JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The Military and Family Support Center launched the new, five-day Transition Assistance Program Nov. 26 in the MFSC.
The TAP workshop is now a mandatory program for all Airmen transitioning from 180 days or more of active duty service, to include Reservist and Guardsmen who serve on active duty status.
The redesigned transition assistance program is in line with the Veteran's Opportunity to Work act, or the VOW act, passed by President Barrack Obama through Executive Order 13518 of 2011. Since then, several agencies have collaborated to redesign the TAP and embed career readiness standards as a central part of a successful transition.
Col. Gregory Rosenmerkel, 11th Mission Support Group commander, provided opening remarks. He explained that veterans returning from deployed locations, mostly young service members ages 18-24, would finish their term in the military and struggle with unemployment.
"That fact was recognized by the highest levels of leadership in our country," said Rosenmerkel. "So the Department of Labor, the Veteran's Administration and many other agencies stood up a stronger presence and are now here to help [service members] cope with the transition process."
During the week, Airmen learned how to manage their finances; how to write resumes and cover letters; understanding and preparing for job interviews; understanding the affects transition will have on family and how to build their Individual Transition Plan.
"The ITP allows them to develop a plan which really provides the framework to help them to achieve their future goals, whether it be career goals, self employment, or educational," said Linda Logan, 11th Force Support Squadron transition manager.
Using the ITP, they create a timeline for their personal transitioning goals, which also includes information to help them understand the changes they will experience in financial planning once they make their transition, she explained.
"We want people to be proactive; it minimizes their stress, making the transition a more positive experience," said Logan. "Nobody ever plans to fail, but people can fail to plan."
The once optional ITP is now at the core of TAP and the students were instructed to bring their plan to the workshop each day as they developed it throughout the week.
Another core part of the new program is learning to market the skills they gained throughout their military careers in the civilian sector.
Logan said they teach the Airmen how to determine their worth within the private sector and how to negotiate a salary.
The skills you bring to the table and the things that you've learned in the military are those things desired," said Rosenmerkel. "Hard working people always have work, especially in tough economic times."
These workshops are held at the MFSC twice a month to accommodate the estimated 60 percent increase in participation due to the mandate. Those who are planning to separate or leave active duty status are encouraged to attend the workshop at least one year prior to separation. Airmen who are retiring are encouraged to start the process two years prior.
"No time is too soon to start preparing for transition," said Logan.
For more information about the TAP and other transition information, contact the MFSC at 301-981-7087, or visit http://www.turbotap.org.