NewsFlash | Transition Assistance

Transition Assistance

Every year, approximately 200,000 men and women leave U.S. military service and return to life as civilians, a process known as the military to civilian transition. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides information, tools and training to ensure Service members, their spouses and/or caregivers are prepared for the next step in civilian life. TAP, overseen by the Office of Secretary Defense (OSD), is a partnership with the following agencies:

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) 

U.S. Department of Education (ED) 

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 

U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

TAP provides information and training to ensure Service members transitioning from active-duty are prepared for their next step in life - whether pursuing additional education, finding a job in the public or private sector or starting their own business. The mandatory components of TAP are applicable for all Service members who have at least 180 continuous days or more on active duty; this includes National Guard and Reserve. Every year, approximately 200,000 men and women leave U.S. military service and return to life as civilians, a process known as the military to civilian transition.

TAP prepares eligible Service members and their families to face the many challenges of transitioning from active duty back to civilian life. TAP provides information, tools, and training to ensure service members and their spouses are prepared for the next step in civilian life. TAP enables Service members to fulfill the requirements of the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act of 2012 and meet their Career Readiness Standards (CRS) as mandated by the TAP for Military Personnel Department of Defense Instruction 1332.35.

The TAP curriculum is designed and reviewed on an annual basis by the TAP Interagency Partnership and provides information and resources on a variety of topics related to employment, higher education, finance, transition stress, entrepreneurship and more. Important Notice: The Marine Corps Cybersecurity has identified a fake DoDTAP website, DoDTAP.com that attempts to get PII and download malicious software on individuals PCs. Please ensure that you use only the official DoDTAP.mil website. Specific Branch Information: U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force. Upcoming TAP classes are scheduled for all service components and locations. Military to civilian transition occurs within a complex and dynamic network of relationships, programs, services, and benefits, which includes transition planning and assistance efforts by individual Service branches, the interagency TAP partnership, and community resources delivered through local government, private industry, and nonprofit organizations.

Partnering Agencies

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) — DOL conducts a one day employment overview that teaches Service members vital skills such as how to build a resume and prepare for an interview. Their contribution to the curriculum also includes the DOL Employment Track and the DOL Vocational Track. America's Veterans can find employment information, occupational training, education and training opportunities, job placement, job counseling, job search workshops, resume preparation assistance, and career counseling state Workforce Career or One-Stop Centers. These offices also have specialists to help service-connected disabled Veterans find employment.

U.S. Department of Education (ED) — ED promotes the success of TAP for Service members and their families by communicating available information and expertise regarding college access, success, and affordability, financial aid and programs specifically sponsored or overseen by ED for the benefit of Service members.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — VA is responsible for educating transitioning Service members on the wide range of Veterans' benefits available to them and assisting with the process of applying for benefits during the transition process. The VA contributions to the TAP curriculum includes the VA Benefits and Services brief. After separation, the VA continues to provide educational and vocational counseling to Service members. The VA portion of TAP is a one-day, in-person course called VA Benefits and Services. Led by VA Benefits Advisors, the course helps Service members, families and caregivers understand how to navigate VA and the benefits and services they have earned through the Service member’s military career. The course offers interactive exercises, real examples, and covers topics important to the Service member like family support, disability compensation, education, and health care benefits. Online Course Instructions: The VA Benefits and Services course is now available online through TAPevents.mil to transitioning Service members, Veterans, family members, and caregivers. The information provided on TAPevents.mil is validated by the VA. It is intended to inform transitioning Service members, Veterans, spouses, dependents, survivors and caregivers of the VA benefits, services and resources they have earned. This course explains how to navigate your transition journey with Veterans benefits and services, including maintaining your health, applying for disability compensation, getting career ready, finding a place to live and connecting with your community.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) — Every year, the federal government awards a portion of contracting dollars specifically to businesses owned by Veterans. Also, small businesses owned by Veterans, may be eligible to purchase surplus property from the federal government. Certification with SBA allows service-disabled Veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) to compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. Certified Veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) have additional opportunities to pursue sole-source and set-aside contracts at the VA under the VA’s Vets First program. SBA's "Boots to Business" is the Entrepreneurship Track that helps Service members understand the dynamics involved in developing and sustaining a business. It includes discussion of the key components of a business plan and has information on identifying required resources. It also provides the opportunity for Service members to learn from other business owners. Service members can continue their education with an eight-week online course covering the principles of accounting, finance, market analysis, planning, business operations, sales, and more. SBA's support for U.S. Veteran entrepreneurs continues after TAP, providing Veterans with counseling and training services, access to capital and preparing them to compete for government contracts.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) — OPM provides Service members with an overview of Federal employment, the careers offered within the Federal government and a linkage to the kinds of occupations and competencies transitioning Service members and Veterans have. It also acquaints transitioning Service members and Veterans with resources to support them in obtaining work with the Federal Government, including the Veterans Employment Program Office, which offers career tools such as a Military Skills Translator, a Resume Builder and a federal job search database. Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA) is an excepted authority that allows agencies, to appoint eligible U.S. Veterans without competition. If you:

