How effective was the "Transition Assistance" class offered by the military?

MCPO Dean Phelps — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 09:35:49 -0500

Tell us about your transitions class you attended prior to leaving the service. Discuss the things that really help, could have spent more time, needed to be included. Also if you went to one of the third party programs what additional information did they offered.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Dec 14 at 2013 9:58 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 09:58:30 -0500

The Army's ACAP process is only as effective as those that take advantage of it.

Soldiers (and leaders should allow) should be utilizing the program 12-months from ETS or 24-months from retirement.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 14 at 2013 10:08 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 10:08:53 -0500

I think it needs to be redesigned. I think much more emphasis needs to be placed on transitioning and for a much greater period of time. The truth is the time we spend in the military is a lot less than we spend out of it. We put a great amount of time and energy on getting promoted and just kinda rush out of it in the end where we will spend the majority of our lives. Most don't retire. I think the average is less than 10 years. So what about the rest of your life? I guess my question is should we tailor our careers more towards how it will benefit us afterwards or while in?

Response by LCDR Doug Nordman made Dec 14 at 2013 8:24 PM

LCDR Doug Nordman — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 20:24:57 -0500

I overstudied.

I think TAP is useful for identifying huge gaping deficiencies in your personal transition planning. It's either a harsh wakeup call or a validation of your efforts.

I attended TAP over 13 years ago (well before my 2002 retirement) and my personal epiphany came when the personnel clerk explained that the first pension deposit would not arrive until six weeks after the retirement date. About a third of the attendees did not have sufficient savings to cover the gap between the last paycheck and the first pension deposit.

The skills-assessment worksheets and interest-discovery software revealed that I'd make an excellent nuclear engineer or middle manager. Seriously?!?

Despite TAP's flawed & outdated curriculum, I think the class is one of the military's most powerful retention tools. Everyone should attend at least a year before their service obligation ends.

Response by TSgt Phillip L. made Dec 15 at 2013 5:12 AM

TSgt Phillip L. — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 05:12:54 -0500

Mine was horrible. I can't remember much of anything from it....whatever was being taught at TAPS in 2005 when I transitioned to the Guard. Attending a good college with a strong military presence (Like Wayland Baptist University, or most any college on a military installation) was much more effective in helping the transition.

I remember asking for, and receiving help writing my resume in the TAPS course. I then took that resume to my one of my business professors, who promptly ran it through he shredder and said, "If you want to stay on unemployment....use this resume. I'd never hire someone with this resume. You're better than this."

I've since gone out of my way to help other vets with their resume, especially vets interested in the aerospace industry.

Now that I'm thinking about it....TAPS was mandatory for out processing, and I ended up having to do it on my day off....on dayshift and then go to work that night.

Response by CMDCM Jerry Coulson made Dec 15 at 2013 8:39 AM

CMDCM Jerry Coulson — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 08:39:10 -0500

I did like the part about job hunting Resume writing and how to conduct your self in an interview. That was the best part for me. Over all the class had a lot of good information. I liked it a lot.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jul 10 at 2014 7:06 PM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 19:06:12 -0400

TAP at Keesler AFB was very helpful, I think a little long but helpful