Teamwork

Transition Assistance Program participants share a laugh as they take part in a teambuilding assignment Feb. 9, 2015, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. During the exercise, attendees expressed that steady income is what they will miss most after separating. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Greg Nash/Released)

Welcome

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jonathan Mizell, 23d Force Support Squadron commander, gives a welcome speech during the Transition Assistance Program Goals, Plans, Success (TAP GPS) workshop Feb. 9, 2015, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. TAP is intended to help separating service members achieve post-military goals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Greg Nash/Released)

Acquaintance

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tiffany Williams, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit combat oriented supply operations, left, and Staff Sgt. Benjamin Whitfield, 41st Helicopter Maintenance Unit weapons team chief, converse Feb. 10, 2015, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Attendees were split up into pairs to discuss their introduction presentations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Greg Nash/Released)

Networking

Roger Joyal, GBX Consultants, Inc. transition facilitator, addresses the Transition Assistance Program workshop attendees Feb. 10, 2015, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Joyal described the necessary key points to initiate conversation when trying to network. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Greg Nash/Released)

TAP assists separating service members achieve goals

Published Feb. 10, 2015
By Airman Greg Nash
23d Wing public affairs

Feb. 10, 2015 -- The Airman & Family Readiness Center is currently hosting the Transition Assistance Program Goals, Plans, Success workshop (TAP GPS) Feb. 9 to 13 at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

The mandatory five-day workshop is designed to help separating military members build job-seeking skills needed to secure employment, progress their education, enhance entrepreneurial opportunities and pursue career technical training.
"The unemployment rate of separated service members caused the creation of Transition GPS," said Mickey Lane, 23d Force Support Squadron TAP manager. "All service members must go through this mandated course to ensure that they are on a successful path to achieve employment, educational goals, career tech training and entrepreneurial goals."

President Obama signed a proposal which developed the Transition GPS program with the purpose of lowering the high unemployment rates and making the transition easier for separating service members, said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jonathan Mizell, 23d FSS commander.

"The overall purpose of Transition GPS is to give each individual the best opportunity to have a smooth transition to that next chapter, whether [it's] government service, higher education or if they're opening up their own business," said Mizell.
Throughout the week, 23d FSS members, counselors, and representatives from the Department of Labor and Department of Veteran Affairs will discuss after separation options for veterans.

"I'm here to provide the participants with the skills to network and prepare for separation," said Roger Joyal, GBX Consultants, Inc., transition facilitator. "Bridging the gap between military thinking and civilian thinking is the goal, because I understand how different the mind sets are. Things that work for you in the Air Force might not be as effective on the outside."

To help bridge the gap, participants are given tasks throughout the course to help them achieve a plan before separation, Lane said.

"During this week, [participants] will create post-separation goals and the income needed to support that lifestyle, learn about resources to help meet career readiness standards and complete Capstone and transition requirements," said Lane.
Additionally, participants can get one-on-one sessions for additional assistance regarding paperwork about employment opportunities, disability information and healthcare benefits during TAP with Veteran Affairs representatives.