• are in receipt of a campaign badge for service during a war or in a campaign or expedition; OR
• are a service-connected disabled Veteran, OR
• are in receipt of an Armed forces Service Medal for participation in a military operation, OR
• are a recently separated Veteran (within the last 3 years), AND separated under honorable conditions (this means an honorable or general discharge), you are VRA eligible.

If you're a Veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and were separated under honorable conditions, you may be eligible for Veterans' preference, as well as other Veteran specific hiring options. With Veterans' Preference, you may receive preference over non-veteran applicants in the hiring process. Veterans' Preference can be used when applying to permanent and temporary positions in both the competitive and excepted service (of the executive branch). Veterans' Preference gives eligible Veterans preference in appointment over many other applicants. Veterans' preference does not guarantee Veterans a job and it does not apply to internal agency actions such as promotions, transfers, reassignments and reinstatements.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — DHS was established in 2002, combining 22 different federal departments and agencies into a unified, integrated Cabinet agency. With five distinct mission areas related to securing the homeland, DHS is the ideal employer to maximize the skills and training U.S. Veterans have acquired while serving our country, as well as the commitment to serve and protect our nation. The Department is committed to providing employment opportunities for our Veterans and Service members returning home from active duty as well as their spouses and family members. To honor their service, the Department participates in programs to help injured soldiers and disabled Veterans gain skills and transition to civilian work. Hiring Veterans and military spouses into DHS honors the sacred promise that Veterans and their spouses have made to protect our nation. In addition to opportunities at DHS Headquarters, there are exciting positions in our operational and support components.

History of Transition

In 1990, Congress established a program to assist transitioning Service members due to reduction in forces. The U.S. Army called the Army Career Alumni Program (ACAP) led the task. In 1991, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) established the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and set forth 10 U.S.C, 1142, in means of minimizing any hardships of Service members transitioning from military to civilian life. The Hire Heroes Act of 2011 provided TAP requirements, including attendance at VA Benefit Briefings, for most Service members transitioning to civilian status, upgraded career counseling options, and tailored TAP for the 21st Century job market. Additionally, the 2011 Hire Heroes Act provided seamless transition from the armed forces to civil service job opportunities throughout the Federal Government. In 2014, TAP evolved and adopted the Military Life Cycle (MLC) model, so that transition assistance is a continuum through Service members’ careers. Within the MLC model, Service members receives an in-depth individual transition financial planning methodology. While participating in TAP Workshops, Service members and their families are encouraged to take advantage of the additional trainings that best suits their career path from the military into civilian life.

In 2018, the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act signed into law by President Donald Trump significantly altered the Department of Defense (DoD) Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for the first time since 2011. Starting in October of 2019, all Service members transitioning from the military must complete a Congressionally Mandated Initial Self-Assessment within two years of retiring, within 18 months of separating, and not less than 365-days prior of official retirement or separation date; pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 1142. Service members are to contact a Career Command Counselor (CCC) or Transition Counselor for guidance and to learn about the Career Readiness Standards requirements of the transition process and completion of the DD 2648. TAP is a cohesive, modular, outcome-based program that bolsters and standardizes the opportunities, services and training that Service members receive to better prepare them to pursue their post-military career goals. DoD TAP is an outcome-based program that bolsters opportunities, services, and training for transitioning Service members in their preparation to meet post-military goals, and should not be confused with TAPS, an acronym for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.

