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Leverage your GI Bill
® Using the G.I. Bill® can offer Veterans and their families more opportunities to gain positive economic outcomes.7
Meeting Career Readiness Standards
In the past few months, you might have heard the terms “Military Life Cycle (MLC)
model” and “Career Readiness Standards (CRS)” quite often. But what do these terms
mean and how do they affect your transition to civilian life?
4
‘TAP’ into resources
Transition GPS courses are offered in scheduled classroom settings and online 24/7 on Joint Knowledge Online (JKO).
8
Find a Federal Career
If you’re considering a career through Federal Civil Service, the Federal Government’s Pathways program for students and recent graduates should be on your radar.
12
Start a business
Participating in the Operation Boots to Business program is a great first step toward laying a solid foundation for your small business.
13
For transitioning Service members, many individuals and agencies play a role in supporting their post-military career goals – none more important than Commanders. In each military department and the Coast Guard, Commander guidance and encouragement of the redesigned Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is critical, especially with the implementation of TAP into the Military Life Cycle (MLC) – requiring that Service members begin planning their post-military career goals at the start of their military career.
The redesigned TAP is essentially a Commanders’ program, as they are responsible for ensuring Service members are provided the opportunity to attend the mandatory portions of the Transition GPS curriculum as required by law. At the heart of the TAP redesign are the Career Readiness Standards (CRS). Just as Service members must meet military mission readiness standards while on Active Duty, they must meet CRS before they transition to civilian life. This is the most important role for a Commander or their designee. Commanders are the final checkpoint in verifying Service members have met CRS during a mandatory event called “Capstone” that occurs no later than 90 days before transition. If it is determined during Capstone that a Service member has not met CRS, it is the responsibility of the Commander or their designee to personally connect Service members in a “warm handover” to representatives at Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Labor (DOL), who will ensure that support services are provided.
To the right are suggestions and additional resources to help Commanders or their designees support TAP.
Commanders – How can you support TAP?
• Visit your TAP office and get to know your TAP managers, staff, and counselors on the installation. • Articulate your full support of TAP. Provide guidance to the chain of command that when Servicemembers are attending Transition GPS, that is their place of duty and they should not be pulled out of class unless there is a personal emergency.
• Inform subordinate Commanders about their responsibilities for conducting Capstone. • Request updates from installation TAP staff on command’s VOW compliance data.
• Ensure Reserve Component (RC) Service members are completing all TAP requirements prior to release from Active Duty.
• Stop by your TAP office today for a copy of the commander’s smart card – highlighting your roles and responsibilities and Career Readiness Standards for Service members.
— Source: Transition to Veterans Program Office
Supporting TAP as a Commander
>> Complete pre-separation counseling (DD Form 2648) >> Prepare a DoD standardized 12-month budget
>> Complete a standardized DoD Individual Transition Plan (ITP)
>> Register on eBenefits(www.ebenefits.va.gov) >> Complete Continuum of Military Service counseling
>> Evaluate transferability of military skills to the civilian workforce(complete Military Occupational Code Crosswalk and DoD standardized gap analysis) >> Document requirements and eligibility for licensure,
certification, and apprenticeship(as applicable)
TO MEET CRS, SERVICE MEMBERS MUST:
Career Readiness Standards (CRS)
>> Complete an assessment tool to identify personal interests and leanings regarding career selection
>> Complete a job application package or present a job offer letter
>> Receive a Department of Labor (DOL) Gold Card and demonstrate understanding of post 9/11 Veteran priority American Job Centers
>> Attend VA Benefits I and II Briefings
>> Attend the DOL Employment Workshop
>> Complete Transition GPS Training Tracks(as applicable)
–Accessing Higher Education
–Career Technical Training
–Entrepreneurship
www.DoDTAP.mil >> Encourage transition preparation – ask your Service
members, “What is your transition strategy?”
