ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Airmen preparing to transition from military to civilian life are required by law to attend a pre-separation counseling briefing. The pre-separation brief, held every Wednesday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, is designed to make transitioning military members aware of all the services and benefits available to them and their family members under the Transition Assistance Program.
"The Air Force highly encourages airmen to attend a pre-separation counseling briefing as the first step on their path to transition," said Dottie Mazeroff, 316th Mission Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant. "This will provide the information necessary to make more informed decisions."
Although TAP has been in existence since the 1991 Defense Authorization Act, many Airmen still associate TAP with employment assistance. This is only one of 12 major areas of services and benefits that fall underneath the TAP umbrella.
"Some of the other areas include recognizing and acknowledging the stress that comes with transition and making it work for you," said Ms. Mazeroff. "Other areas are knowledge of travel and transportation allowances, GI Bill and other training and certification programs. There is also information on health and life insurance, financial planning and salary requirements, employment opportunities with the Guard or Reserves, and post-military employment restrictions. TAP also covers Department of Veterans' Affairs benefits including how to file disability claims, and even the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a community readiness consultant to develop an 'Individual Transition Plan.'"
Airmen preparing to retire or separate from the Air Force should allow enough time to consider various aspects of civilian life. Ms. Mazeroff suggests that retiring Airmen begin planning their transition at least two years prior to retirement.
"For those who are separating, we recommend you start at least a year in advance," said Ms. Mazeroff. "This will allow enough time to research geographic areas of preference, decide on a career field to pursue, calculate the salary required in order to maintain or improve current lifestyle, and to get additional education or training that would make them more competitive in the job market." Ms. Mazeroff notes that this preparation period is also a good time to start developing networking contacts, which is the source of 75 to 85 percent of the best job offers.
Under the A&FRC's employment assistance program, some of the upcoming classes include "Getting a Job with the Federal Government," "How to Write Effective Resumes and Cover Letters," "Salary & Benefits Negotiation" and "Acing the Interview." Some classes offered through the A&FRC are even offered for those who are considering entrepreneurship including "Starting Your Own Business" and "Franchising." Additionally, the A&FRC also provides a master list of job fairs and other hiring events in the area.
The Pre-Separation Counseling Briefing, as well as all other classes provided at the A&FRC, is open to military family members as well. One-on-one appointments are also available. For complete information about all transition-related classes or programs, or to make reservations for classes, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 301-981-7087.