FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The Army recently made changes to its Transition Assistance Program, which guides Soldiers separating from the Army through their transition back into civilian lives and careers.
Per the amendments, the Army declared Soldier transition to be a unit commander's program, charging commanders with the responsibility of tracking their troops' transition progress. This ensures they have articulated long- and short-term career goals, and developed measures to achieve said goals.
"Transition will be part of the Soldiers experience from day one throughout their entire tenure in the Army," said Reba Gordon, Ft. Eustis' Transition Services manager.
All transitioning Soldiers must initiate the transition process with the Army Career and Alumni Program, the organization responsible for assisting Soldiers during separation, one year out from their projected separation or retirement date.
In November 2011, Congress enacted the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, which provides several provisions for veterans. Of these, Congress mandated that all Soldiers will attend the Department of Labor's TAP Employment Workshop, effective Nov. 1, 2012.
The changes come in response to a 2011 study performed by staff at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, geared to determine whether or not the Army's transition program was effective, and to propel it into the 21st century. Results found many veterans, ages 18-24, found it difficult to obtain and maintain employment after separating from the military.
Gordon said all separating Soldiers must complete a DD Form 2648, Pre-separation Checklist, 12 months out from their separation date with assistance from ACAP staff. It is mandatory for all transitioning Soldiers to attend the DOL TAP Employment Workshop no later than 10 months out from separation. The workshop is currently being designed, and will debut with updates in November.
In addition, transitioning Soldiers must attend the Veteran's Affairs Benefits and Disabled Transition Program, or DTAP, briefings no later than six months out from separation. Soldiers will complete a resume of their choice, prepare individual budgets for family, complete an individual transition plan, and if attending college or vocational schools, provide letter of acceptance prior to separation.
"Hopefully, with all the preparation Soldiers will leave with a job identified or at best have a plan to execute once they exit military service to ensure a better posture for employment success," Gordon said.
For more information about transition services, contact the Ft. Eustis Army and Career Alumni Program at 878-4955, or email
acap.eustis@serco-na.com. The Eustis ACAP Center is located at 601 Hines Circle in Room 140, and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.