>> Educate your Service members about Career Readiness Standards (CRS) and the importance of responsible transition planning
>> Ensure your Service members are provided time and access to resources needed to meet CRS
>> Work with your local TAP office to balance mission needs with Service member transition requirements
Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
Transition is a Commander's Responsibility
Transition is a Commander's Responsibility
COMMANDERS' ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
>> Remind your Service members that Capstone is a mandatory activity to ensure they are “career ready” when leaving the military (NLT 90 days prior to separation)
>> Verify your Service members have met CRS during Capstone using the Individual Transition Plan (ITP) Checklist (DD Form 2958)
>> Initiate a “warm handover” between your Service members and relevant partnering agency if your Service members have not met CRS or needs extra assistance
PREPARE TO
I
n the past few months, you
might have heard the terms
“Military Life Cycle (MLC)
model” and “Career Readiness
Standards (CRS)” quite often. But
what do these terms mean and
how do they affect your transition
to civilian life? The MLC model will
be fully implemented across all
military installations by 2015 and
is the last phase of the Transition
Assistance Program (TAP)
redesign. With the implementation
of MLC, Active Duty and Guard/
Reserve members can begin
planning their post-military goals
throughout the entire span of their
military career – not just during
the last few months of military
service.
The MLC model outlines key
points in time or, “touch points,”
to align your military career
with your civilian career goals.
Starting at your first permanent
duty station (Active Duty) or your
first home station/initial drilling
weekends (Reserve), you will
begin completing documents
such as your Individual Transition
Plan (ITP) and financial plans,
and register for eBenefits. A full
listing of key touch points and the
activities associated with each are
outlined below. Through MLC, you
will be able to continuously map
and refine your path to achieve
both military career development
goals and post-military aspirations
for employment, education,
training, and/or small business
ownership.
Completing career/post-military
life preparation activities at each
touch point will assist in meeting
CRS, which is a compilation of all
the documents and activities that
you completed throughout your
military career. The intent of CRS
is to demonstrate that you are
“career ready” prior to transition.
Completion of CRS activities
is mandatory for all Service
members retiring, separating, or
being released after 180 days or
more of Active Duty. Commanders
or their designees verify CRS
completion during a mandatory
event called “Capstone,” no later
than 90 days prior to transition
and ensure you have a viable
ITP. If you are not able to meet
CRS or present a viable ITP, you
will be provided with assistance
through a “warm handover” to the
Department of Labor, Veterans
Affairs, or other partnering agency
to receive additional services and
support following separation from
Active Duty.
— Source: Transition to Veterans
Program Office
To meet CRS, Service members must:
• Prepare a DoD standardized12-month budget;
• Complete a standardized DoD Individual Transition Plan (ITP); • Register on eBenefits (www.
ebenefits.va.gov); • Complete Continuum of
Military Service counseling (active component only); • Evaluate transferability of
military skills to the civilian workforce (complete Military Occupational Code Crosswalk and DoD standardized gap analysis);
• Document requirements and eligibility for licensure, certification, and apprenticeship (as applicable);
• Complete an assessment tool to identify personal interests and leanings regarding career selection
• Complete a job application package or present a job offer letter;
• Receive a Department of Labor (DOL) Gold Card and demonstrate understanding of post 9/11 Veteran priority at DOL American Job Centers; • Complete pre-separation
counseling (using the DD Form 2648/2648-1);
• Attend Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits Briefings I and II;
• Attend the DOL Employment Workshop (unless exempt); • Complete Transition GPS
Training Tracks for Accessing Higher Education, Career Technical Training, and/ or Entrepreneurship (as applicable).
