The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) led program that provides information and training to ensure service members transitioning from active-duty are prepared for their next step in life - whether pursuing additional education, finding a job in the public or private sector, or starting their own business.
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides information, tools and training to ensure service members and their spouses are prepared for the next step in civilian life.
Military to civilian transition occurs within a complex and dynamic network of relationships, programs, services, and benefits, which includes transition planning and assistance efforts by individual Service branches, the interagency TAP partnership, and community resources delivered through local government, private industry, and nonprofit organizations.
The mandatory components of TAP are applicable for all service members, including National Guard and Reservists transitioning or being released from active duty, after serving 180 continuous days or more in accordance with Title 10, United States Code, Chapter 58.
After World War I, Congress established a new system of benefits that included disability compensation and insurance for service members and veterans.
The FY 1991 NDAA authorized a program of comprehensive transition assistance counseling for separating service members and their spouses.
Congress responded to this multifaceted crisis by passing the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, which was signed by President Barack Obama on November 21, 2011.
In addition to pre-separation counseling, the Act mandated participation of all eligible transitioning Service members in the previously optional TAP employment, benefits, and job training assistance sessions.
The John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19 NDAA) became public law on August 13, 2018.
[1] Former directors include Karin Orvis, Ph.D. and Susan Kelly, Ph.D. MCTO's parent organization is the Defense Personnel and Family Support Center.
On September 26, 2019, the DoD issued an update to the previously released (February 29, 2016) Department of Defense Instruction 1332.35 [2] for The Transition Assistance Program for Military Personnel.
In the event of an unanticipated separation or retirement, or a member of the Reserve Component is demobilized with less than 365 days, TAP must begin as soon as possible within the remaining period of service.
Pre-separation counseling covers by-law information to include benefits, entitlements and resources for eligible transitioning service members.
If a service member doesn't meet their CRS, there is a warm handover to an interagency partner for additional assistance.