A Commander's Role in SFL-TAP

Photo By Staff Sgt. David Beckstrom | Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lanza, the commanding general of I Corps, speaks with the Washington State Military Transition Council on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Aug. 8, to encourage them to continue to streamline the transition process and to thank them for the improvements they have made to the lives of the service members that have transitioned out of the military and into high demand civilian jobs through their programs. The Washington State Military Transition Council works to bridge any certification and education gaps that civilian employers may require in addition to the service members work experience. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David N. Beckstrom, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, I Corps)  

FORT KNOX, KY, UNITED STATES

08.10.2017

Story by Jenny Hale 

U.S. Army Human Resources Command

The Army’s transition program, the Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP), assists all eligible, transitioning Soldiers with preparing to leave active duty service. The program is offered to both Active and Reserve Component and assists Soldiers in meeting Career Readiness Standards (CRS).

SFL-TAP is a Commander’s Program and Commanders take an active role in their Soldiers’ transition process. SFL-TAP courses are mandated, but the program is more than checking a box on a Soldier’s form.

SFL-TAP Centers work with Commanders and Soldiers to find times that minimize interference with unit missions. Commanders can always reach out to their local Center to gain access to attendance lists, encourage their Soldiers to start the program early to spread out mandated courses, and support Soldiers seeking additional resources.

A November 2016 Hiring Our Heroes Veterans in the Workplace report stated that Soldiers who started their job search at least six months prior to transition were twice as likely to have a job before leaving active duty. Those who started their job search after transition were more likely to make less than $50,000 per year.

SFL-TAP encourages transitioning Soldiers to start the program 18 months prior to transition or 24 months prior to retirement. The program allows time for Soldiers to develop resumes, network, attend job fairs, learn interview techniques, learn how to dress appropriately for interviews, prepare financially, apply to school, and more.

Transitioning Soldiers are required to attend the program after serving 180 days of continuous Title 10 active duty service. Soldiers learn about the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, post-transition budgeting, job applications, resume writing, job skills opportunities, and more at SFL-TAP. Program resources are also available to eligible Family members, retirees, and Department of the Army civilians.

SFL-TAP Centers can help connect Soldiers to careers and other civilian opportunities, as well as help them prepare for various aspects of civilian life. Centers around the world hold employer and other hiring events to encourage local and national employers to meet and hire Soldiers, Veterans, and their Family members. SFL-TAP Centers work to connect clients with employment opportunities, internships, entrepreneurship opportunities, skills programs, education, workshops, and more.

Soldiers who are successful after transition tend to have spent the time preparing for what happens next. SFL-TAP has a variety of mandatory and optional courses, as well as career fairs, that are vital to helping Soldiers learn about their future.

Supporting SFL-TAP is important. When the Army takes care of Soldiers, this reflects highly on the Service and encourages future retention and recruiting.

For more information on the Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program, visit www.sfl-tap.army.mil or contact a local SFL-TAP Center.

SFL-TAP can be found on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ArmySFLTAP), Twitter (www.twitter.com/SFLTAP), and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/groups/7063275).

• Date Taken: 08.10.2017
• Date Posted: 08.11.2017 07:44
• Story ID: 244551
• Location: FORT KNOX, KY, US