1st Permanent Duty Station (Active); 1st Home
Station/Initial Drilling Weekends (Reserve)
Develop IDP
Complete Financial Planning (e.g., budget)
Register at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) eBenefits (www.ebenefits.va.gov)
Complete (aptitudes, interests, strengths, and/or skills) assessment Update IDP
Adjust Financial Planning documentation (e.g., budget) Review Military Occupational Code (MOC) alignment to civilian occupations
Update IDP
Adjust Financial Planning documentation (e.g., budget) Review MOC alignment
Complete all applicable CRS requirements
Adjust Financial Planning documentation (e.g., budget) Confirm eBenefits registration
Update IDP
Adjust Financial Planning documentation (e.g., budget) Adjust Financial Planning documentation (e.g., budget) Update eBenefits
Review/update (aptitudes, interests, strengths, and/or skills) assessment Complete pre-separation counseling to plan/prepare for transition Develop an ITP (based on IDP) to determine how to achieve career goals Attend required Transition GPS courses and complete all activities to meet CRS
Participate in Capstone to verify CRS completion
Re-enlistment Promotion Deployment and Redeployment/ Mobilization and Demobilization / Deactivation Change of Duty Station
Major Life Events Separation, Retirement,
or Release from Active Duty
MLC touch points and
standardized activities
Standardized activities occur at key touch points throughout a Service member’s career. The following list is an example of some of the activities that may occur during each phase that vary slightly for each Service.By Zan Glover, Army Transition Strategic Communications The Army continues to re-engineer the Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP), recently renamed the Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP). The Transition Soldier Life Cycle (SLC) is now the catalyst for ensuring Soldiers are well prepared to transition from active duty and connect to meaningful employment and education opportunities after their military careers.
The Transition SLC is the Army’s enduring transition program.
The goals of the Transition Soldier Life Cycle (SLC) are:
• Teach Soldiers to be Soldiers first • Retain quality Soldiers in the force and
support the all volunteer force • Develop career readiness skills while
introducing the Soldier to many Army benefits
• Prepare leaders to mentor Soldiers to achieve career readiness standards prior
to transition from active duty. These goals support the Army Chief of Staff’s vision to promote lifelong learning, development and transition throughout Soldiers’ careers. Effective October 1, 2014, Soldiers will complete Transition SLC requirements at various touch points in their careers. Touch points include the Initial Phase (first year of service), the Service Phase (1-20 years of service), and the Transition Phase (12-18 months prior to transition).
Transition SLC is incorporated into the
Soldier for Life cycle (Start Strong, Serve Strong, Reintegrate Strong, and Remain Strong) and capitalizes on a Soldier’s training and professional development. It also leverages transition assistance program offerings in order to prepare Soldiers to serve the nation in uniform and be productive citizens after their military service. Through military career development opportunities and the SFL-TAP, Soldiers will master the military skills required for a successful Army career, while also developing key career readiness
products. Their military experience and continual preparation will facilitate their successful transitions from active duty, whenever that time occurs.
SFL-TAP helps prepare a Soldier for success after active duty by providing nearly 700 counselors and staff world-wide at 71 locations and a 24/7 Virtual Center. Retired Soldiers are also eligible to use the SFL-TAP. For more information on Army Transition visit www.acap.army.mil.
Army expands transition program to the beginning of Soldiers’ careers
Down on the Farm
“The Army mechanic repairs and maintains farm field equipment. His skills combined with ACAP preparation for the interviewer’s questions “Sure Helped!”
– Clearview Farms Job Fair Success
“Good preparation at ACAP prior to attending a job fair led to the direct sales job handling transaction for cable and internet services in Twin Cities, Minnesota.”
– Time Warner-AOL, Inc. Sales-BIG $$$
“As a former 92G I transitioned through ACAP where I was able to put into words the many different aspects to my job. Now I am a salary plus commission salesperson for a very large food service sales company. BIG $$$$$$”
– CD-Hartnett Success with ACAP
“I went to an interview at the Fort Polk ACAP Center for the automation specialist position and was hired. I can credit my success to the 3 day workshop, and my TAP workbook. I wrote my resume by following what the book showed me, and I dressed according to what I learned in the workshop. Thank You ACAP!”
– Resource Consultants, Inc. Producing on the Line
“The job fair helped. Having a great resume helped. Being able to look-up information about the company at ACAP helped.”
