Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Scott Evans | FORT CARSON, Colo. – Members of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Command...... read more read more
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FORT CARSON, Colo. – Making the decision to transition from the military to civilian life can be a challenging time for any service member, and it is important for Leaders to be informed of the transition options and resources so their Soldiers can be informed when they come to that crossroad.
The staff of the Fort Carson Soldier-For-Life Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) conducted an expanded version of their Quarterly Transition Council March 21, where 13 representatives briefed their areas of expertise to the Command teams. The briefs were to ensure Soldiers who are either retiring or electing to separate from the military in the near future receive more holistic guidance to be successful in the civilian world after their military career concludes.
“We regularly hold quarterly transition councils and the purpose of them is to educate and inform the Command teams and focal point advisors in regards to SFL-TAP, how they’re doing, their timeliness and our transition resources,” said Sherry Jenkins, the transitions services manager. “This one is a little different because it is the first transition counsel where we worked really hard to get attendance for in order to get as many focal point Leaders here as possible.”
The SFL-TAP team had been looking forward to this particular presentation.
“While we send out monthly reports to the Commanders, we just felt that this would be a good opportunity to let them know who we are, what we provide, and let them know this is how we can help you help your Soldiers.” Jenkins explained.
During the event, there was a job fair comprised of numerous law enforcement agencies, Reserve components, and trade companies, that were ready to provide information and answer questions for prospective candidates.
“Soldiers often think that we are competing with retention; we’re not,” Jenkins stated. “We talk to them about retention options and serving further in the Army.”
Numerous resource programs offered through the Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center, which includes veteran benefit support, education and legal services, various types of therapy program, financial counseling and classes, and discounted professional clothing.
“We have two employment programs, one is a Veterans integration program that takes care of veterans from twelve months before to twelve months after they separate, and we have the service assistance program for those who have been out for any amount of time so that all of our Veterans are covered,” said Tandi Zerfoss, a peer navigator and job coach.
The Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center also holds a monthly networking event, which typically brings in a large number of veterans looking for employment opportunities. Overall, Mount Carmel has a strong network to connect veterans with job opportunities once they separate from active-duty service.
“Every day we (have) partner organizations that will touch base with us -- with open jobs for veterans to fill those positions,” Zerfoss said. “So if a Veteran just lost his or her job and says ‘I just lost my job. I need a job right now.’ Then there are continuous positions available through the Colorado Springs Workforce Center.”
The key for Soldiers looking to transition out of the military is to prepare and research to ensure they understand the resources and benefits.
“No matter who you are transition is tough, but according to a Hiring Heroes study, Soldiers are twice as likely to get a job if they start their job search earlier.” Jenkins said.
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| Date Taken: | 03.21.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 04.01.2019 15:19 |
| Story ID: | 316253 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 53 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Team Provides Guidance for Successful Changes, by SFC Scott Evans, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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