SFL-TAP's Pilot Program Well Underway

Photo By Sgt. Steven Peterson | Spc. Andrew Cooper, center, an aviation crew chief, 7th Infantry Division, learns about job opportunities at the Federal Aviation Administration desk during a career fair that the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Service member and Family Assistance Center provided for service members and their spouses at the Warrior Transition Battalion Feb. 12. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Steve Peterson, 28th Public Affairs Detachment)  

FORT KNOX, KY, UNITED STATES

08.10.2017

Story by Jenny Hale 

U.S. Army Human Resources Command

In the fall and winter of 2016, the Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) began a Transition Pilot Program at six installations worldwide, including Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, Fort Drum, Fort Campbell, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and USAG Bavaria.

The Pilot assigns Active Component Soldiers a category using a multi-variate model, developed by Office of Economic and Manpower Analysis (OEMA), based on a Soldier's education, age, rank, separation reasoning, military occupation, and other demographic data. The category determines which CRS are mandatory and which CRS Soldiers may choose to elect.

The Pilot looks to adjust the “one size fits all” approach to transition, where all transitioning Soldiers must complete the same Career Readiness Standards (CRS).

SFL-TAP is a Commander’s Program and Commanders take an active role in their Soldiers’ transition process. Certain Pilot sites involve direct Commander input to help determine what CRS the Soldier should complete.

Through modified CRS requirements and Commander involvement, the Pilot looks to focus more resources on Soldiers who are in need of additional assistance during their transition.

SFL-TAP assists all eligible, transitioning Soldiers with preparing to leave active duty service. The program is offered to Active and Reserve Components and assists Soldiers in meeting CRS.

Soldiers within their transition window are required to attend SFL-TAP if they have served at least 180 days of continuous Title 10 active duty service. 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. Program resources are also available to eligible Family members, retirees, and Department of the Army civilians.

SFL-TAP Centers can assist in connecting Soldiers to civilian life and opportunities. Various Centers around the world hold employer and hiring events to encourage employers to meet and hire Soldiers, Veterans, and their Family members. SFL-TAP Centers work to help connect clients with employment opportunities, internships, entrepreneurship opportunities, skills programs, education, workshops, and more.

SFL-TAP encourages transitioning Soldiers to start the program 18 months prior to transition or 24 months prior to retirement.

SFL-TAP works to help Soldiers find opportunities in the civilian sector, tailoring a Soldier’s transition experience to their personal needs, and encouraging Soldiers to prepare for civilian life early and throughout their military career.

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

• Date Taken: 08.10.2017
• Date Posted: 08.11.2017 07:58
• Story ID: 244558
• Location: FORT KNOX, KY, US