Transition GPS prepares Airmen for civilian life

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Robert Hicks
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Andersen Air Force Base is currently in the process of implementing the Department of Defense's recent changes to the Transition Assistance Program, giving servicemembers more time to acquire essential tools needed to compete in today's competitive job market.

TAP has been converted into a program known as TAP Goals Plans Success, part of the "VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011." The current program changed from a discontinuous set of activities into a cohesive, modular, outcome based program that provides opportunities and aids in a successful transition to make members career ready as civilians.

"Transition GPS bolsters and standardizes the transition services that servicemembers receive prior to separating from active duty, guard or reserve. This makes them employment ready as well as being prepared to enter higher education, attend career technical training, or start their own business," said Cheryl Dollard, 36th Wing Airman and Family Readiness Center work and life specialist.

The five-day workshop includes pre-separation counseling, a Veteran's Affairs Benefits briefing, a Tricare briefing and a TAP employment workshop.

"During TAP, they were only given hours to work on their personnel resume," said Mrs. Dollard. "But, with TAP GPS in place, everyone will leave the program with a completed resume ready to compete for a job."

Mrs. Dollard added, if any other assistance is in need members may reach out and contact the AFRC, Veteran's Affairs and Tricare for one on ones to receive more training.

Andersen offers the Transition GPS to all servicemembers stationed on Guam, including members deployed here.

Transition GPS is held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center classroom once a month. For more information, call 366-8136 or to schedule for TAP GPS workshops.