- Cessna The First Step
“It’s simple, I took the first step by visiting the Fort Myer ACAP Center. I joined in the ACAP process and started networking, all of which led to a job prior to leaving the service.”
- BRTRC
Learned It All at ACAP
“The TAP/ACAP course aided me in finding the right job. I learned how to work my resume, replacing military jargon with civilian language. I learned “the tricks of the trade” such as researching companies and positions. I learned negotiating skills and the ACAP counselor taught me about interviewing. ACAP courses are a must do!”
- BAE Systems, Inc.
Finding success through Soldier for Life - Transition
Assistance Program (formerly known as ACAP)
By Heather J. Hagan, Public Affairs Officer, Marine & Family Programs, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps
Marine Corps Credentialing Opportunity On-line (COOL) is the newest awareness and information resource capability that assists Active and Reserve Marines in learning about certifications and licenses related to their Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs). Marine Corps COOL, launched on Oct. 1, 2014, translates Marine Corps knowledge and training into civilian credentialing opportunities and links to education resources, transition readiness, and general career and professional development (such as the United Service Military Apprenticeship Program). The United Service Military Apprenticeship Program provides a tool to document skills acquired while on active duty in the Marine Corps which lead to civilian recognitions and journeyman status in a trade or skill. In addition, it positively
impacts readiness by providing an opportunity to improve personal and professional performance and encourage continuing educational advancement for Marines whose abilities and interests are in trade skills.
Marine Corps COOL was developed in coordination with the Department of the Navy credentialing efforts and explains how Marines can meet civilian certification and license requirements. “Credentials are a particularly important consideration for Marines transitioning from active service because they are recognized and valued indicators that our Marines have the knowledge and skills civilian employers need” said Col Lee Ackiss of Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Marine and Family Programs Division.
Most certifications and licenses have fees associated with them that are charged by the credentialing board or agency. The most common are application fees, exam fees, and renewal fees. Eligible Marines can use the Montgomery G.I. Bill® to pay for testing fees for approved civilian occupational licensing and certification exams. Marines with questions about this credentialing information resource capability should consult their installation education service officer or contact the Marine Corps COOL Program through the website www.cool.
navy.mil/usmc.
As of October 1, 2014, as written in Section 542 of the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act, an on-line credentialing opportunities capability now exists for each of the Services. The Marine Corps and the Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-line (COOL) have a unique shared entry portal in the Department of the Navy’s COOL. While perspectives and approaches may vary with Service cultures, the translation of military knowledge and training into credentialing opportunities in support of Marines,
Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen is a shared and ongoing all Services commitment. Marine Corps COOL is an embodiment of the Marine Corps’ continuing dedication to serve our Marines while on active duty and as future Veteran Marines pursuing civilian careers in our “return of quality citizens to our communities.”
For more information access the Marine Corps Administrative Message (MARADMIN) 518/14 titled Announcement of Marine Corps Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL).
COOL is a web-based resource for:
• Marines who want to know what civilian credentials relate to their MOS
and how to obtain them.
• Marines who want to distinguish themselves through growth in their
occupational field or enhance their transition readiness.
• Education, Career and Transition advisors providing guidance on
education, personal and professional
development, and career requirements
and opportunities.
• Marine Corps recruiters who want to show
potential recruits the opportunities for
professional growth and civilian career
preparation available through military
service.
• Employers and credentialing boards
interested in how military training and
experience prepares Marines for civilian
credentials and jobs.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing resources that allow Veterans,
transitioning Service members and their families to attain meaningful civilian careers. VA, along with
its partners across the public and private sector, works to ensure that America takes notice of the
tremendous skill and value that Veterans bring to organizations of all kinds. Using the G.I. Bill® can offer
Veterans and their families more opportunities to gain positive economic outcomes. While the G.I. Bill®
is more flexible than ever, not all Veterans are taking advantage of this benefit.
