Project of the Week: TurboTAP.org

Name of Project: TurboTAP.org

Agency: Department of Defense

Contact Person: [email protected]

Support Links:

• For TAP Counselors
• For Command Leadership
• Welcome
• Press Center
• State Transition Assistance Advisors
• Department of Veteran Affairs & Veterans Benefits
• Department of Labor & Job Seekers
• DD Form 2586 VMET (CAC or MyPAY PIN required)
• Pertinent Legislation
• inTransition Mental Health Coaching

Brief Overview:

As a new “e”volution in Military Technology from the lifestyle side of the house, is the Department of Defense TAP (Transition Assistance Program) designed to aid transition of military personnel (and family members) who may be leaving active duty.

TAP is a partnership among DoD, DOL, and VA and is a technologically savvy electronic interface for military member benefit. While returning to civilian life is an exciting time, it is also a complex undertaking. The service member has many steps to take, and many questions to get answered. The Transition Assistance Program is there to help.

For Full-time Active Duty, the program consists of four components:

1. DoD Preseparation Counseling: A thorough review of transition services, benefits, and resources begins your transition process. You should make an appointment with your transition office 12 months before your known separation date (for retiring Service members, you can make an appointment 24 months prior to your retirement
   date).
2. Department of Labor (DOL) Employment Workshops: During this 2 1/2 day workshop, you will learn how to write a resume and cover letter, obtain information on skills assessment and job search
   techniques, and learn other important information about career and job
   services available through DOL.
3. VA Benefits Briefing: In this 4-hour session, you’ll learn about the VA benefits you may be entitled to, including the Montgomery GI Bill, healthcare, VA counseling, home loan program, and more.
4. Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP): If you have a service-connected disability (or think that you might), you must attend this 2-hour briefing. You will learn about eligibility for Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service benefits by VA, and more.

Once the four workshops have been completed members are eligible for one-on-one counseling and employment assistance training through their service.

For Demobilizing Guard and Reserve:

• DoD Preseparation Counseling: During demobilization, and prior to release from active duty, Service members returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) can receive 2-hour preseparation counseling.
• Department of Labor Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) Briefing: You are eligible to receive a USERRA Briefing prior to your release from active duty. Once home, you should contact the DOL Career One-Stop Center in your community to receive further employment assistance.
• VA Benefits Briefing: Prior to release form active duty, you are eligible to receive a VA Benefits Briefing.
• VA DTAP Briefing: This normally occurs as part of the VA Benefits Briefing and usually includes information about application procedures for vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance. This information is for Service members who have or think they have a service-connected disability. Members should always follow-up once they return home by contacting the VA office closest to where they live.

The TAP provides major military installation training through Transition Assistance Offices. On Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps installations, the Transition Assistance Office is typically located at the Family Support/Service Center. On Army installations, services are provided by ACAP Centers. The TurboTAP.org website supplements services offered by the Transition Assistance Offices and other groups and resources include:

• Individual Transition Plan
• Preseparation Guide for Active Duty and Transition Guide for Guard/Reserve
• Employment Hub

Quick Reference Checklists:

• Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Benefit Programs
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Health Care
  • Relocation

_______________

About the Author: Ms. Quesinberry is President of dpInk: DonnaInk Publications (dp † dpbn † dpfc), a small, woman-owned business.With 18 years plus professional reach back, dpInk features high (90th percentile performance benchmarks) with 80% plus win ratios. Donna serves as VP (Vice President) of Business Development on retainer for numerous select clientele. She delivers procurement and acquisition SME (subject matter expert) trusted source skill sets with excellent references. As an EAC (Executive Advisory Council) participant, Ms. Quesinberry delivers managed content and industry expertise. She also interviews both live | telecast, performing SAG voice-overs for some merchandising endeavors. As a single mum of 5 adult children, Donna is blessed with 8 grandchildren. She credits success to “personal values of family, faith, friendship, and joyful living.” As an author Ms. Quesinberry manages the following columns and has three books arriving on the digital scene this summer – fall (Business Development Enhancement through Virtual CRM; Book Development in a Post-Modern World; Business Zen, the Power of NOW and the Eagle Estate):

• Government Business Examiner
• Military Technology
• National Writing Examiner
• Wounded Warrior