Military Veterans and Reserve Components

Federal Law requires nearly all male US citizens and male immigrants, 18 through 25, register with Selective Service. If you failed to register with Selective Service System, Section 12(g) of the Military Selective Service Act allows non-registrants to receive benefits under specific conditions. As a Veteran, or part-time National Guard or Reservist, you satisfy those conditions with your DD Form 214 showing the dates of your military service, or a current military ID card if still on active duty or a member of the National Guard and Reserves. These documents serve as evidence that your failure to register was not knowing and willful. A person who volunteered for military service would not deliberately defy a process that might result in military service. Therefore, men who served on full-time active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be denied vocational training under WOIA; government employment; and security clearances, on the basis of their failure to register with Selective Service. As long as you have proof of your active duty military service, such as your DD 214, or current military ID card if still on active duty or a member of the National Guard or Reserves, your subsequent failure to register should not be a bar to any benefits or programs, contingent upon registration compliance, for which you are otherwise qualified. While there is currently no draft, registration with the Selective Service System is the most publicly visible program during peacetime that ensures operational readiness in a fair and equitable manner. Currently, in active standby, which is the Selective Service System peacetime posture, Selective Service interacts with state and territory partners primarily on readiness requirements and registration awareness. This includes governors’ recommendation of both the state/territory directors and volunteer local board members, all of whom are appointed by the Director of Selective Service on behalf of the President of the United States.

Important Phone Numbers

Air Force Wounded Warrior Program 1-800-581-9437

Army & Air Force Exchange 800-527-2345

Army Recovery Care Program 1-800-984-8523

Beneficiary Travel 855-574-7292

Benefits Hotline 800-827-1000

Bereavement Counseling 877-927-8387 or 202-461-6530

Burial and Memorial Benefits 800-535-1117

CHAMPVA Healthcare for Surviving Spouses and Dependents 800-733-8387

Coast Guard Exchange 800-572-0230

Community Care Billing 877-881-7618

Debt Management Center 800-827-0648

Defense Commisary Agencey 804-734-8000

Dental (VA) 877-222-VETS

Dental (VADIP Delta) 855-370-3303

Dental (VADIP MetLife) 888-310-1681

Education (GI Bill) 888-442-4551

Foreign Medical Program 877-345-8179 or 303-331-7590

Headstones and Markers 800-697-6947

Health Care 877-222-8387

Home Loans 877-827-3702

Homeless Veterans 877-424-3838

Life Insurance, All Programs Other than SGLI, FSGLI, TSGLI, VGLI 800-669-8477

Life Insurance, Veterans’ Group Life Insurance Program (VGLI), Claims for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Family SGLI 800-419-1473

Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment 1-877-487-6299 

My HealtheVet 877-327-0022 or 800-877-8339 (TTY)

Native American Direct Home Loans 888-349-7541

Navy Exchange 877–810–9030

Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) Safe Harbor 855-NAVY WWP / 855-628-9997 

Presidential Memorial Certificate Program 202-565-4964

Special Operations Command Warrior Care Program 877-672-3039

Spina Bifida Program 888-820-1756

Spouses, Dependents, Survivors and Family Caregivers Benefits 855-260-3274 or 202-461-1077

TRICARE East Humana Military (East) 800-444-5445

TRICARE West Health Net (West) 844-866-9378

TTY, Federal Relay 711

Uniformed Services ID (USID) Card 800-477-8227

VA Hotline 800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411)

Veterans Canteen (Special Order Desk) 800-664-8258

Veterans Crisis Line Dial 988, then Press 1

Veterans Health ID Card 877-222-8387 (TTY: 711)

