Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

OVERVIEW

The Transition Assistance Program, or TAP, provides a series of classes to prepare you for your life after your end of service.

Service members who are separating (not retiring) can begin their classes 18 months before their end-of-service date.

Retiring service members can begin their classes 24 months before their EOS date.

If you plan on doing an internship through the SkillBridge or Career Skills Program, you must complete or capstone TAP before you can apply for the internship. Start TAP as soon as possible.

Many TAP classes are mandatory, and several are not required but are excellent classes to take. The classes give you the knowledge, resources, and, in some cases, hands-on instruction to help you transition into the civilian world. However, these classes aren't scheduled every week. They may only be every other week or once a month. Personnel getting med-boarded and chaptered have priority, and classes fill up fast. Also, you may have some training exercise or duty that conflicts with a class date, so get in early, and get that initial counseling to schedule your classes as soon as possible. Some service members can take online classes, but I always recommend in-person classes so you can ask the instructors questions and network and learn from those around you. And again, remember, your capstone TAP will determine when you can submit to participate in your SkillBridge or Career Skills Program internship.

PREPARE

To prepare for TAP, you can review the resources for your service branch at www.dodtap.mil.