The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) helps many service members transition from military life to the civilian workplace and culture. Service members are taught how to manage their finances, interview for jobs and write resumes before their reentry into civilian life. However, despite TAPs best efforts, some service members don't feel fully prepared for the workforce.
Many service members applaud TAP for providing basic information about interviewing and resume writing, but some military personnel say the classes don't completely address the reality of finding a job after the military.
Laura Goulding, a former Navy officer, found that even though TAP says companies are eager to hire transitioning service members, she could not find those companies or opportunities.
"I went through the TAP class as part of my transition," Goulding said. "I heard over and over about how potential employers love candidates with military backgrounds."
Goulding, who separated in 2004 after a five-year naval career, eventually found employment on her own that put her professional background to good use.
"I was fortunate that I left with my bachelor's degree and my experience in journalism and public relations," Goulding said.
Dave Dubois, who transitioned out of the U.S. Air Force, agrees that TAP can do more to prepare service members for a tough job market. "TAP needs to do a better and more realistic job of [showing] how military members can prepare and position themselves for employment in the civilian sector," Dubois said.
Conversely, the Department of Labor warns that some veterans and separating service members will "find it difficult to compete successfully in the labor market." In a statement on its website, the DoL says TAP participants are given an evaluation of their employability relative to the job market.
Given that specialized training, some service members would still like to have more practical information available during the TAP class.
"I would like for TAP to segment the class into active duty and veterans so that people are getting the information they need," one service member said. "Maybe a little practical knowledge would be good."
In addition to attending TAP programs, separating and transitioning service members can use online resources such as Military.com's Veteran Jobs Center. The center offers the practical information that so many veterans need to succeed in today's civilian workforce.
The practical information includes detailed advice on what to wear to an interview, open positions at military-friendly companies and how to use your benefits (such as the GI Bill or VA loan) to obtain an education or a home.
Find the Right Veteran Job
Whether you want to polish your resume, find veteran job fairs in your area or connect with employers looking to hire veterans, Military.com can help. Subscribe to Military.com to have job postings, guides and advice, and more delivered directly to your inbox.