Vet Centers 877-927-8387

Vet Verify (Veterans Online Shopping) 844-868-8672

Women Veterans 877-222-8387

72-Hour Emergency Care Notification Line 844-724-7842

Important Websites

VA Home Page www.VA.gov

Air Force Wounded Warrior Program 1-800-581-9437

Army & Air Force Exchange www.shopmyexchange.com/ 

Army Recovery Program www.arcp.army.mil/ 

Beneficiary Travel www.va.gov/health-care/get-reimbursed-for-travel-pay/ 

Benefits and Services Overview www.choose.va.gov

Benefits Book www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp 

Bereavement Counseling www.vetcenter.va.gov/Bereavement_Counseling.asp 

Burial and Memorial Benefits www.cem.va.gov

Caregiver Support www.caregiver.va.gov

CHAMPVA www.va.gov/communitycare/programs/dependents/champva/

Coast Guard Exchange https://shopcgx.com/ 

Community Care www.va.gov/communitycare/

Defense Commissary Agency https://shop.commissaries.com/ 

Dental www.va.gov/dental/

Dental (VADIP Delta) www1.deltadentalins.com/federal/vadip.html 

Dental (VADIP MetLife) www.metlife.com/vadip/ 

Disability Claims and Appeals www.va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status/

Discharge Upgrade www.va.gov/discharge-upgrade-instructions 

Education Benefits www.va.gov/education/

Environmental Exposures www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures

Federal Recovery Consultant Office www.va.gov/vadodhealth/frcp.asp

Geriatrics and Extended Care www.va.gov/geriatrics

Health Care Eligibility www.va.gov/health-care/

Health Care Enrollment Application for Health Benefits www.va.gov/health-care/apply-for-health-care-form-10-10ez/introduction 

Home Loan Guaranty www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans

Homeless Veterans www.va.gov/homeless

Life Insurance www.benefits.va.gov/insurance

Login.gov https://login.gov/ 

Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment www.woundedwarrior.marines.mil/ 

Mental Health www.mentalhealth.va.gov

Military Service Records www.archives.gov/veterans 

My HealtheVet www.myhealth.va.gov

National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs https://nasdva.us/ 

National Association of State Veterans Homes https://nasvh.org/ 

National Resource Directory www.nrd.gov

Native American Direct Home Loans www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/native-american-direct-loan/ 

Navy Exchange www.mynavyexchange.com/ 

Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) Safe Harbor www.navywoundedwarrior.com/ 

PACT Team and Primary Care www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/your-care-team/

Post 9/11 Veterans www.va.gov/post911veterans

Presidential Memorial Certificate Program www.cem.va.gov/pmc.asp

Returning Service Members www.va.gov/post911veterans

Servicemembers Benefits www.va.gov/service-member-benefits/ 

Service Records www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/military-personnel

State Departments of Veterans Affairs www.va.gov/statedva.htm

Special Operations Command Warrior Care Program www.socom.mil/care-coalition/

TRICARE www.tricare.mil/ 

Uniformed Services ID (USID) Card www.cac.mil/Next-Generation-Uniformed-Services-ID-Card/Getting-Your-ID-Card/ 

VA Benefits Fact Sheets www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/factsheets.asp 

VA Benefits for Spouses, Dependents, Survivors and Family Caregivers www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/ 

VA Forms www.va.gov/vaforms

VA Solid Start www.benefits.va.gov/transition/solid-start.asp

VA Welcome Kit www.va.gov/welcome-kit/

Veterans Benefits Regional Offices Website www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/offices.asp 

Veterans Benefits and Resources from Other Federal Agencies https://benefits.va.gov/benefits/other-federal-benefits.asp 

Veterans Canteen Service www.vacanteen.va.gov/

Veterans Canteen Online Shopping (Shop VCS) https://shopvcs.va.gov/ 

Veterans Crisis Line www.veteranscrisisline.net

Veterans ID Card www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/ 

Veterans Health ID Card www.va.gov/health-care/get-health-id-card/ 

Veterans Hospitals Locator www.va.gov/find-locations/ 

Veterans Service Officers (VSO) Representatives www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/find-rep/ 

Veterans Readiness and Employment www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/

Vet Centers www.vetcenter.va.gov

Vet Verify (Veterans Online Shopping) www.vetverify.org/index.xhtml 

Women Veterans www.womenshealth.va.gov

72-Hour Emergency Care Notification Portal emergencycarereporting.communitycare.va.gov

Sign up for email updates or access your subscriber preferences: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVHAVISN20/subscriber/new.

