FORT SILL, Okla. (Oct. 24, 2013) -- The Army Career and Alumni Program Center (ACAP) is sponsoring a job fair Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Truman Education Center, Building 3261 here.
Representatives from about 30-35 companies will attend and have information on local, state and national positions.
Debra Watts, ACAP transition services manager, said while Soldiers and their family members are the primary groups the job fair is aimed at, it's also for veterans in the community who are looking for jobs.
"We're looking to cater to the entire military family," she said. "For those who will attend, know that some companies will be ready to hire job seekers on the spot come prepared for that possibility."
Preparation begins with what a job seekers should wear. Watts advised to dress for the particular job they intend to get hired into. For anyone seeking management or executive level positions wear a suit; business casual is appropriate for all other positions.
Because attending employers know most candidates are military members, there's no need to don the service dress uniform and display various medals to impress anyone.
"We're trying to get Soldiers used to the idea of being civilians, and as such, they should look like they are ready to transition into the civilian sector," she said.
Although some people may remain in the immediate area, Watts and her staff realize many retiring or separating service members have their sights set elsewhere. To help meet that need, a diverse range of employers will attend, some with positions to fill nationally that may match up with a prospective employee here.
The job fair furthers the outreach of the Veteran's Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. As stated on the Department of Veterans Affairs website, the act helps service members transition from the military offering expanded education and training opportunities. Also, through tax credits, it encourages employers to hire veterans with service-connected disabilities.
People can find up-to-date information including a list of employers that will attend on the Fort Sill ACAP Facebook page.
FORT SILL ACAP
Although ACAP mainly serves Soldiers who are either retiring or separating from the military, Navy, Air Force and Marine service members are also welcome. Watts said most of the paperwork visitors fill out are Department of Defense forms and so serve all equally well.
Watts said transitioning Soldiers should begin the ACAP process no later than 12 months prior to leaving the service. To help achieve that goal, VOW made ACAP a commander's program. As such, commanders must make sure their Soldiers start the process on time.
"This helps Soldier leaving the service and helps the ACAP staff do our jobs better," said Watts.
The Fort Sill ACAP office features trained, experienced professionals who can readily relate to the needs of their customers. All counselors hold master's degrees and are professionally tested to ensure their competency.
"We have four Army retirees, and one who spent 15 years in the Army. Other counselors are spouses of active-duty Soldiers, and almost everyone on our staff has some military connection," she said.
Although the Army does not require this experience and familiarity of its ACAP employees, Watts said many Soldiers who make their first visit are a little nervous and unsure what they are going to do.
"Meeting someone whose been through the transition process often helps ease some of that stress," she said.
The process begins with counselors who help Soldiers fill out an individual transition plan; individual counselors will work with a specific customer throughout the duration of his or her transition.
Next, all Solders go to a Department of Labor workship and to classes on financial planning and veteran's benefits.
Having completed this five-day workshop, the counselor will work with his or her client to determine what he or she wants to do. Additional classes provide information on higher level education, opening a business or attending a technical school.
Counselors then tailor a transition plan to an individual Soldier's goals and continue to offer guidance. The process ends with a capstone meeting. In the capstone, the counselor reviews the paperwork to ensure that Soldier has attended all pertinent classes and tracks to ensure he or she is ready to leave the Army.
Watts said customers who come into the ACAP office here can expect to receive service at least as good and often better thans any command or larger installation.
"I believe we have a fantastic staff here," she said.
For more information about ACAP or the job fair, call 580-442-6428/2222.
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