Chris Smith: “Current law requires servicemembers to participate in Transition Assistance Program (TAP) before their anticipated…”

“Current law requires servicemembers to participate in Transition Assistance Program (TAP) before their anticipated separation date, and more than 20,000 service members will transition into civilian life per month over the next 5 years. As the former Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I have seen how vital TAP is in preparing all eligible members of the armed forces for transition to civilian life. Servicemembers currently undergo 4 hours of pre-separation counseling, 5 days of classroom-based instruction, and an optional 2-day Transition Goals, Plans, Success program. Yet, the abundant information provided in these multiple sessions can become an organizational challenge especially for servicemembers who are relocating and starting new lives. While access and advancement in mobile technology has grown, TAP has yet to provide servicemembers with a comprehensive online application accessible through mobile application technology to assist with their transition needs after separation including a personalized profile for employment, education, benefits, mentorship, resume building, and career training. Additionally, there is currently no avenue for TAP officials to follow servicemembers' progress in completing their TAP requirements and ensure that immediate and accurate reports are kept.…”