VA assists w/transitioning to prepare for job market

By Department of Veterans Affairs News ReleaseDecember 24, 2013

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (Dec. 13, 2013) -- As part of the revamped Transition Assistance Program (TAP), the Department of Veterans Affairs' new VA Benefits I and II briefings are now available at Schofield Barracks and Fort Shafter.

The goal of the redesigned TAP, now known as Transition GPS (Goals, Plans, Success), is to provide transitioning service members with a set of value-added, individually tailored training programs and services to equip them with the set of tools they need to pursue their post-military goals successfully.

Service members participating in the new VA Benefits I and II briefings will experience interactive activities teaching them how to review, apply for and receive the benefits and services they have earned.

The VA's Benefits I briefing provides detailed information on education, health care, compensation, life insurance, home loans and other VA benefits and services.

During VA Benefits II, service members are provided supplementary information to expand and reinforce what is covered in VA Benefits I, an overview of the disability compensation process and an introduction to the eBenefits portal (VA's Web-based benefits application system).

Both briefings are highly interactive and include practical exercises, videos of personal experiences, and a question and answer session.

•Benefits I briefings are offered Mondays, noon to 4 p.m., and Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

•Benefits II briefings are offered Fridays, 2-4 p.m.

Additionally, presenters conducting VA Benefits I and II briefings are available for appointments outside the classroom to assist all service members, veterans and family members who have questions about VA benefits and services they may be eligible to receive. They will serve as an important on-site resource for service members, veterans and family members needing information on available resources.

Transition GPS

To schedule an appointment with VA Benefits I and II briefers, call 808-655-7139/7140.

VA Benefits briefers' office hours on Schofield Barracks are weekdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., first floor, Building 750.

For more information on attending Transition GPS, call the ACAP Center at 808-655-1028.