The VA has once again updated their Transition Assistance Program (TAP) training content.
The new VA briefing is designed to be more collaborative and stimulating, helping service members make informed decisions about their health care, employment, housing and other benefits.
Each separating service member and selected dependents are required to attend TAP briefings as part of their separation process. TAP briefings are required by law and intended to make separating members aware of the benefits they can receive as a result of their military service and adjust to civilian life.
TAP briefings are also known as Transition GPS training.
The VA, along with the Department of Labor, Department of Education, Office of Personnel Management, and Small Business Administration offer presentations during TAP sessions.
“Each year, thousands of military members leave the service and settle in communities around the nation, with the goals of establishing comfortable homes, attaining quality education for themselves and their families, and finding rewarding employment opportunities,” said Acting VA Secretary Robert M. Wilkie. “Coming from the Department of Defense, I understand the importance of this great program, and I believe these changes will strengthen it further and provide real-life relevance to those who have given a portion of their lives to serving our nation.”
The updates, released this month, incorporated suggestions made by veterans, VSOs and veterans groups, including taking a more holistic view of a service member’s new life, as well as the psychosocial aspects of the transition to civilian life.
Because no two transitions are the same, the updates deliver elements relevant to service members based on where they are in their career and life. The redesign will encourage whole-health support for service members and their family members, to include relevant information about Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and allow time to identify local VSO representatives.
To view VA’s updated curriculum, visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/TAP/.
