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Army Career and Alumni Program

Friday, July 26, 2013

What is it?

Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) is a program designed in 1991 to reduce veteran unemployment and help troops transition and adjust to life outside of the Army to begin a successful civilian life.

Transition connects Soldiers with job opportunities, teaches Soldiers how to leverage their skills post-service, and educates the American public about the capabilities and professionalism of the veterans.

To meet the President’s call for a career-ready military, the federal government developed a new model to better prepare service members to succeed in the next phase of their lives.

What has the Army done?

Within the past year, the Army’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) has doubled the number of transition counselors and support staff to 700 at 80 locations worldwide. TAP also gave Soldiers 24/7 virtual access to transition counselors and resources online.

The Veterans Opportunity to Work, (VOW Act) went into effect Nov. 21, 2012. This legislation re-engineered the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) and mandated every Soldier attend transition assistance classes. Transition, now a commander’s program, emphasizes that Soldiers begin transition education and assistance no later than 12 months prior to separation to ensure they are ready to pursue a civilian career and/or education. Spouses are encouraged to attend and classes are capped at 50 people, enabling one-on-one counseling and small group discussions.

What continued efforts does the Army have in the future?

The Army continuously refines its Army Career and Alumni Program that provides Soldiers a host of transition services, counsel, and training onsite and online. The Army is also maximizing job opportunities through private industry partnerships and working with states to speed licensing and certifications.

By the end of 2013, Transition Goals-Plans-Success, known as GPS, will replace TAP. GPS is a classroom and one-on-one session with service members and their spouses to formulate a plan, including a detailed budget. Counselors will help Soldiers and spouses enter vocational training or college, starting their own business, or find a civilian job.

Why is this important to the Army?

The Army is committed to ensuring lifelong success for our Soldiers and their families. The Army is the strength of the nation. People are the strength of the Army. We, as a nation, are responsible for ensuring veterans are supported and equipped to re-integrate as civic members, leaders and role models in our communities.

Resources:

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