Bldg 1191 Menoher Dr.
Joint Base Andrews, Maryland 20762

Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is designed to make retirement or separation from service a well-planned, organized, and thoughtful progression that empowers Service Members to make informed career decisions, be competitive in a global workforce, and become positive contributors to their communities.

TIMELINE:

Service Members are required to initiate the TAP process no later than 365 days from the date of separation or retirement. We recommend beginning the TAP process 18-24 months in advance.

TAP Resources and Documents –  https://linktr.ee/tapdocuments

Downloadable Workshop Calendars:

2024 JBA Transition Course Schedule

2025 JBA Transition Course Schedule

*Please note that our workshops are subject to limited availability and there may be a waitlist for your preferred date.

Mandatory Steps for Completing TAP

 

Click the Steps below to view details for each.

  • Step 1 – Initial Counseling
  • Step 2 – Pre-Separation Briefing
  • Step 3 – TAP 3-Day Workshop
  • Step 4 – Additional TAP Workshops (optional for most)
  • Step 5 – Capstone Appointment

STEP 1 – Initial Counseling:

This must be completed NLT 365 days prior to transition and is – by law – required as the FIRST step in the process. During this appointment, TAP Counselors and Service Members will discuss transition goals and challenges; Service Members will be placed in a Tier (1, 2 or 3) depending on their level of preparation for transition.

 

FOR SERVICE MEMBERS ADMINISTRATIVELY ASSIGNED TO JOINT BASE ANDREWS:

1. Go to https://jba-ic.timetap.com/.
2. Select “TAP STEP 1: Initial Counseling”
3. Register for an account.
4. Choose your appointment time.
5. You will be prompted to fill out the MANDATORY Initial Counseling Form. (Click the “Form” link towards the bottom of the blue box).
6. Fill out and submit your Initial Counseling Form.

Please note: Your appointment is NOT CONFIRMED until we have verified receipt of your Initial Counseling Form. Please allow up to 3 business days to receive confirmation email. Your appointment request will be CANCELED if your form is not submitted. Once your appointment has been confirmed, you will receive a second email with additional details.

FOR SERVICE MEMBERS ADMINISTRATIVELY ASSIGNED TO ANOTHER INSTALLATION:

Please reach out to the appropriate org box or POC listed below:

Pentagon A&FRC:
https://pentagontransition.checkappointments.com/
Center Email: 811FSS.pentagon.afrc@us.af.mil
Phone: (703) 693-9460 (will return call within 24 hours)

 

JBAB A&FRC:
Email: 11FSS.mfrc.taporg@us.af.mil (to schedule your initial counseling)
Center Email: 11FSS.mfrc.org@us.af.mil
Phone: (202) 284-4473

 

Fort Meade A&FRC:
Email: george.hudson.4@us.af.mil
Phone: (443) 876-9646

 

Fort Belvoir ACS:
Email: usarmy.belvoir.usag.mbx.tap@army.mil (to schedule your initial counseling)
Phone: (703) 805-9247

 

Henderson Hall ACS:
Email: juan.c.rodriguez64.civ@mail.mil
Phone: (703) 696-0973

 

Patuxent River F&FSC:
Email: naspax-ffsc@us.navy.mil
Phone: (301) 342-4911

 

Navy MWR Washington/Office of Naval Intelligence:
Email: ffsc.nsaw.fct@navy.mil
Phone: (202) 685-0229

 

STEP 2 – Pre-Separation Briefing:

Must be completed NLT 365 days prior to transition. During Pre-Separation briefing, we discuss benefits and resources that you may be eligible for and review the entire transition process. This must be completed prior to attending the TAP workshop.

STEP 3 – TAP 3-Day Workshop:

A comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare Service Members for their transition. This includes mandatory requirements such as: DoD Training Day, the Department of Labor Employment Workshop (DOLEW), and the VA Benefits & Services briefing.

Approximately 5 business days prior to your 3 Day TAP Workshop, you will receive an instruction email with the location, ROEs, and tasks to be completed prior to the class.

