Air Reserve Personnel Center

When you know your time on long-term orders (180+ days) is coming to an end, it's time to start planning your return to civilian life. This is a significant event for you and your family, so you'll want to approach it armed with good information, the right skills and a well-developed plan. Take advantage of available military transition assistance programs to gain the knowledge and practical tools you need to make the switch back to civilian life with confidence.

Transition assistance is a Congress-mandated benefits and services program designed to prepare service members and their families for a successful transition to civilian life. Transition assistance helps you answer these important questions associated with leaving the military:

• What skills, talents and experience do I have that are needed in the civilian workforce?
• What kind of work do I want to do?
• Will I need additional training or education to reach my career goals?
• How do I search for a civilian job and make myself as competitive as possible?
• How can I make the transition to civilian life easier for my family and me?

Transition assistance is a step-by-step process of discovery and decision-making that should begin many months or even years before the date of separation. Service members, including those in the National Guard and Reserve, who are being discharged, released from active duty or are retiring, as well as their spouses, are eligible for transition assistance.

Reservists who are serving, or have previously served, on 180(+) day orders, since Nov. 2012, are required to complete the Transition Assistance Program (TAP)(IAW public law 112-56). 

• TAP will ideally be completed during your qualifying tour. If circumstances require, it may also be completed during IDT or Annual Tour with the permission of your Active Duty unit, or on separate, AFRC-funded, RPA orders.
• To enroll in TAP, schedule a pre-separation counseling session with the Airman and Family Readiness Center (A&FRC) at your base of assignment or if you need help finding an A&FRC near you, visit http://www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil/MOS/f?p=MI:ENTRY:0 and select Transition Assistance Program in the drop down category of “Looking for specific program or service.”

TAP consists of four parts:

1. Pre-separation counseling and Individualized Transition Plan with an A&FRC counselor or at Yellow Ribbon events (http://www.afrc.af.mil/AboutUs/YellowRibbon.aspx). The TAP Checklist can be found at: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/forms/eforms/dd2648-1t.pdf. Contact your local A&FRC to determine if counseling can be performed via telecom.    
2. Three Day Department of Labor (DOL) Employment Training. Reservists may opt-out of the DOL portion with confirmed employment; documented accredited school acceptance; previous TAP attendance; or medical or special circumstances. Exemptions must be coordinated in advance through A&FRC. These members must still complete pre-separation counseling, VA benefits briefing and the capstone.    
3. One-day VA benefits briefing (if not attending a Transition GPS workshop)    
4. Capstone (Required for all)

Under some circumstances, portions of TAP may be completed via phone and internet using TAP Virtual Curriculum.  Contact your A&FRC to see if you qualify.

ORDERS: This training may be completed during your 180(+) day orders or by requesting a new set of orders for the purpose of completing TAP.

Reserve-funded orders to complete TAP must be requested in AROWS-R and coordinated with your local A&FRC, your unit and your RIO Detachment. Additionally, the TAP Workshop Orders form must be completed and sent to your RIO Detachment.TAP cannot be completed in Annual Tour or Inactive Duty Training status.

In addition, while attendance at Yellow Ribbon events is voluntary, if a member has not completed the pre-separation counseling form, then they MUST attend one of the two briefings which are on Friday afternoon or Sunday during the last breakout session.

For more information on the program, visit the Air Force Personnel Center’s TAP webpage at http://www.afpc.af.mil/lifeandcareer/transition.asp. Please direct all questions to your local Airman and Family Readiness Center or your HQ RIO Detachment.

TAP Requirement Matrix

• DD Form 2648-1, TAP Checklist
• TAP Workshop Orders Form (for IRs)
• Transition GPS Virtual Curriculum

 

