Introduction to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for Members of the National Guard and Reserves

After serving 180 or more days of continuous active duty, and prior to your release from active duty, you are required to receive transition counseling (same as Pre-separation Counseling for Active Component service members) from a member of a military installation Transition Assistance Staff, Command Career Counselor (Navy), or the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) staff. During the transition counseling session you will be given an overview of all the topics contained on DD Form 2648-1, "Pre-separation Counseling Checklist for Reserve Component Service Members Released From Active Duty." You are entitled to receive transition assistance for up to six months after you are released from active duty and return home. To access this help, you need to contact the nearest military installation or Command Career Counselor where you live. 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?
Start by going to the transition assistance website that was created to help you. You can access that website at: http://www.TurboTAP.org. This site is available to you for the rest of your life. Once there, review the Transition Guide for Guard and Reserve. 
REMEMBER – HELP IS AVAILABLE TO YOU!
The ITP will help you identify the actions and activities associated with your transition. Consulting with a Transition Assistance Counselor and using the DD Form 2648-1, “Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Checklist for Deactivating/Demobilizing National Guard and Reserve Service Members'' will help you determine your options. The Transition Guide will help you work through the major headings listed on the DD Form 2648, checklist. The checklist will allow you to identify the benefits and services that will help you prepare your ITP. If you require further assistance with any of the topics covered on the Transitioning Counseling Checklist, please refer to the appropriate chapter of the "Transition Guide for Guard and Reserve" or online resources found at http://www.TurboTAP.org. If you still need assistance, contact Military One Source at 1-800-342-9647. 
If you are uncertain about your future plans, now is the time to get all the assistance and information you need. Professional guidance and counseling is available at a 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. 
Pre-separation Counseling: Your Best Beginning
During your demobilization/deactivation out-processing, you will receive information on the benefits and services available to you by a Transition Assistance, Army Career and Alumni Program, or Navy Command Career counselor. This counselor will guide you through the DD Form 2648-1, "Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Checklist for Deactivating/Demobilizing National Guard and Reserve Service Members" and will assist you in completing form, give you a copy, and ensure that the original copy with your signature is placed in your military personnel file .
Listed below is the name of each Military Service’s Transition Assistance Programs:
Date Last Reviewed: September 22, 2011

NEED-TO-KNOW INFORMATION