You will need the documents below before, during, and after the class. Click on each of the links below to review. Explanation of how these are accomplished will be provided during the class.

DOD DAY RESOURCES:

VA BENEFITS AND SERVICES RESOURCES:

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR EMPLOYMENT WORKSHOP RESOURCES:

STEP 4 – Additional TAP Workshops (optional for most):

Additional 2 Day Tracks: Additional tracks are available for you based on your transition goals and needs. These include Employment, Vocational, Education, or Entrepreneurship.

They are provided by experts in these fields such as the Department of Labor, Education Center, and the Small Business Association.

Available workshops can be found here: jba-mfrc.timetap.com.​

STEP5 – Capstone Appointment:

Service Members will be verified that all mandatory steps have been completed. During the Capstone appointment, your eform will be finalized and transformed into the DD 2648 which you will need for outprocessing.

The Capstone should not be completed NET 365 prior to your DOS/DOR because the DD2648 will expire after 365 days.

FOR SERVICE MEMBERS ADMINISTRATIVELY ASSIGNED TO JOINT BASE ANDREWS:

Email 316.fss.mfsc.tap@us.af.mil with your name, DOD ID, date of retirement/separation, and preferred email address to get scheduled.
Required documentation to complete this appointment based on your tier will be sent in our reply with the link to schedule the appointment.

FOR SERVICE MEMBERS ADMINISTRATIVELY ASSIGNED TO ANOTHER INSTALLATION:

Please reach out to your servicing installation to schedule. Contact information for location installations can be found under STEP 1 – Initial Counseling.​

TAP Spouse Information

As a spouse of a transitioning service member, you too are planning for a transition that can be both exciting and stressful. We can help you and your spouse plan for your upcoming transition to civilian life!

We encourage you to attend the Transition Assistance Program workshops/appointments alongside your transitioning service member as there are many resources and benefits shared that are available to you, too.

Please contact a member of the TAP Team at (301) 981-7087 or 316.fss.mfsc.tap@us.af.mil to notify us if you do plan to attend.

 

RESOURCES:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I have to complete TAP?

Yes, the Transition Assistance Program is federally mandated.

All ranks and all branches are required to complete the entire TAP process prior to retirement/separation.

I am in the Guard/Reserve... Is TAP a requirement for me?

Maybe – The DODI1332.35_AFI36-3037 states “ARC members will complete TAP after serving their first 180 continuous days or more on active duty in accordance with the requirements identified in 10 U.S.C. §§ 1142 and 1144” – “Air Reserve Component (ARC), which includes the Air Force Reserve (AFR) and Air National Guard (ANG)”.

If you have a DD2648 on file, then you do not have to re-complete TAP.

Do I need to wait for my orders to start TAP?

No, we recommend beginning TAP even if you are on the fence about retiring or separating.

The information provided can help you make your decision and if your decision is to transition. Starting the TAP process does not lock you into transitioning.

How do I schedule a TAP workshop?
You will be enrolled in a TAP workshop at you initial counseling appointment. This appointment is the REQUIRED first step in the TAP process.
I have an appointment scheduled during TAP, can I step out then come back to class?
No, TAP attendance is taken throughout each day and if you are not present for the entire day you will not get credit for the class.
Are there any TAP exemptions?

Yes, but only for DOL Employment Workshop.

The most common are if you are retiring with 20+ years of service, confirmed employment, or confirmed acceptance in accredited technical, undergraduate, or graduate program.

Talk to your TAP counselor if you would like to utilize this exemption.

Can I take a TAP workshop more than once?

Yes, you can attend TAP as many times are you like. Email 316.fss.mfsc.tap@us.af.mil to register for additional workshops.

How do I find out my Tier?
You can reference your initial counseling, follow-up email, or open your eForm on MilConnect, and your tier is indicated in Section 2.
Does your office manage the Skill Bridge program?

No, however you will need your DD 2648 for your Skill Bridge application.

For more information about the Skill Bridge Program, visit andrewsfss.com/education-training, email 316.FSS.FSDE.Andrews.Education@us.af.mil, or call (301) 981-6377.

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