• What is TAP and do I qualify for an exemption?
• How do I know if my TAP requirements have been met?
• When should I complete TAP?
• Can I accomplish TAP when I officially retire?
• How do I obtain an exemption for Transition Assistance Program - Goals Plans and Success (T-GPS)?
• How do I schedule a VA benefits briefing? 
• I don't need any of these benefits. Do I really need to attend TAP?
• Where is my TAP record/status maintained? 
• I have a full time job, am I still required to attend TAP?
• I completed TAP when I was on active duty. Do I need to re-accomplish TAP? 
• I have not been on orders in years. Do I have to accomplish TAP?
• I'm currently on orders for 180+ days and don’t want to notify my unit that I will be gone for a week. What is the minimum time needed to satisfy the TAP requirement?
• I have recently completed the TAP requirements. Why did I receive an email about completing the requirement?
• I'm currently deployed. What do I need to do to complete the requirement once I return?
• How do I request an extension to complete TAP?
• What is a DD2958 and which office do I submit it to?
• The closest Air Force Base is too far away. Will I be placed on orders to accomplish TAP?
• My continuous RPA orders will roll into a 3 year AGR tour. Can I accomplish TAP toward the end of my AGR tour?
• I have returned to active duty orders, can I waive TAP requirements until my orders conclude?
• I completed TAP two years ago and no longer have the paper work, how do I show compliance?
• I have no plans to separate from the Air Force, do I still need to accomplish TAP?
• Where can I track the status (Green/Red) of my TAP compliance?
• How are TAP orders generated?
• I am currently on a 1095 waiver, how can I attend TAP?

Q. What is TAP and do I qualify for an exemption?

A. The Transition Assistance Program is a Congress-mandated benefits and services program designed to prepare service members and their families for a successful transition to civilian life. It is required for all members who have served more than 180 consecutive days. Members with proven employment or school enrollment (non-PME) are exempt from the Transition-GPS segment of the program. Back to Top

Q. How do I know if my TAP requirements have been met?

A. By (1) completing the DD 2648-1 (Pre-separation Briefing and Checklist), (2) attending required TAP workshop, and (3) completion of DD 2958 (ITP checklist/Capstone). Both forms must be uploaded by your Airman and Family Readiness Center into the AFFIRST system. Your A&FRC can also verify your compliance in AFFIRST system if you provide your name and social security number. Always keep copies of your documentation. Back to Top

Q. When should I complete TAP?

A. TAP should ideally be completed prior to orders completion as this will create the least hassle. If you wait till your orders are complete to accomplish TAP, you must complete requirements no later than 90 days after the order's end date.  Your unit is required to make reasonable accommodations to enable your compliance. Back to Top

Q. Can I accomplish TAP when I officially retire?

A. There is no requirement for separating/retiring members to attend TAP.  However if your retiring and would like to attend, contact your Airman and Family Readiness Center for TAP availability. Back to Top

Q. How do I obtain an exemption for TAP - Goals, Plans and Success (T-GPS)?

A. To be exempt, members must have civilian employment or be a student and have confirmed enrollment. No one is exempt from the Pre-Separation Briefing, the One-day VA brief and the Capstone. There are virtual options available through your Airman and Family Readiness Center for Transition-GPS and the VA Brief. Back to Top

Q. How do I schedule a VA benefits briefing?

A. All TAP related action will be accomplished through your Airman and Family Readiness Center (if assigned to an Air Force installation). Every installation will have an equivalent office, regardless of branch/service; they will facilitate your TAP needs. Back to Top

Q. I don't need any of these benefits. Do I really need to attend TAP?

A. Yes. By law, you are required to complete TAP if you have accomplished orders lasting 180 days or more.  TAP should be completed for every set of orders meeting the "180+ day" criteria. Back to Top

Q. Where is my TAP record/status maintained?

A. TAP compliance records are maintained by the Airman and Family Readiness Center in a system called AFFIRST.  Air Force Reserve Command pulls AFFIRST data and submits the data to ARCNet for status updates.  Each installation, regardless of service or branch (i.e. USAFR, USN, USCG, USAF), are required to have a TAP Facilitator/Office to assist you in setting up your TAP needs.  You can accomplish TAP requirements at any base regardless of your assigned location. Back to Top

Q. I have a full-time job, am I still required to attend TAP?

A. Yes.  However, if you have civilian employment, you are exempt the Transition-GPS workshop. Back to Top

Q. I completed TAP when I was on active duty. Do I really need to attend again?

A. Yes.  It needs to be re-accomplished after every set of orders that are 180 days or longer, regardless of whether you previously completed TAP. Back to Top

Q. I have not been on orders in years. Do I have to accomplish TAP?

A. Yes. If you served on 180-day or longer orders after Nov. 21, 2012, you are required by law to accomplish TAP. However, if you’re a student (non-PME) or have civilian employment, you are exempt from the Transition-GPS portion of the course. Back to Top

Q. I'm currently on orders for 180+ days an ddon't want to notify my unit that I'll be gone for a week. What is the minimum time needed to satisfy the TAP requirement?

