Are you thinking about separating or retiring soon from the Air Force?

For some this may be an easy decision in their life, but for others it can be very difficult, especially in today’s financial world. According to the Department of Labor the national unemployment rate in June 2010 was 9.5%. In July it was reported that there were 5 unemployed workers for every 1 available job in the U.S. If you ask any veteran, most will tell you that they wish they were more prepared before they ended their military career and entered the civilian job market.

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) at your Airman & Family Readiness Center can help you with being prepared for the transition from military to the civilian world with the Pre-Separation Counseling Briefings and TAP Workshops. The TAP workshop is optional for all members, but the Pre-Separation Counseling Briefing is congressionally mandated.

By law, all members separating/retiring with more than 180 days of continuous active duty must receive Pre-Separation Counseling, which is documented on the DD Form 2648. Additionally, the Pre-Separation Briefing is required to take place no later than 90 days before the date of discharge or release for anticipated separations/retirements. By completing the DD Form 2648, you are not locked into separating/retiring. The form is only used to document the fact that you received the briefing. If you decide to reenlist, you would simply complete another Pre-Separation Counseling Briefing at another date.

Retirees and separatees are strongly encouraged to complete their Pre-Separation Counseling Briefing as early as 24 months (for retirees) and 12 months (for separatees) before the date of their separation. Once completed, you are eligible to register for and attend the TAP workshops. Completion of the Pre-Separation Counseling Briefing is required before attendance at a TAP workshop. These workshops are held monthly and consist of three full days of information presented by the local Department of Labor and Department of Veterans Affairs. The workshop is designed to help members be more competitive in the civilian job market and to help them understand their benefits as a veteran. Topics covered will teach basic career skills which include self assessment, resume preparation, market research and networking, interviewing skills and negotiating job offers.

If you are at that decision point in your career, plan ahead and call us today to register for the next available Pre-Separation Counseling Briefing at (605) 385-4663.