Is transition assistance relevant in today's tough job economy?

  • Published
  • By Scott Jones
  • Airman and Family Readiness Center
HILL AIR FORCE BASE --  The Transition Assistance Program started in 1994 and has expanded over the years. If you are a separating or retiring service member, the four-day TAP seminar is definitely something you should consider -- as soon as possible -- due to the unpredictable job economy and the difficult process of finding your new niche in the civilian labor market.

The first step in the transition process is to ensure the military member understands the congressional/Department of Defense requirement to complete the DD Form 2648 and preseparation counseling no later than 90 days prior to their separation date. The preseparation counseling is a mandatory prerequisite to the very popular voluntary four-day TAP seminar. Preseparation counseling is offered weekly on Tuesdays at various times depending on whether the TAP seminar is being facilitated. The preseparation counseling is designed to pave the road ahead and provide basic resources and referrals along with the most useful websites and latest information. This enables the individual to make a fact-based decision toward a next career objective and goals and also assists in the development of an Individualized Transition Plan.

Retiring individuals can attend preseparation class as early as 24 months from date of separation and a separating service member should attend at least 12 months prior. If the member is subject to deployment they should make every effort to attend prior to departing, to ensure the timeliness of information and then take action steps on items they need to follow-up on. The most common mistake a service members make is to remain dedicated to duty and mission accomplishment and forget to take care of personal needs prior to exiting the military. They really should break loose and take care of themselves and their future career. Military members should make every effort to attend both the preseparation counseling and TAP the moment the intent to separate is known, especially those members under certain force shaping events, special types of discharge or medical board evaluations. If the service members wait until the last possible minute they can often become overwhelmed and discouraged which can lead to undue stress.

The TAP seminar is presented by both the Department of Work Force Services and the Department of Labor. They work in connection with the Airman and Family Readiness Center to provide a more advanced and detailed overview of what service members can expect in the civilian community once they depart the service. Things have changed dramatically due to the economy and the current job market and it's truly time to learn what they can.

The TAP seminar is a course designed to provide veterans with the key knowledge to help them better prepare and market themselves for a second career in such a competitive job market. The course outlines current trends and information in the labor and industry fields. It also teaches how to analyze various skills already developed, create a personal portfolio, analyze job vacancy announcements, write a strong resume, dress properly and prepare for job interviews with confidence. Finally it teaches how to evaluate and negotiate job offers. Most veterans struggle with getting it all on paper and really quantifying and qualifying their accomplishments. The recommendation is to list and prioritize skills and target the resume by listing only those skills relevant and current for the position. One resume will not suffice in today's difficult job market so attention to detail is extremely important.

The TAP seminar is currently offered twice monthly and has limited seating so please sign up early. Most of those attending TAP state that it's a tremendous amount of information to absorb and some have returned for a second time to pick up on anything they missed the first time. Attendees are encouraged at that point to start the practical application of the process and apply what they have learned in the real world. They should apply for jobs, tweak their resumes, practice interviewing and most importantly ... network. One cannot simply expect to apply for a job and wait for the job offer to land that position. Follow-ups, continued networking and analyzing each step of the process can be vital to ensuring success in landing that next job. Intuition, flexibility and initiative are a must.

Former attendees have said that TAP information was instrumental in their getting started on dream careers. Landing a great job (especially in a time of recession) can be a considerable challenge and the veterans are not "entitled" to these jobs. They have to put forth the effort and time through networking to get them. "TAP is an awesome tool, but you can't drive the nail if you don't pick up the hammer," is one way of looking at it.

It is very important to practice the skills translation, preferences and values exercises with the degree of effort truly needed. It is also recommended attendees bring copies of their EPRs/OPRs, print their current Verification of Military Experience and Training and also copies of their awards and decorations. These are all items that are helpful while putting together the resume.

One should take TAP seriously and spend quality time toward job search and career goals. "Time will either be their best ally or their worst enemy," is another way of looking at the approaching transition. Many will not do the recommended homework and activities and this will have a dramatic impact on whether they find success.

The most critical key to understanding what has been taught is the practical application process. If attendees are not applying the information that they learned during TAP, they will not get the results they expect. Continually network, set your expectations and standards high and maintain a positive attitude.

For more detailed information or to sign up for a class contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at (801) 777-4681.

The Department of Work Force Services is also available for an individual one on one consultation on most Thursdays mornings from 7:30 a.m. to noon during a non-TAP week. Service members can follow-up with the TAP instructors and learn more about Utah specific job opportunities and utilize our Discovery Center.