Transition assistance program is here to help smooth the process

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rodney Ellison Jr.
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO. --  I recently had an opportunity to attend a Transition Assistance Program seminar hosted by the Airman and Family Readiness Center on base. This is a great program to help members as they begin their transition from Air Force life to civilian life.

The transition back to civilian life is not as abrupt as the one most people encountered when they joined the military. The return transition doesn't come with training instructors yelling or the forfeiture of civilian clothes and privileges one took for granted up to that point. Rather, it can be as simple as showing up in an Airman Battle Uniform one day and a polo shirt and slacks the next. For many, that scenario is ideal, but it isn't always that easy. That's where TAP comes into play.

The men and women of the A&FRC conduct a four-day seminar to help members take full advantage of their time in the military and prepare them for life as a civilian once again.

"It is our goal to prepare members for a successful transition back to civilian life and the challenges of a new career," said Ed White, A&FRC.

To do this, they cover topics ranging from dealing with the stress of transition to strategies for an effective job search. They even cover ways to convert your acronym-laden resume into something the outside world will understand.

Finally, they cover all of the benefits earned from serving in the military, whether it has taken someone all the way to retirement or the individual has decided to move on to the next chapter of their life.

The key to this seminar is to take it early and often. Master Sgt. Dave Marsteller, 90th Missile Wing Plans and Programs, has taken it twice.

"I was fortunate enough to attend the TAP seminar twice before retiring," he said.

"What I found amazing was how much information I missed, or more important, how much of the information, benefits and outside job markets changed in a year," he added.

Members retiring can take the class 24 months in advance, while those separating can take it 12 months in advance. It is advantageous to ensure the class is taken early enough to allow the transitioning member enough time to complete all required actions, but it is also helpful to take it close to actual separation in order to have the most up to date information. Mr. White suggests people take the class at least twice before separating in order to get as much information as possible.

"There is simply too much information to absorb in one session," Mr. White added. "The second time through provides a chance to polish your resume and increase your knowledge of the benefits available for veterans."

It is important to note pre-separation counseling, offered by the A&FRC every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. and Tuesday and Thursday at 2 p.m., should precede TAP. The checklist completed by attending the pre-separation counseling is required for out-processing.

The next TAP seminar takes place August 17 to 20. Call the A&FRC at 773-5940 for more information.