T
oday’s G.I. Bill® offers a robust variety of education and training benefits for Veterans leading to a meaningful civilian career — for example, beneficiaries may want to attend a community college, train in a vocational field, try on-the-job training (OJT) or begin an apprenticeship.VA offers two ways to explore opportunities through education or employment: the G.I. Bill® Comparison Tool (www.benefits. va.gov/gibill/comparison) and the Veterans Employment Center (www. ebenefits.va.gov/jobs).
G.I. Bill® Comparison Tool
In August, VA released an updated version of the G.I. Bill® Comparison Tool. This new version prepopulates the tuition and fees from the Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and provides prospective students with a personalized estimate of Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® tuition and fees, housing and book stipend payments. Also available are each school’s graduation rate, student loan default rate, and participation in Yellow Ribbon and the President’s “Principles of Excellence” (www. benefits.va.gov/gibill/principles_ of_excellence.asp). The Comparison Tool isn’t just for learning about traditional four-year schools; you can also use it to explore OJT and apprenticeship programs. The Comparison Tool includes
information for more than 30,000 approved programs, including OJT and Apprenticeships. If the education program is in the Comparison Tool, it’s approved for the G.I. Bill®.
For example, if you want to become a police officer, try searching “police” in the Comparison Tool. Doing so provides a myriad of options. You can do the same for firefighting (search: fire), plumbing apprenticeships (search: plumber), and electrical apprenticeships (search: electric). After you select a program, the Comparison Tool will provide an estimated amount of benefits you’ll receive using the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®.
Veterans Employment Center
A key resource to support successful employment is the Veterans Employment Center (VEC) on eBenefits. In April 2014, Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden announced the VEC as the first government-wide product providing job seekers the tools to translate military skills into plain language and build a profile that can be shared instantly with public and private employers offering internships, OJT, apprenticeships and job opportunities. Currently, there are more than 1.7 million jobs listed on the VEC, and hundreds of employers have made commitments to fill more than 170,000 positions throughout the country with Veterans, transitioning Service members, Guard and Reserve
members, and their families. Instructions for utilizing the VEC will become a standard part of the Transition Assistance Program curriculum this fall, so transitioning Service members will learn how to navigate these resources to plan
early for their civilian career. Every day VA is pursuing new partnerships to provide unique training opportunities. In August, President Barack Obama announced a partnership between VA,
Blackstone, Hilton Worldwide and Kendall College in Chicago, who have launched the first-of-its-kind hospitality education program designed to help Veterans and their spouses receive the experience and knowledge that can lead to a meaningful career in hospitality management. This program offers enrollment in courses at Kendall College’s School of Hospitality Management, the cost of which can be covered by G.I. Bill® benefits, and a six-month internship at a Hilton Worldwide property. For more information, visit Kendall College at hospitality.kendall.edu/academics/ kendall-hilton-hospitality-educational-program.
Where to start and find help
The best place to learn about the G.I. Bill® is VA’s home for all information related to the G.I. Bill® at www. benefits.va.gov/gibill. To receive benefits, you must have a Certificate of Eligibility from VA.
Some members of the Armed Forces may be eligible to transfer Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® entitlement to a spouse or a child. You can apply for education
benefits or transfer your entitlement by starting at www.ebenefits.va.gov. You may also find valuable benefits from guided career research or want to explore your job interests. VA provides the interest and aptitude assessment tool known as CareerScope to help you along the way. With CareerScope, discover careers that may be right for you and the courses or training programs you should focus on to pursue those careers. VA offers CareerScope at no cost to Veterans, Service members and their families at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/ careerscope.asp.
If you need help applying or have questions about the G.I. Bill®, you can speak with a customer service representative at 1-888-GIBILL-1 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Central time Monday through Friday. Visit the G.I. Bill® website and click on “Ask a Question” to send a secure inquiry.
Be sure to join the G.I. Bill® community on Facebook at www. facebook.com/gibilleducation, where VA posts breaking announcements and featured stories, and answers general benefits questions daily. — Source: Information supplied by the Department of Veterans Affairs
G.I. Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The absence of the registration symbol ® does not constitute a waiver of VA’s
trademark rights in that phrase.