A. Compliance is required by law and  your unit is mandated to comply and make reasonable accommodations, mission permitting. It is more difficult to complete the requirement if you wait until your orders are completed to attend TAP.  TAP must be completed no more than 90 days after the conclusion of your orders. Back to Top

Q. I have recently completed the TAP requirements. Why did I receive an email about completing TAP again?

A. Even if you have completed TAP previously, you are required to complete TAP for every set of orders longer than 180 days. If you are unsure as to whether or not you are in compliance, contact the local Airman and Family Readiness Center. Back to Top

Q. I'm currently deployed. What do I need to do to complete the requirement once I return?

A. Contact your Airman and Family Readiness Center to set up your TAP participation.  Regardless of the base, branch, or service, installations are required by law to have a TAP facilitator/office and are mandated to allow you to participate. Your unit will place you on RPA orders to accomplish TAP if you did not complete prior to the end of your orders. Back to Top

Q. How do I request an extension to complete TAP?

A. No such request exist.  If you have civilian employment or are a student, you are exempt from the Transition-GPS workshop.  No one is exempt from the Pre-Separation, VA Benefits brief, and Capstone. Transition-GPS and the VA brief are also available online. Members have 90 days from the last day of their orders to accomplish TAP.  Be advised that commanders have the option to disapprove future orders until you are in compliance. Back to Top

Q. What is a DD2958 and which office do I submit it to?

A. The DD2958, Individual Transition Plan Checklist (ITP checklist), is also called the Capstone. Any documents regarding TAP should be completed in coordination with your Airman and Family Readiness Center. Back to Top

Q. The closest Air Force Base is too far away. Will I be placed on orders to accomplish TAP?

A. If mission requirements prevented you from accomplishing TAP during your initial orders, your unit is mandated to place you on RPA orders to accomplish TAP.  AFRC will reimburse the unit. Any military installation, regardless of service, should be able to accommodate your TAP needs.  Additionally, virtual options for the Transition-GPS and VA Benefits brief portions of TAP. Back to Top

Q. My continuous RPA orders will roll into a three-year AGR tour. Can I accomplish TAP toward the end of my AGR tour?

A. Yes. However, if there is a break in the orders and the member was prevented from accomplishing TAP during initial qualifying orders, the member must complete TAP within 90 days of the break in orders.  Members are eligible during a 3-year AGR tour. However, not completing TAP during an AGR tour may result in non-compliance if members does not have an assigned unit to endorse the RPA orders after AGR tour concludes. It is more beneficial for the member to complete TAP as soon as practical, when eligible. Back to Top

Q. I have returned to active duty orders. Can I waive TAP requirements until my orders conclude?

A. If the mission precluded you from accomplishing TAP during your initial set of orders and there was a break of 1-day or more, the guideline is to complete TAP no later than 90 days after completing a qualifying set of orders (180+ days). Back to Top

Q. I completed TAP two years ago and no longer have the paperwork. How do I show compliance?

A. You can contact any Airman and Family Readiness Center.  Each installation  is required to have a TAP facilitator/office that is mandated to support you, regardless of branch or service. Ensure the A&FRC when you completed TAP has updated your records appropriately in AFFIRST system.  AFFIRST maintains all TAP compliance records and history.  If you accomplish TAP at a non-Air Force installation, be sure to submit copies of your compliance documents to an A&FRC at an Air Force base to ensure you receive proper credit in AFFIRST. Back to Top

Q. I have no plans to separate from the Air Force. Do I still need to accomplish TAP?

A. Yes. The only exemptions are as follows: If you are a student or have civilian employment you are exempt from the Transition-GPS workshop.  If you were on active duty, completed TAP during that time, and subsequently served on orders longer than 180 days after Nov. 21, 2012, you are required by law to comply and re-accomplish TAP. Back to Top

