TAP into your future Published Nov. 19, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Stephanie Ashley Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- On Nov. 5, Minot Air Force Base launched a newly invigorated Transition Assistance Program Workshop designed to educate Airmen who plan on retiring or separating. The program will be a mandatory five-day workshop for Airmen and pre-separation counseling sessions. "TAP really helped me in finding work that was meaningful for me," Bobbi Meinert, 5th Force Support Squadron community readiness specialist commented. "When I separated from the Air Force 20 years ago, I attended the TAP Workshop taught by the Department of Labor. It was a valuable asset for writing my resume and starting my job search. After being in the military for more than 14 years, I found some of my skills were a bit rusty." This workshop implements the Veteran's Opportunity to Work and Veteran's Employment Initiative under Presidential Executive Order 13518. According to the Interagency Data Analysis Group, the DOL reports there are currently 3.4 million jobs available in the U.S. However, employers are finding difficulty filling those positions because the workforce in the country lacks the skills or training necessary for the jobs. "TAP program initiatives are designed to provide expanded support to our separating and retiring members," said Meinert. In accordance with the new guidelines, all Active Duty members who separate or retire after Nov. 21, 2012, will now have to go through the four-part process to assist in their transition to civilian life. "Pre-Separation Counseling is the first step to transitioning from the military," said Meinert. He also added Team Minot's TAP program has a 3-4 hour session for Pre-Separation Counseling ensuring members are made aware of benefits and services available to them and their family during transition. Members are introduced to the Individual Transition Plan at Pre-Separation Counseling. This allows members to begin thinking about their transition planning. This briefing can be completed up to 12 months prior to separation and 24 months prior to retirement, Meinert clarified. Afterward, the TAP Workshop members explore various career options and discuss educational goals, information on vocational-technical training and/or initiatives in starting their own business. To give members a realistic view about their finances, a financial plan is accomplished. The member's ITP is reviewed during the final hours of the course, ensuring all information and resources are entered as needed. Finally, there is a mandatory two hour Capstone event 90 days prior to a member's separation or retirement to demonstrate completion of the above steps. This is done in hopes of leaving members with a strong feeling of confidence heading back into the civilian life. Spouses are also encouraged to attend with the member and share in this opportunity for training and self improvement. "I knew that the high unemployment rates were an issue for our civilian community, but I didn't realize the impact for our transitioning military until I began researching on behalf of the program," said Meinert. "It is a huge concern to me that those who serve our country should be enduring such difficult times." The Airman and Family Readiness Center would like to encourage members to begin their planning process well in advance of separating or retiring from active duty. For more information on the program contact the A&FRC at 723-3950.