Select Page

Ramstein AB
Transition Assistance Program

TAP TIMELINE

Service members are required to initiate the TAP process no later than 365 days from the date of separation or retirement.  However, the recommended timeframe to start planning for transition is 24 months from retirement or within 18 months from separation. You can find a comprehensive timeline for the entire process here: Managing Your Transition Timeline

COMPLETE ALL TASKS BELOW TO BEGIN TAP!

By law and per DoDI 1332.35, you are required to initiate TAP mandates NLT 365 days from your date of separation (DOS) or date of retirement (DOR). You are also required to complete TAP mandates NET 365 and NLT 90 days from your DOS or DOR.

It is recommended to begin the TAP process within 18 months from separation or within 24 months from retirement.

Complete ALL documents listed below and email them to: 86FSS.FSFR.86FSSTAP@us.af.mil. These documents will be carefully reviewed and used to help determine your TAP requirements and registration in a workshop. *NOTE: An M&FRC staff member will respond within 7 business days to initiate the TAP process with you.

PLEASE COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THE TWO ITEMS LISTED BELOW

  1. Individual Transition Plan (ITP) First 3 pages only – *NOTE answers such as YES, NO, or N/A are not accepted on this form. Please write out your response: LINK
  2. Service Member Self-Assessment SOU and Additional Information: LINK

2023 TAP Dates LINK

Nearest Tap Office List LINK

  • ETAP Schedule (Executive TAP) *ETAP is hosted by Stewart Cooper & Coon at various locations CONUS. Please contact the hosting installation for more details. LINK 

The Transition Assistance Program is designed to make separation or retirement from service a well-planned, organized, and thoughtful progression that empowers Service members to make informed career decisions, be competitive in a global workforce, and become positive contributors to their communities.

MANDATORY PHASES FOR COMPLETING TAP

PHASE 1 – Individualized Initial Counseling: It must be completed NLT 365 days prior to transition and by-law, it is required as the FIRST phase in the process. During this appointment, TAP Counselors and Servicemembers discuss transition needs and goals. Ultimately, SMs are placed in a Tier (1, 2, or 3) that meets their needs and goals.

PHASE 2 – Pre-separation Counseling: It must be completed NLT 365 days prior to transition. During Pre-separation Counseling appointment or briefing, we discuss programs and services you may be eligible for as a veteran and review the entire transition process. This must be completed prior to attending the TAP workshop.

PHASE 3 – Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Workshop: Comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare Service members for their transition. The workshop includes MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS such as DoD Training Day, VA Benefits & Services briefing, and Department of Labor Employment Fundamentals of Career Transition. Additional two day tracks are available to you based on your transition goals and needs, including Employment, Vocational, Education, or Entrepreneurship. They are provided by experts in these fields such as the Department of Labor, the Education Center, and the Small Business Administration.

PHASE 4 – Capstone Event (Finalizing DD Form 2648): Service members show evidence they have completed Career Readiness Standards (CRS) and have a viable Individual Transition Plan (ITP). The purpose of the Capstone event is to evaluate a Service member’s preparedness to successfully transition from military to civilian life/career/education/entrepreneurship and/or vocational training. Capstone events must be completed NLT 90 days prior to your date of separation or retirement. You will need the resulting DD Form 2648 (signed by your Commander) to out-process the Installation.

PHASE 1: INITIAL COUNSELING 

PHASE 2: PRE-SEPARATION COUNSELING

PHASE 3: TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP) WORKSHOP & TWO-DAY TRACKS

PHASE 4: CAPSTONE

You are required to complete TAP mandates NET 365 and NLT 90 days from your DOS or DOR.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

HIRING OUR HEROES CAREER COMMUNITY

Hiring Our Heroes Career Community is a virtual education and training center for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. The curriculum offers leadership coaching, civilian career preparation, industry knowledge, and overall wellbeing resources. In collaboration with partners who share our mission, we are launching the future of workforce planning for our nation’s military families. Learn more at www.hiringourheroes.org

Need More Info? Check 'Forms & Publications'