Separating, retiring Airmen TAP out

  • Published
  • By Airman Ashley J. Woolridge
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Airmen nearing the end of their military service were given insight on transitioning to the civilian workforce during the Transition Assistance Program class at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Dec. 10 to 13.

The class is required for Airmen who are separating and optional for retiring Airmen to help servicemembers better prepare to meet their educational and career goals for their life after the Air Force.

Daphne Perez, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant and one of the instructors for the class, said TAP is mandated for military members who are within 12 months of separation or 24 months of retirement.

"The workshop helps personnel transition from the military life to civilian life," Perez explained. "It provides servicemembers with key resources essential to finding employment, furthering their education and starting a small business."

Staff Sgt. Samantha Bilbao, 28th Force Support Squadron fitness assessment cell NCO in charge, is planning to separate from the AF after seven years of service. She attended the class for the second time to take full advantage of everything the instructors had to offer.

"It is now mandatory, but I wanted to come," Bilbao explained. "I think the class has information that the average active-duty member doesn't know."

The information presented in the four-day class is extensive, ranging from resume writing to financial planning. Bilbao was especially interested in the mentor program designed to aid Airmen who are looking for a career change.

"Right now I have about eight months left of my degree and it's in finance," Bilbao explained. "I'm in services, so it doesn't relate at all. I want a mentor to help me and guide me."

Aside from different jobs, many Airmen who transition out of military lifestyles must also come to terms with new financial situations. One of the highlights of Bilbao's experience with the program was the section devoted to creating a spending plan.

"Since I'm a staff sergeant, I'm going to be losing all that money and going down to just my GI Bill," Bilbao said. "I'm interested to see where I can cut my budget and how I'm going to survive."

Bilbao stressed the perks of taking the TAP class, adding she recommends it to coworkers who are close to their date of separation.

"With my troops now, I encourage them if they're right at that line of not knowing whether to stay in or separate," Bilbao said. "I think it's important just so that you have information regarding your benefits."

The program aims to prepare Airmen for their future, and Bilbao said it has definitely propelled her into planning for the curveballs of life.

"Like she (Perez) said, we all should file a claim with the VA (Veterans Association)," Bilbao noted. "Even if you may not be injured or hurt at the moment, you never know what may happen down the road."

TAP is held once a month, and individuals interested in signing up for the class must attend a pre-separation briefing - offered every Monday from 1 to 4 p.m., at the AFRC - prior to attending the class.

Perez encourages Airmen to keep an open mind about the experience.

"The TAP workshop is a road map to a bigger and better life outside the military," Perez said.

For more information, or to register for the next TAP session, call the AFRC at (605) 385-4663.