👋 New to TAP?

Never been through TAP?

You'll learn: ✔ What TAP is ✔ What you'll complete ✔ When to start ✔ How we'll help
Start Here.

📊 TAP At-a-Glance

📅 Begins 365 days before separation

🎓 Required by DoD

🪖 Mandatory for most separating Service Members

💻 Available in-person and virtually

🤝 One-on-one counseling available

💼 We Can Help With

🌟 Success Starts Here

Leaving military service is one of the biggest transitions of your career.

You don’t have to navigate it alone.

The Military & Family Readiness Center is here to help you prepare for your next chapter with confidence. 

MYT Timeline is an interactive, downloadable tool that helps Service members plan their transition.

Upcoming Workshops

🚀 Start Here

Every successful transition begins with the right first step.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP) helps Service Members successfully prepare for civilian life through counseling, planning, workshops, and career resources.

The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have for employment, education, VA benefits, and SkillBridge.

TAP is required for most separating and retiring Service Members. While every branch completes TAP, your first point of contact depends on your branch of service.

Begin with your Command Career Counselor (CCC)

If you’re a Navy Service Member, your Command Career Counselor (CCC) is your first point of contact for TAP.

Your CCC will:

  • Initiate your TAP process
  • Complete your Initial Counseling requirements
  • Coordinate your transition timeline
  • Refer you to the Military & Family Readiness Center for required TAP workshops and services

Start TAP:

  • 365 days before separation
  • 24 months before retirement

Begin with the Military & Family Readiness Center

If you’re separating or retiring from the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, or Space Force, contact the Military & Family Readiness Center to begin your TAP journey.

We’ll help you:

  • Schedule your Initial Counseling
  • Explain TAP requirements
  • Build your transition timeline
  • Register for required workshops

Start TAP:

  • 365 days before separation
  • 24 months before retirement

Begin with your Coast Guard TAP Counselor

Coast Guard members should contact Tracey Arrington to begin the Coast Guard Transition Assistance Program.

Your Coast Guard TAP Counselor will guide you through your branch-specific transition process and coordinate your required TAP activities.

Start TAP:

  • 365 days before separation
  • 24 months before retirement
Tracey Arrington

Tracey Arrington

Transition, Relocation & Spouse Employment Assistance Coordinator

Your TAP Journey

From your first counseling session to your final Capstone, TAP provides the guidance, education, and resources you need to successfully transition from military service to civilian life.

TAP Requirements

TAP is required for most separating and retiring Service Members. Requirements may vary based on branch, timeline, and individual transition goals.
  • Complete the TAP Self-Assessment (Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Space Force)
  • Email the completed assessment to the TAP Office
  • Bring any required documents to your Initial Counseling appointment

Download Self-Assessment

Email Your Completed Assessment

Navy: Contact your Command Career Counselor (CCC) to begin your TAP process.

Coast Guard: Contact your Coast Guard TAP Counselor for assessment requirements.

Purpose: Determines your transition needs, goals, timeline, and required TAP pathway.

What happens:

  • Review your separation or retirement timeline
  • Identify required workshops and resources
  • Begin your Individual Transition Plan

Branch note: Navy Service Members begin with their Command Career Counselor. Coast Guard members begin with Tracey Arrington.

Purpose: Provides required information on benefits, entitlements, services, and transition resources.

What happens:

  • Review available transition benefits
  • Learn about employment, education, relocation, and VA resources
  • Understand TAP requirements and deadlines
  • Receive guidance on next steps

Purpose: Provides training and resources based on your transition goals.

May include:

  • DoD Transition Day
  • VA Benefits and Services
  • Employment Fundamentals of Career Transition
  • Education Track
  • Vocational Track
  • Entrepreneurship Track
  • Employment Track

Service members on active duty must receive counseling to evaluate the option of continuing military service through reserve opportunities.

Purpose: Confirms you are prepared to transition with a viable plan.

May include:

  • Individual Transition Plan
  • Resume or employment documentation
  • Education or training comparison
  • Budget or financial planning tools
  • VA benefits registration, when applicable

Purpose: Reviews your completed TAP requirements and verifies your Career Readiness Standards.

What happens:

  • Review completed TAP deliverables
  • Confirm CRS completion
  • Identify any gaps or referrals
  • Finalize transition readiness before separation or retirement

🎓 TAP Workshops & Curriculum

Service Members complete a core TAP curriculum based on their individual needs, Career Readiness Standards, and assigned TAP tier. Most participants attend DoD Transition Day, VA Benefits and Services, and Employment Fundamentals of Career Transition. Some participants will also complete a two-day transition track.

🛡️ DoD Transition Day

Build a foundation for your transition by learning about planning, resources, and the civilian transition process.

🇺🇸 VA Benefits & Services

Learn about the VA benefits you’ve earned, including healthcare, disability compensation, education benefits, home loans, and more.

💼 Employment Fundamentals of Career Transition (EFCT)

Develop practical employment skills, including resume writing, interviewing, networking, and translating military experience into civilian language.

Additional Transition Tracks

Need additional career preparation?

