Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Tomora Nance | Gerald Simmons, an associate lecturer and online coordinator for Texas A&M Central...... read more read more
Subscribe
Sometimes events in life may seem to fit together like a puzzle. However, leaving Active Duty military service doesn’t come with an answer key or a cheat sheet.
Transitioning to civilian life can be daunting for some. The Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program, or SFL-TAP, can help.
SFL-TAP provides transition counseling and services to eligible Soldiers, Retirees, Family members, and DA Civilians. Soldiers are encouraged to start SFL-TAP 18 months prior to their transition date or 24 months prior to retirement. Soldiers have the opportunity to spread transition requirements out over this period of time in order to better prepare for their civilian career, educational path, entrepreneurial venture, or other civilian opportunity.
In addition to attending SFL-TAP, the internet and social media provide a vast majority of information for job seekers. Online job boards are a great place to start looking for careers. Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn can be used to search for job openings, to join job groups, and network.
As a transitioning Soldier, it is important to research various job opportunities and to create a list of basic questions to address during transition. Personal finances, employment opportunities in preferred locations, housing availability, and other factors can help manage transition expectations.
It’s important to understand during these 18 to 24 months prior to transitioning how much debt a Soldier may have to his or her name and what salary is needed to maintain current lifestyles. Budget for the amount of money needed to purchase civilian work attire. It is also important to re-evaluate education and skill levels in order to obtain dream positions and careers.
As Soldiers prepare for transition, they may find themselves overwhelmed with the process. One-on-one help from a counselor at SFL-TAP is available. As part of the transition process, take the time to speak with successful Veterans, find mentors, and visit SFL-TAP counselors frequently.
Sometime piecing together the transition process can be easy, but only if the time is put into preparing for life after Active Duty. A Soldier’s transition plans can’t be determined overnight and not all transition questions can be answered by one person. Through a combination of resources and services available, attending SFL-TAP gives Soldiers a foundation to find their own version of civilian success.
To learn more about SFL-TAP, visit www.sfl-tap.army.mil or contact a local SFL-TAP Center. SFL-TAP can be found on Facebook (@ArmySFLTAP), Twitter (@SFLTAP), and LinkedIn (Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program Connection Group).
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the Turret, November 6, 2008, as “ACAP helps transition puzzle pieces interlock” by Julia Park.
| Date Taken: | 10.06.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 10.06.2017 07:45 |
| Story ID: | 250822 |
| Location: | FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 40 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Putting the Pieces Together for Army Transition, by Jenny Hale, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