By Nancy Russell, Joint Knowledge Online Communications
I
t’s never too early to be thinking about what’s next. In fact, a principle goal of the redesigned TAP is to embed Transition GPS (Goals, Plans, Success) throughout the Military Life Cycle (MLC) model, thereby promoting earlier transition consideration as opposed to waiting to the end of your military career to begin thinking about what’s next. Whether you’re 180 days out from separation, just embarking on your military career or starting to think about where you want to go next, TAP offers practical training and resources for translating your military training and skills to positions in the civilian workforce, learning about benefits you may want to leverage, building a budget, and developing a job application packet (complete with resume and personal and professional references). Redesigned last year, TAP now requires pre-separation counseling, development of a individual transition plan, and verification that career readiness standards are met before a Service member is discharged. The new Transition GPS curriculum provides the framework to meet these requirements with comprehensive training and support to make informed decisions and demonstrate career-readiness for civilian life.Transition GPS courses are offered in scheduled classroom settings and online 24/7 on Joint Knowledge Online (JKO). The Transition GPS Virtual Curriculum on JKO mirrors the classroom curriculum with 10 modules of Web-based courses, complete with tools and templates. The online courses cover key issues and considerations for transition planning, financial planning, translating military experience and skills to the civilian sector, Veterans Affairs benefits briefings, Department of Labor employment workshop, and development of an Individual Transition Plan. Optional training tracks are available depending on particular interest; accessing higher education, technical training or starting a business. The Virtual Curriculum, launched on JKO in October 2013, has proven highly popular with 152,726 course completions by 45,141 Service members (as of 30 Sept 2014). Two of the Transition GPS courses rank consistently in the Top 10 of JKO Weekly course completions, Personal Financial Planning for Transition and Transition Overview – Resilient Transitions.
The TAP redesign also encourages Service members to think sooner, rather than later, about their return to civilian life. Phase 2 of the new TAP begins in fiscal year 2015 and focuses on integrating transition planning
across the military career. The Military Life Cycle (MLC) Transition Model incorporates transition considerations throughout service to align a military career with civilian goals. Following this model, active duty and Reserve personnel take responsibility for advancing personal goals and engage throughout their military careers in mapping and refining their individual development plan to achieve military goals and post-military goals. This enables transition to occur as a well-planned, organized process of
informed decisions for employment, education, technical training or starting a business. So, how do you “TAP” into transition resources throughout your service to integrate this planning? The Transition GPS Virtual Curriculum on JKO provides persistent access on demand. The online availability of the virtual curriculum allows Service members to plan, update and align their military career goals with civilian career goals — anytime, anywhere. The virtual
curriculum does not replace schoolhouse transition assistance training, but it is unique in providing perpetual, 24/7 access to training courses, tools and resources for integrated planning. It also provides the opportunity to return and reuse support resources over and over to update career planning and individual transition plans. The table here shows the types of tools and resources included with the transition training courses on JKO.
