Getting Transition Assistance
Returning to civilian life is an exciting time, one full of hope for what the next chapter
might bring. But the transition is also a complex undertaking. You have many steps to
take, and many questions to get answered. Transition assistance staff, personnel office staff,
relocation specialists, education counselors, and many others can help, but only you and your
family can make the critical decisions that must be made. So where should you start?
The new “My Decision Points” individual transition plan (ITP) program will help you develop
your personalized game plan for successfully transitioning back to civilian life. “My Decision
Points” provides the framework to help you identify your unique skills, knowledge, desires,
experience, and abilities to help you make wise choices. It is not a Department of Defense
form; it is something you create by yourself, for yourself with information found at
http://www.TurboTAP.org and assistance from a Transition
Counselor. Those who do not reside in close proximity to a military installation can also get
assistance by telephone, e-mail, CD ROM, etc.
This Pre-Separation Guide will help you work through the sections listed on DD Form 2648, “
Pre-Separation Counseling Checklist.” The checklist allows you to indicate the benefits and
services that you wish to receive additional counseling as you prepare your ITP. In those
cases where the Transition Counselor cannot answer questions, you will be referred to subject
matter experts that will provide you the information that you need. Work through each element
of the guide, but take advantage of your opportunity to request the specific resources that are
appropriate for you.
If you are uncertain about your future plans, now is the time to obtain all the assistance and
information you need. Professional guidance and counseling are available at your Transition
Assistance Office, as are workshops, publications, information resources, automated resources, and
government programs. Take advantage of each one that pertains to your unique
situation. It is your Individual Transition Plan: It is your responsibility and your
life.
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Independent research has found that on average, Service members participating in the
Transition Assistance Program find their first post-military job three weeks sooner than those who
do not participate in TAP.
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Pre-Separation Counseling: Your Best Beginning
Your first step in the separation process is to go to your installation's Transition
Assistance Office. Each service has its own way of doing things; so too with the Transition
Assistance Offices. In most cases, you will find the Transition Assistance Office located
inside your installation's Family Center. This is the best place find information and to schedule a
TAP workshop in your area.
Listed below is the name of each service’s Transition Assistance Program:
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Army: Army Career and Alumni Program - The Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP)
is a military personnel function and the Centers are found under the Director of Human Resources
(DHR) or the Military Personnel Office (MILPO).
http://www.acap.army.mil/
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Air Force: Airman and Family Readiness Center. You can find the nearest
office using the military installation finder at:
http://www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil
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Navy: Fleet and Family Support Center. Navy personnel should make an
appointment with their Command Career Counselor for a Pre-Separation counseling interview at least
180 days prior to separation.
http://www.fssp.org
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Marines: Career Resource Management Center (CRMC)/Transition & Employment
Assistance Program Center.
http://www.usmc-mccs.org/tamp/index.cfm
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Coast Guard: Worklife Division – Transition Assistance. Coast Guard Worklife
staffs can be found at your nearest Integrated Support Command.
http://www.uscg.mil/worklife/
Date Last Reviewed: June 29, 2009