One of VA’s top priorities is to assist Service members and Veterans in charting a course to help them realize their educational, financial and employment goals after they leave the military. With the implementation of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (VOW Act), most Service members will have the opportunity to take advantage of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to gain a basic understanding of how to compete in a tight job market and how to utilize their VA benefits.
The VOW Act, which went into effect November 21, 2012, requires mandatory participation in TAP for most Service members transitioning to civilian status; upgrades career counseling options; teaches job hunting skills; and ensures the program is tailored to individuals and the 21st century job market. The Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA), Defense, Education, and Labor in collaboration with the Military Services and Small Business Administration are implementing various benefits, services and programs to support the law.
VA’s enhanced benefits briefings, required for all Service members leaving the military to attend as part of TAP, provides a better understanding of Veterans benefits options and how to acquire them. In addition, VA is leading an optional two-day, career-based technical training class, which focuses on transitioning Service members to civilian occupations related to the vocational training of their choice. Other two-day optional courses, led by the Military Services and Small Business Administration include entrepreneurship and education.
The enhanced TAP is more interactive, integrated and relevant to meet today’s Service members and their families’ employment, financial and educational needs. To learn more on VA benefits and services, please visit http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/.
