designed to provide a high-level overview of available benefits, services, and resources SMs and their families may be authorized. Caregivers and spouses are especially encouraged to attend Pre-Sep with their SMs.
This step includes three days of transition planning. These classes can be taken more than once, as needed.
An all-day class that provides an overview of the benefits and services available to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including health care, education, and disability compensation.
A mandatory one-day workshop that covers the fundamentals of career transition, including job search strategies, resume writing, and interviewing skills.
This step includes two days of additional instruction for transition.Choose 1 or select all 4 to attend.
Capstone is the culminating transition activity and is required for all separating and retiring SMs and for those being released from AD. Capstone should occur No Earlier Than (NET) 12 months and No Later Than (NLT) 90 days prior to anticipated separation, retirement, or release from AD.
The Capstone is used by the TAP counselor and the commander (or commander’s designee) to verify the status of Career Readiness Standards (CRS) completion. The CRS is defined as a set of specific activities and relevant deliverables that must be achieved to demonstrate members are prepared to transition effectively and pursue their personal post- separation higher education, vocational training, or civilian employment goals.
The goal of the Transition Assistance Program is to provide information, tools and training to ensure service members and their spouses are prepared for the next step in civilian life; whether pursuing additional education, finding a career or starting their own business.
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is based on Public Law 101-510 and Public Law 112-56 TAP was legislated in 1991 under Title 10, which mandated the completion of pre-separation counseling. In 2011, new legislation was passed under The Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act for those who have been on active duty for 180 days or more (excluding those on active duty for annual training or going to school). The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19 NDAA) signed on 13 Aug 2018, specifically Section 552, “Improvements to Transition Assistance Program”, amends U.S.C. Title 10 – Armed Forces, Chapter 58 sections 1142 and 1144. A consolidated overview is included below. Support for TAP is provided by local installation Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) staff. To find your nearest A&FRC, please use the locator tab on the right of this page.
Service members can receive assistance with completing transition requirements by contacting the closest Military and Family Readiness Center. The closest installation can be located at: https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/