Q. Where can I track the status (Green/Red) of my TAP compliance?

A. Members can check this by logging in to ARCNet and reviewing the ATMT tab. The "Pre-separation" block will display red or green. Be advised that initiatives are in place to correct system delays that provide ARCNet updates so please be patient. If you require an immediate status update and you have completed all portions of TAP, send an email with the subject line Pre-Separation Status Update Request, with your DD 2958 attached, to arcnet@us.af.mil. Back to Top

Q. How are TAP orders generated?

A. Member initiates orders utilizing AROWS-R. Ensure that ADOS orders are generated and the following lines of accounting are selected for all TAP order requests in AROWS-R:    

1. PAY
   Wing: HQ ARPC
   OWA: HQ RIO
   Funding: RIO TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)
2. TRAVEL
   Wing: HQ ARPC
   OWA: HQ RIO
   Funding: DEAMS RIO TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)-ENL or DEAMS RIO
   TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)- OFF 

Back to Top

Q. I am currently on a 1095 waiver. How can I attend TAP?

A. If circumstances require, you may complete TAP during IDT or Annual Tour, with the permission of your Active Duty unit. Back to Top

By (1) completing the DD 2648-1 (Pre-separation Briefing and Checklist), (2) attending required TAP workshop, and (3) completion of DD 2958 (ITP checklist/Capstone).  Both forms must be uploaded by your Airman and Family Readiness Center into the AFFIRST system.  Your A&FRC can also verify your compliance in AFFIRST system if you provide your name and social security number.  Always keep copies of your documentation.

TAP should ideally be completed prior to orders completion as this will create the least hassle. If you wait till your orders are complete to accomplish TAP, you must complete requirements no later than 90 days after the order's end date.  Your unit is required to make reasonable accommodations to enable your compliance.

There is no requirement for separating/retiring members to attend TAP.  However if your retiring and would like to attend, contact your Airman and Family Readiness Center for TAP availability.

 

To be exempt, members must have civilian employment or be a student and have confirmed enrollment. No one is exempt from the Pre-Separation Briefing, the One-day VA brief and the Capstone. There are virtual options available through your Airman and Family Readiness Center for Transition-GPS and the VA Brief.

All TAP related action will be accomplished through your Airman and Family Readiness Center (if assigned to an Air Force installation). Every installation will have an equivalent office, regardless of branch/service; they will facilitate your TAP needs.  

Yes. By law, you are required to complete TAP if you have accomplished orders lasting 180 days or more.  TAP should be completed for every set of orders meeting the "180+ day" criteria. 

TAP compliance records are maintained by the Airman and Family Readiness Center in a system called AFFIRST.  Air Force Reserve Command pulls AFFIRST data and submits the data to ARCNet for status updates.  Each installation, regardless of service or branch (i.e. USAFR, USN, USCG, USAF), are required to have a TAP Facilitator/Office to assist you in setting up your TAP needs.  You can accomplish TAP requirements at any base regardless of your assigned location.

Yes.  However, if you have civilian employment, you are exempt the Transition-GPS workshop. 

Yes.  It needs to be re-accomplished after every set of orders that are 180 days or longer, regardless of whether you previously completed TAP.

Yes. If you served on 180-day or longer orders after Nov. 21, 2012, you are required by law to accomplish TAP. However, if you’re a student (non-PME) or have civilian employment, you are exempt from the Transition-GPS portion of the course.

Compliance is required by law and  your unit is mandated to comply and make reasonable accommodations, mission permitting. It is more difficult to complete the requirement if you wait until your orders are completed to attend TAP.  TAP must be completed no more than 90 days after the conclusion of your orders.

Even if you have completed TAP previously, you are required to complete TAP for every set of orders longer than 180 days. If you are unsure as to whether or not you are in compliance, contact the local Airman and Family Readiness Center. 

The Transition Assistance Program is a Congress-mandated benefits and services program designed to prepare service members and their families for a successful transition to civilian life. It is required for all members who have served more than 180 consecutive days. Members with proven employment or school enrollment (non-PME) are exempt from the Transition-GPS segment of the program.