Based on your Career Readiness Standards (CRS) and TAP Tier, you may also complete one of the following two-day tracks.

Planning to attend college, university, or technical school.
Need additional job search preparation and career coaching.
Interested in starting or growing your own business.
Planning to pursue a trade, apprenticeship, or industry certification.

Do I Need a Two-Day Transition Track?

Tier 1: Minimal Assistance

Description: These service members are generally transition-ready, often having secured housing, employment, or college admission prior to separation. They have a clear post-military plan and require the least amount of support.

May be exempt from:

  • Employment Fundamentals (EFCT)
  • Two-day Transition Track

An exemption may be approved by the appropriate CCC or TAP counselor; participation is still strongly recommended.

Tier 2: Medium Assistance

Description: Service members in this tier have some ideas about their future but need more assistance to make informed decisions or finalize plans. They might have a general plan (e.g., “move home with family”) but lack concrete arrangements like a secured job.

May be exempt from:

  • Two-day Transition Track

An exemption may be approved by the appropriate CCC or TAP counselor; participation is  strongly recommended.

Tier 3: Maximum Assistance

Description: These individuals are not transition-ready and often have no solid post-military plans. This tier can also include those with specific risk factors, such as service members leaving unexpectedly on short notice or due to injury/disability.

Must complete:

  • Employment Fundamentals (EFCT)
  • One two-day Transition Track

No exemptions.

Exemption determinations are made on an individual basis.

  • Navy: Exemptions are generally determined by the member’s Command Career Counselor (CCC).
  • Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Space Force: Exemptions are determined by the appropriate TAP Counselor based on Department of Defense guidance and Career Readiness Standards.
  • Coast Guard: Exemptions and participation requirements are determined through the Coast Guard TAP program and Coast Guard TAP counselor.
Have questions about separation, retirement, Capstone, or timelines? You're not alone! We've gathered the most common TAP questions to help you feel confident and prepared.
Explore our TAP FAQs

TAP Course Materials

  • Participant Guide
    • This resource supports the briefing. It provides essential information about the services, benefits, entitlements, and resources you may be eligible for during and after separation, including VA benefits, employment and education resources, financial tools, and federal/state programs.
  • Interagency Website Guide
    • A centralized directory of vetted federal, state, and military transition-related websites. It organizes links by topic (career planning, employment resources, finance, healthcare, family support) and references which TAP course or transition requirement each resource supports, helping you quickly locate official tools and information discussed during TAP.
  • Managing Your Transition
    • The course provides an overview of the Transition Assistance Program curriculum while addressing often-overlooked aspects of transition, including personal and family considerations, workplace culture differences, communication challenges, and transition-related stress. 
  • Military Occupational Code (MOC) Crosswalk
    • Participants identify civilian career equivalents, document transferable skills, and recognize any training or credential gaps needed to achieve their career goals.
  • Financial Planning for Transition
    • The course covers changes in income, taxes, healthcare, and living expenses, and uses online tools to compare military and civilian pay and cost-of-living across different locations. Participants also develop or update a personal spending plan to support financial stability during transition.

VA Benefits and Services

The course covers disability compensation, education, housing, health care, and memorial benefits, using real-life examples to guide participants through benefits that fit their unique transition needs.

DOL Employment Fundamentals of Career Transition (EFCT)

The workshop introduces essential tools and resources to explore career options, research civilian employment, and understand the basics of the hiring process.

This course presents a comprehensive view covering best practices in career employment, including learning interview skills, building effective resumes, and using emerging technology to network and search for employment.

Participant Guide Link

This course offers an opportunity to complete personalized career development assessments of occupational interests and aptitudes. Participants will then be guided through a variety of career considerations, including labor market projects, education, apprenticeships, certifications, and licensure requirements.

Participant Guide Link

This course, designed for anyone pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, includes information on choosing a field of study, selecting an institution, gaining admission, and funding your education. 

Participant Guide Link

This course is for those interested in exploring business ownership or other self-employment opportunities. Participants learn about evaluating business concepts, developing a business plan, the resources available to access technical assistance, start-up capital, contracting opportunities, and more. 

Participant Guide Link

Meeting Career Readiness Standards (CRS): All service members must achieve specific, measurable deliverables to be considered “career ready”. These standards include having a verified post-separation financial plan and completing a MOC Gap Analysis (or verifying employment/school admission).

Individual Transition Plan (ITP) is a personalized roadmap that helps Service members set goals, track progress, and prepare for a successful move from military to civilian life. It guides participants in identifying career objectives, training needs, and key resources to support their transition journey.

DoD Gap Analysis is a fillable worksheet used in the MOC Crosswalk course to identify gaps between your current education, experience, and credentials and the requirements of your desired civilian career. It helps map out what’s needed to bridge those gaps for a successful transition.

DoD Financial Spending Plan helps Service members create a personalized budget to manage income, expenses, and savings during their transition from military to civilian life. It provides tools to plan for changes in pay, benefits, and living costs, supporting financial stability throughout the process.

