Four Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, Warrior Transition Brigade (WTB) graduated October 22 from a new program designed to assist WTB Soldiers transition from active duty to veteran status and find potential employment as Veteran Service Representatives at Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) offices nationwide.
The program, Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC), a 12-week program modeled after a similar 8-week civilian new hire program, is one of the ways the VBA is attempting to address the need for trained disability compensation claims processers while giving new veterans an opportunity to continue their service as federal civilians.
"This program enables us to increase opportunities to get quality employees who can do the job that is needed to support our veterans," said John Fickel, training lead, Compensation Service, Veterans Benefits Administration.
In 2010, the VBA redesigned its training program for newly assigned claims-processing employees. The curriculum was designed to provide standardized instruction in the basic skills claims processors would need to perform their duties, especially with the number of new compensation claims as a result of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Fort Belvoir was selected as the pilot program based on a recommendation from a Soldier formerly assigned to the 1st Battalion, according to Fickel.
"Soldiers recovering at the Warrior Transition Units have opportunities to intern at federal agencies across the region [National Capital Area]," Fickel said. "One day Capt. [Jason] Miller mentioned that there are a lot of guys who would make good interns. He was right."
Miller's suggestion formed the beginning of an effort to help Soldiers in Transition dust-off dormant skills and learn new ones while they continue their medical recovery. That effort had an added bonus--potentially providing federal civilians who have some personal experience with VA compensation.
"Who better to take care of veterans than veterans," said James Rodriguez, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Office of Warrior Care Policy. Rodriquez was one of several senior civilian and military officials attending the graduation attesting to the program's significance. "Veterans will benefit from your knowledge and expertise," he told the four Soldiers. "Being a part of the VA is going to help you make a better transition."
The transition for Edward Lopez came less than 72 hours after receiving his WARTAC certificate when he was honorably discharged from the Army. The former sergeant would be the first from this program to join the ranks of Veterans Service Representative at the VA Appeals Center in Washington. The three remaining Soldiers will work as interns until they leave the Army.
"I've been blessed to continue to serve but this time as a civilian. The best part is that I get to help veterans like myself who need the assistance," Lopez said. "I've been there but now I am armed with information, resources and a career to support the men and women who have given a lot to the nation while in uniform."
Another graduate Sgt. 1st Class Frank Martinez agrees. "Getting individuals such as ourselves is a benefit to the VA," he said. "I have something to look forward to after the Army."
According to Fickel, the graduates get training and an opportunity to compete. "How successful they are depends on them. They will bring a perspective that should benefit the veterans for whom they work," he said.
As a result of the program's success, the VBA is considering other locations.
Social Sharing