Transition assistance vital for those separating Airmen

  • Published
  • By Tammy Cournoyer
  • Warrior and Family Operations Center
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  With active-duty positions being eliminated through current force-management measures, it's important Airmen identified for separation use a vital tool -- the Air Force Transition Assistance Program -- to help ease themselves and their families into transition from military to civilian life.

Separating can be stressful anytime, but especially if it was not in the Airman's immediate plans. Air Force TAP officials have procedures in place to assist Airmen being affected by force-management initiatives.

"We are well aware of the stress and anxiety our Airmen and their families are experiencing because of force shaping initiatives," said Vonda Ware, an Air Force Airman and Family Readiness Operations program manager. "Airman and Family Readiness Center staff at each base are prepared to assist. Airmen need to take full advantage of our transition program as soon as possible; this is especially important if they are facing a short separation window."

The transition program partners the resources of the Department of Defense, Department of Labor, Veterans Affairs and Department of Homeland Security by highlighting available benefits, offering career counseling, helping with resumes and customizing financial planning.

One of the successful program tools is a three-day TAP Seminar where Airmen learn about benefits unique to their situation. For example, in most cases, people being involuntarily separated are granted two years of commissary and Exchange benefits, six months of medical benefits, for themselves and their family members and more.

"Besides the tools for a successful job search, the most important information people facing separation can take away from TAP seminar are the benefits they are entitled to as a veteran," said Ray Ramos, a community readiness consultant at the Randolph Air Force Base Airman and Family Readiness Center. "Information on VA benefits and filing a VA claim is an essential part of retiring or separating. By doing this they are not just taking care of themselves but also their family."

Veterans Affairs representatives offer briefings about the various programs available to departing Airmen at the state and federal levels. These benefits include disability compensation; life insurance; home and business loans; medical care and education, if qualified; and veteran burial and memorial services.

Seeking employment is a large part of the assistance provided by TAP resources. The thought of having to find work in today's uncertain job market is scary for many Americans today, and Airmen leaving the Air Force may feel overwhelmed. Employment counselors walk TAP participants through the job-search maze.

For example, during the seminar, they learn successful tactics such as where to look for jobs, how to present and sell themselves, and salary negotiations. Attendees learn important communication tools, especially how to translate military acronyms and jargon into civilian-speak that can get them hired.

"(The Transition Assistance Program) gives retiring and separating members the tools needed to be successful in their real-world job search," said Mr. Ramos. "Most members have never had to write a resume or interview for a job."

In addition to the seminar, Airmen and Family Readiness Center staff provide detailed pre-separation counseling that covers everything from education benefits, to unemployment compensation, health insurance and much more. The staff offers classes on federal résumé writing and navigating employment websites such as USAJobs. Individual TAP classes are also provided on networking, interviewing skills and salary negotiation. Besides classes and seminars, counselors can assist with the development of an Individual Transition Plan, a roadmap to transition success.

"This provides them with actual hands on skills, which ensures members are successful in their search," added Mr. Ramos. "These services are also provided and available for family members and DOD civilians as well. Knowledge decreases stress especially in today's economy."

"People leaving our Air Force today are highly trained and skilled professionals," said Ware. "We are ready and willing to help them successfully return to civilian life."

Since its development more than 20 years ago, millions of service members throughout the Department of Defense have taken advantage of what TAP has to offer. The DOD TAP website is located at http://www.turbotap.org/register.tpp and offers numerous resources for people before and after leaving active duty.