DoD MY Education College Comparison Chart is a key tool for the Managing Your (MY) Education course. It helps participants research and compare multiple factors between two colleges or universities to support informed education decisions.

DOL Vocational Track: Career and Credential Exploration (C2E) Worksheet is a fillable tool used in the two-day TAP Vocational Track. It allows Service members to complete personalized career assessments and explore a variety of civilian career options.

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Want to Speak to Transitioning Service Members?

Military & Family Readiness partners with employers through Employer Panels and Hiring Events rather than classroom presentations. Learn how your organization can connect with military talent.
Employer Opportunities

Transition Resources

Employment

DoD SkillBridge allows eligible active-duty Service Members to gain civilian work experience through approved internships, apprenticeships or training during their final 180 days of service. Participation requires command approval, and members remain on active duty while participating.

Gain civilian work experience during your final 180 days of active duty through internships, apprenticeships, or industry training with approved SkillBridge partners.

Requirements

  • Commander approval required
  • Approved SkillBridge provider
  • Remain on active duty while participating

Interested? Contact your TAP Counselor early to discuss eligibility and application requirements.

Eligible Sailors may participate in the DoD SkillBridge Program during their final 180 days of active duty to gain civilian work experience through approved internships, apprenticeships, or industry training.

Requirements

  • Coordinate through your Command Career Counselor (CCC)
  • Command approval required
  • Approved SkillBridge provider
  • Remain on active duty while participating

Questions? Contact your Command Career Counselor (CCC) to discuss eligibility and the application process.

Explore SkillBridge Providers

Click Here

WARTAC (Warrior Training Advancement Course) is a SkillBridge-aligned training program that prepares eligible transitioning Service Members for potential employment with the Department of Veterans Affairs, including Veteran Service Representative and Rating Veteran Service Representative positions.

The Employment Navigator(EN) and Partnership Program (ENPP) provides one-on-one career assistance to interested transitioning service members, and their spouses, at select military installations worldwide.

Sharonda Jones

Andy Petrone

SC Works representatives are available in centers throughout the state to help veterans transition into the workforce. Veterans receive priority service in all SC Works centers.

Local Veterans’ Employment Representative (LVER) staff and Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists are trained to provide intensive, priority employment services to all veterans, including group and individual career coaching, job referrals, résumé preparation help, career fairs and job search workshops, job training programs, and referrals to training services.

A statewide initiative launched by Gov. Nikki Haley and supported by the S.C. National Guard and the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, Operation Palmetto Employment is a commitment to helping our service members, family members, and veterans find meaningful civilian careers.

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Click or Scan

DRI Foundation Veterans Outreach Program (VOP) provides Service members and veterans with the opportunity to earn a free Business Continuity certification (CBCP)—a highly recognized credential in a growing, high-demand career field. This program translates military readiness experience into civilian career pathways focused on organizational resilience, crisis response, and risk management, and includes mentorship and career support to assist with successful employment after transition.

Filing a VA Disability Claim?

BDD allows eligible Service Members to begin the disability claims process before leaving active duty.

  • Must file between 180 to 90 days before separation or retirement.
  • Must be available for examinations for at least 45 days after submission.
  • Cannot have a pre-discharge hospitalization or surgery requiring further treatment.
  • Cannot file if they are awaiting discharge for misconduct or dishonorable conditions.
1. Gather Medical Documentation

Include all service treatment records, medical evidence of conditions, and supporting civilian medical records.

Consider all service-connected conditions, including physical and mental health issues.

VA Form 21-526EZ – The Application for Disability Compensation must be filled out accurately.

This helps track claim status and manage VA benefits.

The Compensation & Pension (C&P) exams will be required for evaluation.

The fastest way to process is through VA.gov.

  • Claim all conditions at once to avoid delays.
  • Use VA-accredited assistance (such as VSOs, DAV, or VFW) for guidance.
  • Keep copies of all submitted documents.
  • If outside the BDD eligibility window, the service member may still file a standard disability claim post-separation.

VA Benefits & Services

Brigham Snowden

Jon France

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Transition Programs page provides an overview of resources designed to help Service Members, Veterans, and their families successfully transition from military service to civilian life. These programs offer guidance on accessing VA benefits, career development opportunities, education resources, and ongoing support during the transition period. Visitors can explore initiatives such as the Transition Assistance Program and other VA services that connect transitioning personnel with tools, information, and support networks to help them plan for their next chapter.

Click HERE to learn more!

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Other Resources

TAPevents.mil is the official DoD portal for TAP curriculum, participant guides, online courses and transition-planning resources.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re separating in a year or retiring in two years, the Military & Family Readiness Center is here to help you navigate every stage of your transition. Contact us today!

Milton "Mick" Mahon, MBA/HRM

Milton "Mick" Mahon, MBA/HRM

Air Base

JB CHS - AB 104 E. Simpson Street, Bldg. 500, N. Charleston, SC 29404

Michelle Bruce, MBA, AFC

Michelle Bruce, MBA, AFC

Naval Weapons Station

JB CHS - NWS 1005 Jefferson Avenue, Bldg. 755, Goose Creek, SC 29445

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