TAP, providing outreach and resources

  • Published
  • By Airman Dymekre Allen
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Ramstein Air Base, Germany - --  A key transition assistance official visited Ramstein to discuss force management and inform Airmen on outreach resources and assistance programs allowing for a smooth transition back in to the civilian world.

Dr. Susan S. Kelly, Transition to Veterans Program Office director, took time to visit the base to assess and provide feedback for the Transition Assistance Program.

"The most important focus is to get the word out," said Kelly. "We want people to know their options during this process, and we want them to use this opportunity to gain the knowledge they need to succeed as a civilian."

With the resumption of all force management programs March 15 throughout the Air Force, Airmen need to prepare themselves for a possible change in lifestyle.

To support this change, the TAP is available to help Airmen with transitioning from the active duty Air Force to civilian life.

The program has been redesigned so Airmen have enough time to manage their personal situations as well as meet new career readiness standards to prepare for the future.

"You have to be ready," Kelly said. "The change is coming fast so you have to put pieces in place for your next career move."

Dr. Kelly's visit helped to assess raamstein's program and ensure its effectiveness by checking the progress of Airmen who attended the TAP classes.

"The program has made people more confident and more prepared for their separation, not only for themselves but for their families as well," Kelly said. "They know they can continue to provide for their families and live comfortably without the military behind them thanks to the support they are given through the program."

TAP also gives Airmen the chance to learn how to transition the skills learned in their respective specialties to civilian job opportunities.

"We teach them how to reapply the technical skills they've learned from their training to a civilian work force," Kelly said. "Leadership, team building, organization, decision making and problem solving are all valuable skills that are taken for granted and can be utilized effectively outside the military."

According to Dr. Kelly, one of the main issues Airmen have is they assume attendance in the program will reflect negatively on their careers. The fact is members can attend the TAP up to a year before retirement or separation.

"With the anxiety Airmen have right now, not knowing if they will be retained and the added pressure of their leadership or coworkers looking down on them, they don't want to be part of the program," Kelly said. "We have to put them in the right mindset that this program is here to help them. We all are here for the benefit of the Airmen."

With the amount of people making their way out of the Air Force to the civilian world, it is important for Airmen to start determining the next step in their lives.

"Get started now," Kelly said. "There is tons of information and resources to help Airmen build a plan. They just have to take it step-by-step and use what they've learned to get ahead by having an exit strategy."

For more information regarding TAP, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at DSN 480-5100.