FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
The Army Career and Alumni Program has transformed into the Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program in preparation for full implementation of the Transition Soldier for Life Cycle program, Oct. 1.
The Soldier for Life concept is the U.S. Army's holistic approach to a Soldier's military career life cycle, and aims to care for Soldiers beginning with their initial entry, through their military service, reintegration and transition.
An aspect of that program, the Transition SLC, aims to retain quality Soldiers in the Army, develop career readiness skills and prepare Soldiers to achieve career readiness standards prior to transition from active duty, said Reba Gordon, Fort Eustis Soldier for Life transition services manager.
"The initiative behind ACAP's transformation is to help Soldiers who aren't necessarily transitioning from service within the year, but to help all Soldiers from the day they enlist to the day the separate to prepare for their eventual transition," said Gordon. "The Transition SLC offers services to prepare Soldiers to serve the nation while in uniform and as productive citizens after their military career ends."
Services previously provided by ACAP, such as resume writing, professional development, career fairs and seminars, will still be available through the Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program, with a shifted focus on all Soldiers, not just those with an approved separation date, she explained.
"It opens up the timeline for Soldiers to come take advantage of our services," said Gordon. "Doing this along their career better prepares Soldiers for the time they need to separate and it's a gradual process through the lifespan of their service, rather than the last 12 months."
Gordon said while the transition at Fort Eustis is currently underway, the Army will begin rebranding efforts to help solidify the program's transition.
For more information on the services offered by the Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program, call 878-4955.