The Armed Forces transition program is failing to prepare veterans for civilian work

I cannot speak to the length of the current TAP program. However, the 2011 Law permits the service member to start the process 24 months prior to separation, and does require certain steps to occur before separation. However, intent, action, knowledge, and understanding, do not always align as desired. The service, the unit, and the service member, must each execute their role effectively. Unfortunately, units, or unit leaders, are often reluctant to allow transitioning members to engage until the very last minute, due to unit and mission priorities. I saw similar attitudes, when reporting to new duty stations, as units pressured arriving members to skip, or short circuit, the orientation program, so they could "forget the fluff and get to work." Unit leaders, charged with mission execution, on occasion, forget they must ensure their service members are properly taken care of, not just in the unit or battle space, but in on-boarding and off-boarding the organization. The individual service member must also exercise due diligence, in this process. In departing the service, one is not simply transitioning from the military to the civilian world, one is also, in effect, leaving a collective, symbiotic, self-reinforcing, support system, to try and thrive in a far less supportive environment. As leaders, in my opinion, we have a responsibility to ensure, transitioning members are afforded the best possible start on their new journey. At some point each one of us has, or will have to make the same journey, and transition from service member to former service member. The following link is illustrative of what each service is expected to do.

http://www.afpc.af.mil/Transition-Assistance-Program/

As to the last part of our question, the transition unit. Such things did not exist when I served. However, you were removed from deployable status, as you approached your departure date. Even if such units exist, it takes time to prepare for the new civilian gig, and, if my own experience is an example, 30 to 60 days is not enough, nor is six months. In many ways, this transition mirrors a permanent change of station, in terms of planning and actions required by the service member. While a PCS can be executed quickly, it is not recommended, being the exception, not the rule.

Master Chief, I do not disagree with your perspective, or the need to be self-motivated, and accept responsibility for your personal welfare during the transition to civilian life. There will always be those who will successfully find their own way, and make the transition with relative ease, with little ease. However, there are also those who need additional guidance, during the process of transition.
When we recruit someone into our all volunteer military, we spend a great deal of effort transitioning and transforming them from, being civilians into being service members, to meet the needs of the respective services. I submit, we have an equal obligation to prepare them for the return transition back to civilian life. This is perhaps an institutional obligation for service, vice a John Q. Public obligation; supported by Veterans benefits such as the GI Bill. However, the process should start before leaving the service, not after, and in my experience, success if often tied to guidance, support, and awareness.
In my experience and opinion, we as Americans are great at getting things going; however, our approach to closure and the end game, could use some improvement. In the end, a veteran's successful transition is of great benefit to the future of all concerned.
Regarding the programs themselves; if memory serves, they have actually existed as formal entities for over 20 years; beginning with the post Cold War reduction of the US Armed Forces in the 1990s.

MAJ Alvin B. - My retirement preceded the 90s.. Has any of this taken place? Is there a report on the efficacy on the program as noted in the GAO Report? Who teaches these TAP Programs? Successfully transitioned military or private industry by eggheads? I sound critical and am, it seems that many of these programs do little as far as transition and cost a lot. BTW, if there are success stories on RP, I would like to hear them. That is how I can be convinced. JMHO

Master Chief, I started in 1975, as an 18 year old E-2, and retired in 1998. Until the 1990s, if memory serves, aside from some very basic counseling on benefits, and a physical, the transition process was, short and to the point, -- so long, farewell, good bye! I had the opportunity to attend the then extant, 40 hour voluntary transition assistance program, a few months before starting my terminal leave. At that time, and place, the program was conducted by the Service, using a combination of DoD Civilians, DoD contractors, and representatives from various other agencies (e.g. VA, State VA, etc...). Much of what was presented, was similar to what I had already learned, through reading and personal research. However, I did find the information on the VA process, Resume prep, and interviewing useful; along with discussions with others in the class. Was I fully prepared by the course, to dace the first day as Mr. Bedgood, after my retirement ceremony, - no. Was I prepared for the skeptical responses from potential civilian employers - as to fitting in, - to a degree - yes. The program I attended, if nothin g else, heightened my awareness of the differences and adjustments I would have to accept, embrace, and endure, once I removed the uniform. In my opinion, the course was worth the time, however, it is, in an of itself, not sufficient to bring you full circle, and back into the civilian world. Circumstances change, people change, military service changes over time, as do those who serve. A, 20 - 22 year old, departing the service after three years, in what may be there only work experience; a mid career service member departing after 10 - 15 years of service, or a seasoned service member, retiring after 20, 25, or 30 years of service; each face similar, and concurrently very different challenges when moving back to the civilian world; including age, experience, family situation, education, military career field, and service experience. In my experience and opinion, the resources are inadequate to the task.
Personally; I spent six months, prior to retiring, posting resumes, applying for jobs, and going to interviews, -- an at times frustrating, but ultimately, educational experience. Ironically, I received three job offers in 15 minutes, while attending a job fair held at a military related professional association conference, I had not intended to attend. In short, six weeks after I retired, I stated work in a new city, at a place I had not considered.
As to the current program's success, that is for others to address.
Best regards, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Here is the link to the DoD website: https://www.dodtap.mil/