The Transition Assistance Programs Helps Soldiers Plan for Civilian Careers

If you have been in the military for a number of years, facing life as a civilian can be a daunting prospect. Fortunately, the U.S. Armed Forces has assembled a number of resources to help you. The Transition Assistance Program is a partnership between a number of military and federal agencies that can help you make a smooth transition into life as a civilian.

What Does the Transition Assistance Program Provide?

The military offers numerous resources to help you make the transition from life in the military to life as a civilian. The Transition Assistance Program is a multi-step program designed to guide you through some of the major decisions you'll face as you move from the military back into civilian life. These include decisions about your finances, your military benefits, and your civilian career.

The Transition Assistance Program has identified seven phases you should consider in planning your transition to a civilian career:

• Self-assessment
• Exploration
• Skills development
• Intern programs
• Job search
• Job selection
• Support

The Transition Assistance Program also offers a number of workshops that can help you gather information and make decisions about your civilian lifestyle. These workshops include:

• Department of Defense Preparation Counseling: This workshop consists of an overview of all military benefits, transition services, educational opportunities, and resources available to service members after leaving the military
• Department of Labor Employment Workshop: This 2 �� day workshop provides guidance on job search skills such as how to compose a cover letter and resume, what military experiences and training should be added to a resume, and what civilian organizations might be of help during you job search.
• Veterans Affairs Benefits Briefing: This is a 4-hour workshop which explores all of the programs in place through the Department of Veterans Affairs that are available to service members after leaving active duty. Educational benefits, loan programs, healthcare, and counseling programs are discussed.
• Disabled Transition Assistance Program: This is a 2 hour workshop that is mandatory for service members with disabilities related to their military service. The workshop focuses on rehabilitation and job programs for disabled veterans.

Once you have completed these four workshops, you are eligible to attend one on one counseling if you desire.

Transition Assistance Program for Reserve and National Guard Units

There is a Transition Assistance Program for demobilizing Reserve and National Guard units. Reserve and National Guard service members returning from overseas deployment should check with their nearest Transition Assistance Office for details.

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