Use of these Materials and Finding VA Health Care

Please note that the health care information provided in these materials is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the role of a medical practitioner for advice on care and treatment. If you are looking for professional medical care, find your local VA healthcare center by using the VA Facilities Locator & Directory. This page may contain links that will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.

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Reference from this web page or from any of the information services sponsored by the VA to any non-governmental entity, product, service or information does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the VA or any of its employees. We are not responsible for the content of any "off-site" web pages referenced from this server.
Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products or services on the part of the VA.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care network in the United States, with 1,255 health care facilities serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year. There are 18 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) in VHA operating as regional systems of care to better meet local health care needs and provides greater access to care. Spanning 23% of the US land mass, VISN 20 is the largest geographic region of VA. In the Pacific Northwest, VISN 20 serves Veterans in 135 counties in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Operating across three time zones over 817,417 square miles, VISN 20 is home to 273 federally recognized American Indian and Alaskan Native tribes. VISN 20 also serves Veterans in Del Norte and Siskiyou counties of California and Lincoln County Montana.

Browse facilities by state

Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed. Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) provides health care for Veterans from providers in the local community. VCCP includes General Community Care, Urgent Care, Emergency Care, Foreign Medical Care, Home Health and Hospice Care, Indian and Tribal Health Services, In Vitro Fertilization, State Veterans Home, and Flu Shots.

VA Regional Offices

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) helps service members transition out of military service, and assists with Veterans with education, home loans, life insurance and much more. Service members, Veterans, their families, and Survivors are invited to request information on VA Benefits including disability compensation, pension, fiduciary, education, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), Home Loans, and Insurance. In addition to information on VA Benefits Veterans may initiate an intent to file and request assistance with filing compensation and pension claims. Visit regional office websites to learn about the services the regional office provides, directions to the facility, hours of operation, and the leadership team that serves the regional office.

Find out if you can get VA health care as a Veteran

The following four categories of Veterans are not required to enroll but are urged to do so to permit better planning of health resources:

1. Veterans with a service-connected (SC) disability rated at 50% or more.
2. Veterans seeking care for a disability the military determined was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, but which VA has not yet rated, within 12 months of discharge.
3. Veterans seeking care for a SC disability only or under a special treatment authority.
4. Veterans seeking registry examinations (ionizing radiation, Agent Orange, Gulf War/Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) depleted uranium, airborne hazards, and Open Burn Pit Registry).

Find out how to apply for VA health care benefits as a Veteran or service member. For other mental health services, contact a VA medical center for information on eligibility and treatment options.

Vet Centers in VISN 20

Vet Centers in the VISN 20 Health Care Network are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active-duty Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. 1-877-WAR-VETS is an around the clock confidential call center where Veterans, service members and their families can talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in transitioning after military service or trauma and get connected to their nearest Vet Center.

Plan your trip to VA

In 1946, Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) was established by law to provide comfort and well-being to America’s Veterans. With our many retail stores, cafés and coffee shops across the country, we serve those who have served our country. We are a self-sustaining entity providing merchandise and services to Veterans enrolled in VA’s healthcare system, their families, caregivers, VA employees, volunteers and visitors. We are honored to give back to the VA community through many programs established for the health and well-being of our nation’s heroes. Revenues generated from VCS are used to support a variety of programs, such as VA’s Rehabilitation Games, Fisher Houses, Poly-Trauma Centers for OIF/OEF/OND Veterans, disaster relief efforts, Substance Abuse Cessation, VA’s Homelessness initiatives, Women Veterans, Veteran Suicide Prevention and other activities.

Hospital Service Directory

To find out whether there is a van near you use the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact your nearest HSC for information or assistance. Please remember that the DAV Transportation Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is unable to cover every community.