Military Transition Assistance Programs

About Transition Assistance

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) has been redesigned into a comprehensive, mandatory program through the efforts of an interagency team from the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Labor (DOL), Department of Education (ED), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

The redesigned TAP, known as Transition Goals Plans Success (GPS) or Transition TRS/GPS, changes the current program from a discontinuous set of activities into a cohesive, modular, outcome based program that provides opportunities and aids in successful transition into a "career ready" civilian. Transition TRS/GPS bolsters and standardizes the transition services that Service members receive prior to separating from the military to make them employment ready as well as being prepared to enter into higher education, attend career technical training, or start their own business.

Transition TRS/GPS is a major overhaul of the 20-year-old TAP, as part of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, and includes modules on financial planning that provide information and tools to identify financial responsibilities; Military Occupational Code (MOC) Crosswalk that translate military skills, training, and experience into civilian sector skills language; VA Benefits Briefing that informs Service members of their veteran benefits options; developing an Individual Transition Plan (ITP) that is a tailored plan with supporting documents, reviewed by a transition staff member, as evidence of preparation for transition and ability to meet post-separation goals; and an improved Department of Labor Employment Workshop that provides information and assistance with developing a resume as well as obtaining a "Gold Card" to receive priority services at any Career One-Stop Center in the country, career guidance, job and training referrals. In addition to the modules, there are optional tracks a Service member can take based on their needs assessment. The optional tracks are education, career technical training and entrepreneurship.

Veterans Administration Benefits Counseling Services

Professional on-site career counseling services and assessments are offered for active duty members by Veterans Administration Benefit Counseling at Camp Pendleton.  Services include:

• VA Counselors on-site
• Assistance with filing for pre-discharge disability claims
• Discuss educational benefits
• Discuss medical concerns that support filing a VA medical claim

Career Counseling & Assessments (VA Provided)

Career Assessments are provided to help service members determine career paths after leaving active duty.  Career Counseling (one-on-one) is followed to develop a transition plan and to determine the best career goals to reintegrate into a chosen community of work and/or school.  Must attend Transition TRS/GPS 5-day workshop.  For additional information, call:  (619) 980-6113.

Other Veteran Services Organizational Support located at:  Mainside - Bldg 13150, Bldg 1101 and 1102 and San Onofre - Bldg 51919.  Support organizations provide medical record screening support with VA Claims and other veteran services.

• Disabled American Veterans (DAV):  (760) 725-9482
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW):  (760) 385-0033

VA Benefits Defined for All States

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About TurboTAP

TurboTAP.org is Department of Defense's official website providing information for service members on transitioning from military service. This site is also supported by the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs.

TurboTAP.org is intended to supplement the services offered by the Transition Assistance Offices and other groups.  
DD2648 Recertification (required after attending TRS more than 12 months prior to EAS):

If you have attended TRS and received a DD2648 stamped more than 12 months prior to your EAS, please visit the TurboTAP site for Transition Assistance updates and information. Your Career Planner will work with you review a TurboTAP checklist validating receipt of current transition related information and enroll you in a second TRS Pathway of your choice. The completed TurboTAP checklist and completion of a TRS Pathway will re-certify your DD-2648