Is SFL-TAP and or the CSP program a obligatory program or mandatory program? being told if I want to attend the program I need to reenlist?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 12:23:03 -0500

So I am 6 months out from ETS, ready to get out and start the next chapter of my life. I joined the army with a GED so I’m slightly more limited on options when I get out. I got put on gate guard about a month ago because I’m getting in soon. I watched a few buddy’s get out and attend the CSP program and are doing quite well because of it. I asked my leadership about it bringing up the fact that I’m running out of time and I’d they told me if I want to do that I need to reenlist for a year or two because they need me on gate guard. While at the same time stuff doing multiple things at the company even though I was under the impression that you can only have one place of duty, but I guess that’s a whole different post. The point is I would like to try to start planning and setting my self up for success outside of the army (a little bit under 6 months) My leadership is telling me that’s not going to happen. Is there any kind of regulation on this? Or do you have any advice for how I should go about this?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2022 2:14 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 14:14:14 -0500

Soldiers are eligible to participate in one Army CSP up to 180 days prior to separation from the Army and after completion of the mandatory 5-day SFL-TAP workshop. The use of permissive temporary duty (PTDY) to attend a CSP more than 50 miles away from the Soldier’s duty station may be granted at the Commander’s discretion.
https://www.armytap.army.mil/

TAP Online

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2022 2:28 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 14:28:47 -0500

Pre-separation planning through TAP is Congressionally mandated by Public Law 107-103, and the VOW Act, 22 Nov 11.

AR 600-81
https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/Details.aspx?PUB_ID=1000361

Army Publishing Directorate

Army DA administrative publications and forms by the Army Publishing Directorate APD. The latest technologies high quality electronic pubs and forms view U.S. Army Regulations and DA Forms.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2022 4:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 16:05:18 -0500

SFL TAP is mandatory, you are absolutely required to do it.

CSP is a program within SFLTAP. Your leadership is right that if you want to do that you will need more time. You have to complete all of SFLTAP to apply for a CSP. You have to have your CSP approved by your BN CDR before you can go to one. You can only attend one in the last six months to your ETS. Meaning that since you are six months from ETS you won't have enough time to complete all your classes, submit your approval in time for a class that has openings, then start and end the class before your ETS

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 2 at 2022 5:13 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 17:13:25 -0500

SFL-TAP is mandatory. CSP is not mandatory, it's certainly a privelage, but a Commaner really SHOULD encourage CSP participation.