TAP changes to better prepare Airmen for civilian life

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jasmine Reif
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Luke Air Force Base Airman and Family Readiness Center Transition Assistance Program has recently undergone a major overhaul for the first time since its inception in 1989.

The objective of the TAP Goals, Plans, Success workshop is to provide each transitioning service member a broad range of information, such as skills building and counseling services, to strengthen the transition from military to civilian life, and prepare for success in the next phase of life.

"The three-day program was optional before, but new legislation has made the course a mandatory five-day program," said James Knuckles, A&FRC TAP manager. "There are also required assignments that must be completed in order to get credit for attending the course."

According to the Air Force Personnel Center, the legislation mandates that four steps be completed before separation or retirement:

1. Members must complete DD Form 2648 preseparation counseling as soon as possible after notification of pending separation. This comprehensive counseling will provide a foundation for other TAP-related activities.
2. Members must attend the Transition GPS Workshop, which includes the Department of Defense/Air Force Core Curriculum and the Department of Labor Employment Workshop.
3. Members must attend the Veterans Affairs Benefits Briefings.
4. Members must obtain a commander's signature after Capstone, the culminating activity to verify career readiness, on DD Form 2958 to verify all career-readiness standards have been met.

"This is definitely an improved program, and as a result, we have received very positive feedback," Knuckles said. "It now has 'teeth' and the improvement in instructors and content has made a big difference to the members attending the course."

Throughout the week military members learn about transition planning, career exploration, resume building and interviewing techniques.

"The core instructor has the class participate in networking, resume writing and interviewing exercises as well as role playing," Knuckles said. "It is an interactive course that relies on the attendee's participation."

In order to ensure members have timely and convenient access to information regarding Veterans Affairs, two VA contractors are now assigned and housed in the A&FRC. The VA brief takes place on day five and is a six-to-seven hour class that covers all benefits, Knuckles said.

As a result of the course being mandatory, the number of attendees has greatly increased and classes are limited to 40 people. Knuckles stressed the importance of members taking that into account when deciding the best time to attend the course.

"We recommend members attend six-to-nine months prior to their separation date," Knuckles said. "However, retirees may attend up to two years prior to their retirement date, and those who are separating may attend up to one year out from their date of separation."

According to Sandra Gray, A&FRC interim director, the course encourages transitioning personnel to do a significant amount of work, but it's setting them up for future success.

"We have had such positive feedback from Airmen regarding the new transition program," Gray said. "The resume portion is a huge success, as well as the portion where Airmen have to choose and explore a career path, whether it be attending school or technical training, or starting their own small business, etc."

To sign up for TAP, call the A&FRC at 623-856-6550 and request an appointment for Preseparation Counseling using the DD Form 2648.