preview

Transitioning To Civilian Life Dod Perspective. Quick Note:

Decent Essays

Transitioning to Civilian Life DOD Perspective

Quick note: This article is just as important for civilians to read as it is current active duty service members and veterans. This will provide better insight into the beginnings of the transitional process while still serving on active duty.

In October of 2013, The White House Economic and Domestic Policy Council commissioned an Interagency taskforce, charged with creating a new governance structure for the Department of Defense (DOD) Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for Separating Service Members *(See the agency task force list below). The central focus for the agencies was, “collaborative efforts will be to successfully transition ‘career ready’ Service members to the civilian …show more content…

The second part is on the program. The TAP program is designed to give the transitioning service member a ‘Macro-level download’ of information in a check the block format. So many service members decide they will find the information out on their own, and figure it out as they go. This is the wrong answer, and both frames of thinking must be corrected.

Moreover, found within the Interagency Statement of Intent, is the following statement about the implementation of a “Military Life Cycle” transition model; “Transition preparation for Service members should occur over the entire span of their military careers-not just in the last few months of their military service.” While this broad and astute statement is obvious, what does that actually mean for the Service members?

For example, say I am one year out from my contract expiring, and I decided to leave the military, when do I actually begin the real transition process? Is it 180 days out, or 90 days out? What is the new standard? Is it up to the commanders’ discretion in that individuals Service member’s unit up to a certain point? Has this new policy made any real on the ground changes for transitioning service members, meaning are they just on constant CQ and Staff Duty rotation and then attend standard “check the block” classes on their other days until they are out?

The Post 9/11 military has had to adopt to many challenges and learn from many tough lessons that did

Get Access