Transition Assistance Program relieves retirement, separation stress Published Oct. 9, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Malmstrom's Airman and Family Readiness Center offers the Transition Assistance Program to service members who are within one year of separating or two years from retirement. TAP is designed to assist military members and their families in the transition from the military to the civilian work-force. The goal of the program is to alleviate some of the stress associated with the transition by helping service members learn to market the skills they received while serving on active duty as well as to make them aware of the benefits they've earned. "No one can ever be too prepared to separate," said David Burger, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant. "It's such a competitive market now. For every job available, there are seven applicants opposed to two years ago when there were four applicants to every job availability." Programs offered through the Airman & Family Readiness Center include a four-day TAP seminar, a USAJOBS Web site navigation workshop, resume classes, and the Before Discharge Determination program. 4 Day TAP Seminar The transition assistance program is a voluntary program done in conjunction with the Department of Labor and is designed to assist any military member who is leaving the service. The primary focus is to help veterans prepare for a new career in the civilian workforce. At Malmstrom, two different TAP seminars are offered. The first is a general TAP seminar for any service member who is separating or retiring. This seminar is four days in length. The first day, the AFRC brings in representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs who talk about their programs. A disability claims representative discusses the process of filing a claim with the VA for any injuries or illness received while serving on active duty. A medical service representative talks about the medical benefits for veterans, and an education and training representative talks about the G.I. Bill and the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Lastly, a general benefits counselor answers any questions that service members may have. The rest of the seminar focuses on helping service members become employment ready. The AFRC has sessions on how to complete a job application, create a resume, cover letter and the follow-up letter. There is also a session on how to dress for success and how to interview. Navigating the USAJOBS Web site The Navigating USAJOBS Web site workshop is a one hour class intended to help anyone who is in the process of applying for federal employment. In this seminar, AFRC staff talk about ways to make service members stand out above the rest to give them a better chance at obtaining federal employment. Resume class This is a one-hour class on how to start a resume, and the proper format to help resumes make it through the initial screening process. Before Discharge Determination Anyone who is separating or retiring from the service has a right to file a claim with the VA for any injury or illness they had while on active duty. Once a month, the AFRC dedicates two days to those who are filing a claim. The requirements for the BDD is to have an approved retirement or separation date and be no more than 180 days from separating-retiring but no less than 45 days before separating/retiring. Participating in the BDD program helps to speed up the disability claims process. "It's imperative for service members to take advantage of the TAP program because the more information they have, the easier the transition will be," Mr. Burger said. In the present job market, it's important to set oneself above everyone else. With the TAP program, that opportunity is provided, Mr. Burger said. For more information call David Burger at 731-4900.