MDW commander stresses importance of timely transitioning for Soldiers

By Julia LeDouxApril 7, 2016

The importance of service members transitioning
Retired Air Force Senior Master
Sgt. Rholondra Louis, left, and Air
Force Master Sgt. Erika Frazier,
speak with a business representative
during a June 4, 2015, Hiring
Heroes Career Fair in the Spates
Community Club on the Fort Myer
portion of Joint ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
VIEW ORIGINAL

Commanders throughout the Military District of Washington have been directed to ensure that separating and transitioning Soldiers connect with education and employment resource opportunities provided by the Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program 12 to 18 months before they leave the Army.

A policy letter signed March 14 by Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Becker provides additional guidance to base commanders on the SFL-TAP and Credentialing and Career Service Program.

"All transitioning Soldiers deserve our support and commitment throughout the Transition Soldier Life Cycle by allowing appropriate time and access to the resources needed to successfully prepare them for civilian life," Becker wrote in the letter.

Becker added that 70 percent of separating and transitioning Soldiers "fail to arrive at SFL-TAP [in accordance with] Army Directive 2014-18, Career Readiness Standards. Moreover, these Soldiers arrive only six to eight months before separation and are in jeopardy of not receiving valuable education and employment opportunities, according to the letter. Leaders must set the conditions which enable Soldiers to begin the process earlier (12-18 months)."

The policy letter mandates two critical programs to assist transitioning service members: the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act and the Credentialing and Career Skills Program, explained Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Transition Services Manager Carlos Rodriguez.

"The intent is to have [transitioning and separating Soldiers] employed before they are separated," he said. "It might not work all the time, but if we help a few of them, it will be awesome."

Rodriguez said SFL-TAP actually has three tracks that transitioning Soldiers can pursue: An educational track for those who want to attend college or technical school; an employment track; and an entrepreneurial track for those who want to start their own business.

"It's a very comprehensive program," he said. "For these things to work, they need to start at least 12 months before transition. That has been difficult because of the mission."

The policy leader directs that Soldiers must complete a three-hour, pre-separation counseling session documented on DD Form 2648, Preparation Counseling Checklist and 2648-1, TAP Checklist, no later than 12 to 18 months prior to leaving service or 24 months if retiring.

A transition point of contact must also be appointed by base commanders who will work with the SFL-TAP office and update the command on compliance with the VOW Act and career readiness standards.

Noting that SFL-TAP is a commander's program, Becker wrote that commanders are responsible for ensuring that Soldiers participate in and meet all transition requirements.

"Soldiers will execute transition plans in conjunction with training and mission requirements," reads the letter. "Soldiers will attend scheduled transition appointments approved by the commander."

The policy letter also directs that hiring events be utilized to the greatest extent possible on installations and that commanders develop a SFL-TAP policy within their commands.

The policy letter's directives apply to all Soldiers and their family members who utilize Soldier For Life -Transition Assistance Program Services at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall; Fort Belvoir, Va.; and Fort George G. Meade, Md.

Pentagram Staff Writer Julia LeDoux can be reached at jledoux@dcmilitary.com.