Enhanced TAP Offers More for Service Members Transitioning to Civilian Jobs

by Alex A. Kecskes

I know the job market's brutal out there. But if you're an exiting service member, there's good news. Under the newly revised military’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), you'll now get additional personalized training and extended job-search support.

Launched in 1990 to brief separating or retiring service members on post-service benefits, TAP was designed to teach basic job-hunting skills—everything from resume preparation to interviewing. The revised TAP program will separate soldiers into three groups based on how equipped they are for civilian jobs. Program administrators noted that there are E3s with GEDs and Top Sergeants with MBAs, so the delineation is necessary.

That said, all sections would cover virtually identical topics. Things like life and career planning, mental resiliency and networking, but the topics will be covered in different degrees.

Transition support will not end when the classes are over. Material will also be available online for those who want to refresh their memory or study certain topics in greater depth.

To ensure the program remains effective and current, administrators will gather feedback from veterans immediately after the class, during their actual job search and once they find employment. Over 1.7 million veterans have gone through TAP since it began 20 years ago, so this feedback will be an attempt to gauge its effectiveness.

Enhancing TAP and including feedback comes on the heels of a request by the House Armed Services Committee. It asked the Pentagon to analyze post-service employment rates for veterans and recommend changes to the program in the House version of the 2011 defense authorization bill.

For an additional perspective, check out this video:

For more information on Armed Services jobs, check out: http://www.armedservicesjobs.com/