SFL-TAP eases first steps of transition

Whether you’re a Soldier leaving active duty or retiring, taking the first few steps out of uniform can be daunting.

That’s why the Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program is in place.

At SFL-TAP, transitioning

Soldiers are given the foundation they need to become successful in civilian life through job searches, training, resume preparation, veteran benefits briefings, and other civilian resources.

Though this program is available for all Soldiers who are leaving the military, not many know about it, said Beatrice Bauld, SFL-TAP liaison officer.

“SFL-TAP is a command-mandated program that should be started at least 336 days before transition,” said Nicole Massie, SFL-TAP contract installation manager. “For Soldiers who are reaching their expiration of term of service, they can come to us as early as 18 months out, and those who are retiring can come to us as early as two years out.”

Those leaving the military by any means other than voluntary should contact the SFL-TAP as soon as there is any indication they might be separating before their ETS date, Massie said.

Transition is not an overnight process, and generally there are many things that need to be taken care of before leaving the military.

“The most important thing is getting these individuals started as early as possible,” Massie said. “If they ever have to miss a class because of missions, that’s fine because they can attend it at a later time.”

All transitioning Soldiers are mandated to go through a five-day course called the Veterans Opportunity to Work.

Given the large amount of

information provided in a rather short amount of time, the program

administrators encourage individuals to attend the course more than

once.

“It can be extremely overwhelming for Soldiers of any rank, but especially [for] our senior leaders who are getting out after 20 years of service,” Massie said. “They have a wealth of experience that they have to get down on paper.”

Some of the classes at the SFL-TAP offer in-depth information on setting up social media accounts, writing resumes that best show employers an individual’s skill, veteran benefit briefings, and learning how to transfer military skills to civilian skills.

“Our counselors can do one-on-one appointments to review resumes or conduct mock interviews that

go through the motions to keep individuals best prepared for when their time comes,” Massie said.

SFL-TAP also has career track models based on a Soldier’s desired civilian goals, including entrepreneurship, technical training, higher education, or pursuing a civilian career path.

SFL-TAP can start individuals on the road to other programs, such as Troops To Teachers, which assists those who may want to become educators.

Counselors can also assist with translating military experience into terms a civilian employer can readily understand – for example, describing the responsibilities of a first sergeant in a way that is clear to a company seeking someone with managerial experience.

Family members of eligible Soldiers are also authorized to use the program, either at a center or through the SFL-TAP Virtual Center online – a valuable benefit for those who plan to move after their spouse retires, for example.

For more information on the program, visit www.sfl-tap.army.mil or call 384-3501.