The Transition Assistance Program Class

Me, I was totally underwhelmed by the 90s version of the TAPS class (Transition Assistance Program). It was two days of basically wasted time. We got a few lame-ass videos, some decent enough presentations, and zero practical application. Looking back it did little to prepare me to transition to civil life. But at the time, I honestly thought all the information that they were passing was good gouge. But now I realize it was all useless.

It reminds me much of how the public school system does little to prepare students for the real world, TAPS class was the same for me. We talked about having a suit and tie sure, but that was about it.

We spent a little time writing a fake resume and we also spent a little time talking about a job interview. A little on financial planning and a little about the VA. But let’s try to step it up a notch. How about this:

60 days prior to separation

SSgt Schmuckatelli, you have orders to report to the TAPS class in 60 days. You must take the Resume Writing for Marines and the Job Interview for Marines MCIs. You are required to report to TAPS in interview-ready attire (dark suit and tie).

Day 1 – First thing – Mock Job Interview – This will show you how much you are not prepared for this.
Day 1 – Turn in your resume for review
Day 1 – Classes (Education, Financial Planning )

Day 2 – Job interview do’s and don’ts course
Day 2 – Job Interview critic (all students review all interviews based on videotape) – This will allow you to see what you need to work on and also if you see a trait in a fellow Marine, you can add that to your list of things not to do.
Day 2 – Resume writing (your resume with comments is returned – rework the resume)

Day 3 – Final job interview with a new resume
Day 3 – The VA system – Part 1 (letting you know exactly what you can and can’t expect from the VA system)

Day 4 – The VA system – Part 2 (Q&A with a VA representative)
Day 4 – Financial Planning course

Day 5 – Bring in your budget for one on one talking with a Financial Planner
Day 5 – Questions and Answers (SMEs for all classes will be on hand)

30 Days prior to separation

SSgt Schmuckatelli, you have orders to report to TAPS class part 2 (please bring your spouse with you)

Day 1 – Financial Planning – Part 3 (you and your spouse)
Day 1 – VA Review (your exit physical is reviewed one on one)
Day 1 – Luncheon with the students, spouses, and the instructors

Now some of this may seem silly and overkill, but let me explain my thoughts on this both as a Marine that separated almost 25 years ago and as a former instructor for A and C school students.

The job interview is a very important part of the transaction and probably one of the biggest things for a new civilian. Think of it this way, let’s say the Marine is the main breadwinner so he/she is the one that feels like they need to be the provider for their family and this is a huge stressor for them if they can’t provide. I have been there and done that and I had a job offer before I actually separated. It is a huge transition to go through.

Then comes the whole financial planning part. The average enlisted member lives paycheck to paycheck so financial planning isn’t their strong point. I have a good Marine Corps friend of mine that is a Certified Financial Planner and she has spent years teaching Financial Planning to military members transitioning. And the horror stories she has told me, tell me that there isn’t enough focus on Financial Planning in the military. In fact, it needs to be a course taught when they get to their first duty station also.

Now we talk about the VA system and trying to navigate that clusterfuck which is a topic for another post or two. The Q&A sessions are extremely important to allow the military member to ask questions that may not be covered in the instructional periods. The VA review is where the VA should provide the member with the first steps in the process to file a VA claim.

I feel the luncheon is important as that is several hours to allow the military member and their spouse to freely ask questions to the instructors. This isn’t a luncheon for command and the like to come to, just those that attended the TAPS course from start to finish.