Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

TAP is an outcome-based program that bolsters opportunities, services, and training for transitioning service members in their preparation to meet post-military goals. Spouses are encouraged to attend.
The mandatory elements of TAP apply to all Service members who have 180 continuous days or more on active duty (Title 10), including National Guard and Reserve. Transitioning Service members should start TAP 24-14 months before separation or retirement.

Step 1 of TAP is Initial Counseling which must be completed not less than 365 days prior to separation or retirement. Initial Counseling is by individual appointment with an M&FRC staff member. Prior to attending Initial Counseling, Service members complete and submit their personal Self-Assessment and Individual Transition Plan (ITP) to the M&FRC to identify their transition needs and post-transition goals. The Self-Assessment and ITP determine the Service member’s Tier for required Career Readiness Standards (CRS) and TAP workshops.

To start the TAP process please contact 505-846-0741 or email 377fss.fsh.mfrf@us.af.mil

Step 2 of TAP is Pre-separation Counseling which must be completed not less than 365 days before separation or retirement. Pre-separation Counseling is provided in a group briefing and covers valuable information, required by law, including benefits, entitlements and resources for eligible transitioning service members and their family members.

Step 3 of TAP is the 3-day TAP Workshop and participation in one or more of the 2-day Transition Tracks.
The 3-day TAP Workshop includes:

• DoD Transition Day (Mandatory)
• VA Benefits & Services (Mandatory)
• Department of Labor (DOL) Employment Fundamentals of Career Transition (Mandatory unless exempt)

Step 3 of TAP also includes service member selection of one or more of the 2-day Transition Tracks listed below. Service members may attend more than one track but must attend at least one track, unless exempt.

• DOL Employment Workshop
• DOL Career and Credential Exploration (C2E)
• DoD Managing Your (My) Education
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Entrepreneur Track.

Step 4 of TAP is Capstone which must be completed not less than 90 days before separation or retirement but not earlier than 12 months before separation or retirement. Capstone is an individual appointment with an M&FRC staff member to review the Service member’s completed ITP and Career Readiness Standards (CRS) documentation. Capstone is not complete until the Service member's commander electronically signs the member’s eForm (DD 2648) after verifying the member has completed all required CRS and has a viable IT.

VA Benefits Advisors
Advisors conduct the mandatory VA Benefits I and II Briefings and are available to meet for individual assistance to answer questions about VA benefits, eligibility requirements, and application processes. Available to assist Service Members, Veterans, Survivors, and Family Members with learning about and maximizing VA benefits and register on the eBenefits portal. VA Benefits Advisors are available from 7:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. To contact an Advisor directly, please call (505) 846-1003.