TAP class redesigned

Published Nov. 5, 2012
By Lea Johnson
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Whether you've been in the military five years or 20 years, transitioning to the civilian world comes with certain challenges. The Airman and Family Readiness Center has programs to help those who are even just considering exiting the military.

According to Kehinde OshikoyaPamphille, A&FRC Transition Assistance Program manager, TAP has been around for more than 20 years to assist military members and their families with the changes that occur during transition. The program has transformed over the years to provide the best information possible in a changing world.

"The goal is to make sure every active duty person who decides to leave the military has in depth information about transitioning," she said.

Beginning Nov. 26, the A&FRC will be offering the most recent TAP.

The changes to TAP are a result of the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011 and the Veterans Employment Initiative. OshikoyaPamphille said VOW and VEI are mandated by Congress to ensure military members have the opportunity to find work, an education track, technical and skills training or entrepreneurship.

In the past, TAP has only been highly recommended for members exiting the military, and the only mandatory requirement was members attend a two-hour preseparation briefing. The newly designed TAP class may soon become mandatory by the Department of Defense.

There are also some changes coming to the classes taught during the week.

The first day OshikoyaPamphille will outline the components of the Transition Goals, Planning, Success program. "The GPS covers changes they may encounter while within the military to the completion of when they actually exit," she said. "We cover a lot of topics like life skills and culture change from military to civilian, unique opportunities and challenges, etc. The main highlight is going to be changes, challenges and the emotional aspect of transitioning to the civilian sector."

During the afternoon, Hugo Escobar, A&FRC accredited financial counselor, will cover subjects related to financial planning and management.

Days two, three and four are a redesigned employment workshop by the Department of Labor. On the final day, representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs will brief attendees on the latest in veteran support and discuss veteran benefits and services with full implementation of VA one-on-one services by 2013, OshikoyaPamphille said.

Additionally, each member will complete TAP with an Individual Transition Plan. According to OshikoyaPamphille, the ITP is like a master resume or plan. The member will plug in all the information based on what he has learned during the five-day TAP session which will allow the member to seek guidance from subject matter experts, identify career goals and develop a roadmap to his transition.

There are some additional classes that, due to time restraints, are no longer covered in TAP including the survivors benefits plan, TRICARE, and a small business seminar, behavioral interviewing, federal resume writing, and Disabled American Veterans briefing.

Because these classes are an Air Force Best Practice, they are being offered during the "TAP"ing On seminar Thursday and Friday after each TAP session.

"These are highlighted classes that were offered in the past and have always gotten rave reviews. Most people who attended TAP would attend because of these additional resources," OshikoyaPamphille said.

"TAP"ing On classes are available to any Department of Defense ID card holder, and can be taken in any combination. Classes fill up quickly, so advanced sign up is required.

OshikoyaPamphille also noted if TAP becomes mandatory, it will fill up quickly. Classes have space for 45 members. Members of any branch of service and spouses assigned to Peterson AFB may attend.

TAP is offered one week a month at the A&FRC. To sign up for TAP you must attend a mandatory preseparation briefing as a prerequisite for TAP seminar.

For more information call 556-6141.