TAP improves resources for retiring, separating Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Tereyama
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Airmen separating or retiring into the civilian sector are benefitting from recent changes made to the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program.

The high unemployment rate among veterans, which reached an astounding 32.2 percent among veterans aged 18 to 24, according to a study done by the Interagency Data Analysis Group in 2011, was the driving factor behind the changes. The improved TAP is one of several veterans' projects in the works as part of the Veteran's Opportunity to Work Act of 2011 and the Veterans Employment Initiative.

"With so many homeless and unemployed veterans, this is an absolutely vital program," said Darlene Rosario, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant. "It is designed to assist military members and their families as they get ready to transition into the civilian world."

Previously, retiring or separating active-duty military members were only mandated to attend pre-separation counseling and were encouraged to attend a three-day employment workshop. As of Nov. 21, the DOD now mandates attendance of the workshop, which has been expanded to five days.

In the past, those who have elected to attend the workshop were amazed by the amount of information provided, including retired Senior Master Sgt. Brian Wagner, who has already received several job offers thanks to what employers are calling an "oustanding résumé."

"The course provided great information to put you ahead of the curve," he said. "About 50 percent of the people who attended the class with me didn't have a firm plan in place [for after they separated] but if they didn't know by the fifth day, they definitely had a good idea of where to go and how to go about it. I knew exactly what I wanted to do and the workshop gave me the tools I needed to make it happen."

During the pre-separation briefing and employment workshop, Airmen learn about the benefits available to them through Veterans Affairs and the entitlements through the military. Attendees receive financial and family readiness counseling, create a résumé, develop an individual transition plan and research prospective jobs or educational opportunities.

In the future, Airmen planning to pursue an education, a technical career field or start their own business may also participate in specialized two-day training courses offered by the Aviano Education Center, Small Business Administration or Veterans Affairs.

At Aviano, the pre-separation counseling and employment workshops are held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Pre-separation counseling is offered the first and third Tuesday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m. Employment workshops are offered monthly, with the next one scheduled for Jan. 14 to 18. Anyone required to attend as part of their outprocessing checklist should do so no later than 90 days prior to their separation or retirement date; however, Rosario encourages Airmen to take the classes as soon as possible. Airmen who are separating can attend as early as 12 months before and those who are retiring can attend as early as 24 months prior to their retirement date.

"It is much better to get the course done sooner rather than later," said Rosario. "The information they will receive is important for them to get a head start on planning for the future. The sooner they learn about their benefits and entitlements, how to apply for a job and complete their resume, the more comfortable they will feel about their decision and the more prepared they will be for the future."

Participants should bring proof of eBenefits Enrollment from www.va.gov, a laptop or wireless device, a copy of medical records, a recent leave and earnings statement, a credit report, a hard copy of the individual transition plan, a verification of military experience and training (DD Form 2586), officer or enlisted performance reports and any educational transcripts.

Some may be exempt from taking the class if they choose, for instance, those who are retiring and don't plan on starting another career. The Air Force Personnel Center will publish those guidelines at a later date. For more information or to sign up, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 632-5407.