TAP consists of four parts:

1. Pre-separation counseling and Individualized Transition Plan with an A&FRC counselor or at Yellow Ribbon events (http://www.afrc.af.mil/AboutUs/YellowRibbon.aspx). The TAP Checklist can be found at: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/forms/eforms/dd2648-1t.pdf. Contact your local A&FRC to determine if counseling can be performed via telecom. 
2. Three Day Department of Labor (DOL) Employment Training. Reservists may opt-out of the DOL portion with confirmed employment; documented accredited school acceptance; previous TAP attendance; or medical or special circumstances. Exemptions must be coordinated in advance through A&FRC. These members must still complete pre-separation counseling, VA benefits briefing and the capstone.
3. One-day VA benefits briefing (if not attending a Transition GPS workshop)
4. Capstone (Required for all)

Contact your Airman and Family Readiness Center to set up your TAP participation.  Regardless of the base, branch, or service, installations are required by law to have a TAP facilitator/office and are mandated to allow you to participate. Your unit will place you on RPA orders to accomplish TAP if you did not complete prior to the end of your orders.

No such request exist.  If you have civilian employment or are a student, you are exempt from the Transition-GPS workshop.  No one is exempt from the Pre-Separation, VA Benefits brief, and Capstone. Transition-GPS and the VA brief are also available online. Members have 90 days from the last day of their orders to accomplish TAP.  Be advised that commanders have the option to disapprove future orders until you are in compliance.

 The DD2958, Individual Transition Plan Checklist (ITP checklist), is also called the Capstone. Any documents regarding TAP should be completed in coordination with your Airman and Family Readiness Center.

If mission requirements prevented you from accomplishing TAP during your initial orders, your unit is mandated to place you on RPA orders to accomplish TAP.  AFRC will reimburse the unit. Any military installation, regardless of service, should be able to accommodate your TAP needs.  Additionally, virtual options for the Transition-GPS and VA Benefits brief portions of TAP.

Yes. However, if there is a break in the orders and the member was prevented from accomplishing TAP during initial qualifying orders, the member must complete TAP within 90 days of the break in orders.  Members are eligible during a 3-year AGR tour. However, not completing TAP during an AGR tour may result in non-compliance if members does not have an assigned unit to endorse the RPA orders after AGR tour concludes. It is more beneficial for the member to complete TAP as soon as practical, when eligible. 

If the mission precluded you from accomplishing TAP during your initial set of orders and there was a break of 1-day or more, the guideline is to complete TAP no later than 90 days after completing a qualifying set of orders (180+ days).  

You can contact any Airman and Family Readiness Center.  Each installation  is required to have a TAP facilitator/office that is mandated to support you, regardless of branch or service. Ensure the A&FRC when you completed TAP has updated your records appropriately in AFFIRST system.  AFFIRST maintains all TAP compliance records and history.  If you accomplish TAP at a non-Air Force installation, be sure to submit copies of your compliance documents to an A&FRC at an Air Force base to ensure you receive proper credit in AFFIRST.

Yes. The only exemptions are as follows: If you are a student or have civilian employment you are exempt from the Transition-GPS workshop.  If you were on active duty, completed TAP during that time, and subsequently served on orders longer than 180 days after Nov. 21, 2012, you are required by law to comply and re-accomplish TAP.

Members can check this by logging in to ARCNet and reviewing the ATMT tab. The "Pre-separation" block will display red or green. Be advised that initiatives are in place to correct system delays that provide ARCNet updates so please be patient. If you require an immediate status update and you have completed all portions of TAP, send an email with the subject line Pre-Separation Status Update Request, with your DD 2958 attached, to arcnet@us.af.mil.   

1. Member initiates orders utilizing AROWS-R
2. Please ensure that ADOS orders are generated and the following lines of accounting are selected for all TAP order requests in AROWS-R:

• PAY
  Wing: HQ ARPC
  OWA: HQ RIO
  Funding: RIO TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)
• TRAVEL
  Wing: HQ ARPC
  OWA: HQ RIO
  Funding: DEAMS RIO TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)-ENL or DEAMS RIO
  TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)- OFF

 

If circumstances require, you may complete TAP during IDT or Annual Tour, with the permission of your Active Duty unit.