Redesigned Transition Assistance Program

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) has been redesigned into a comprehensive, mandatory program through the efforts of an interagency team from the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Education (ED), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

The redesigned TAP, known as Transition Goals Plans Success (GPS) or Transition GPS, changes the current program from a discontinuous set of activities into a cohesive, modular, outcome based program that provides opportunities and aids in successful transition into a "career ready" civilian. Transition GPS bolsters and standardizes the transition services that Service members receive prior to separating from the military to make them employment ready as well as being prepared to enter into higher education, attend career technical training, or start their own business.

Transition GPS is a major overhaul of the 20-year-old TAP, as part of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, and includes modules on financial planning that provide information and tools to identify financial responsibilities; Military Occupational Code (MOC) Crosswalk that translate military skills, training, and experience into civilian sector skills language; VA Benefits Briefing that informs Service members of their veteran benefits options; developing an Individual Transition Plan (ITP) that is a tailored plan with supporting documents, reviewed by a transition staff member, as evidence of preparation for transition and ability to meet post-separation goals; and an improved Department of Labor Employment Workshop that provides information and assistance with developing a resume as well as obtaining a "Gold Card" to receive priority services at any Career One-Stop Center in the country, career guidance, job and training referrals. In addition to the modules, there are optional tracks a Service member can take based on their needs assessment. The optional tracks are education, career technical training and entrepreneurship.

Piloting of Transition GPS began at a few DoD installations on July 9, 2012. Transition GPS is expected to replace the old TAP by the end of 2013.

Service members should direct questions to the local Transition Office for their respective Military Service. The Transition Offices for the Military Services are located as follows:

• Army -- located in the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) office
• Air Force -- located in the Airman and Family Readiness Center
• Navy -- located in the Fleet and Family Support Center
• Marine Corps -- located in the Marine Corps Community Services office