‘TAP’ into resources
throughout your
Military Life Cycle
Find the Transition GPS Virtual
Curriculum on JKO at
jkodirect.jten.mil
• Individual Transition Plan with Instructions • Individual Transition Plan Checklist DD2958 • Sample VMET DD2586
• Multiple links for all Services and Service-specific resource sites • VMET DD Form 2586
• Crosswalk Process Step-by-Step Job Aid
• MOC Gap Analysis Form Worksheet (including Parts A & B) • Sample Gap Analysis Form Worksheet for EMT
• Links for Military Transcripts, Employment Statistics, Certifications, O*NET Family of sites, and Job Seekers sites
• Compensation Comparison Handout PFPW.pdf • Financial Planning Workbook.xls
• Personal Financial Planning for Transition.pdf • FPW Checklist Handout PFPW.pdf
• Fundamentals of Financial Resources.pdf
• Key Dimensions and Processes in the U.S. Credit Reporting System.pdf • Participants Guide on Personal Finance for Transition.pdf
• Sources of Help for Military Consumers.pdf • Retirement Savings Comparison Chart.pdf • Monthly Spending Log.pdf
• Financial Website Resources.pdf
• Financial Planning for Transition Participant Guide.pdf • Multiple links for financial resource sites
• U.S. Department of Labor Employment Workshop Participant Guide • Multiple links for employment resources sites
• Category Rating Fact Sheet
• Federal Employment Resource Websites • Military Spouse Preference Program Fact Sheet • Federal Resume Writing Handout
• SF – 15
• Pathways (Select “Federal Jobs by College Major”) • Federal Qualification Standards
• VA Benefits Reference Guide
• Plan, Action, Timeline (PAT) Development Tool • Multiple links for benefit resources sites • VA Benefits Reference Guide
• Plan, Action, Timeline (PAT) Development Tool • Multiple links for benefit resources sites
• Introducing the VA Career Technical Training Track and Defining Technical Training • Using On-Line Tools to Identify Your Skills and Opportunities
• Exploring Your Technical Training Program Options • Discovering Technical Career Credentialing • Recognizing Your Transition Benefits • Examining Your Individual Transition Plan
• Career Path – Technical Training – ITP Block 4 Technical • Benefit Comparison Chart
• Executive Order 13607
• Graduate Application for Admission Checklist • Reference Guide
• Time to Choose Research Questions and College Comparison Chart • ACE Transfer Guide
• Undergraduate Application for Admission Checklist • Choosing a College – 8 Questions to Ask
• GI Bill Addendum Sheet • Financial Shopping Sheet • College Comparison Chart
• The Principles of Excellence Infographic • Feasibility Analysis Tool
• The Nuts and Bolts of Great Business Plans • Entrepreneur Track Reference Guide TGPS – US001 Transition Overview –
Resilient Transitions
TGPS – US002 MOC Crosswalk
TGPS – US003
Personal Financial Planning
TGPS – US004 Department of Labor Employment Workshop
TGPS – US005
Federal Employment Resources
TGPS – US006 VA Benefits I Resources TGPS – US007 VA Benefits II Resources TGPS – US008
Career Technical Training Track
TGPS – US009
Accessing Higher Education
TGPS – US010 Entrepreneur Track
• Individual Transition Plan with Instructions • Individual Transition Plan Checklist DD2958 • Sample VMET DD2586
• Multiple links for all Services and Service-specific resource sites • VMET DD Form 2586
• Crosswalk Process Step-by-Step Job Aid
• MOC Gap Analysis Form Worksheet (including Parts A & B) • Sample Gap Analysis Form Worksheet for EMT
• Links for Military Transcripts, Employment Statistics, Certifications, O*NET Family of sites, and Job Seekers sites
• Compensation Comparison Handout PFPW.pdf • Financial Planning Workbook.xls
• Personal Financial Planning for Transition.pdf • FPW Checklist Handout PFPW.pdf
• Fundamentals of Financial Resources.pdf
• Key Dimensions and Processes in the U.S. Credit Reporting System.pdf • Participants Guide on Personal Finance for Transition.pdf
• Sources of Help for Military Consumers.pdf • Retirement Savings Comparison Chart.pdf • Monthly Spending Log.pdf
• Financial Website Resources.pdf
• Financial Planning for Transition Participant Guide.pdf • Multiple links for financial resource sites
• U.S. Department of Labor Employment Workshop Participant Guide • Multiple links for employment resources sites
• Category Rating Fact Sheet
• Federal Employment Resource Websites • Military Spouse Preference Program Fact Sheet • Federal Resume Writing Handout
• SF – 15
• Pathways (Select “Federal Jobs by College Major”) • Federal Qualification Standards
• VA Benefits Reference Guide
• Plan, Action, Timeline (PAT) Development Tool • Multiple links for benefit resources sites • VA Benefits Reference Guide
• Plan, Action, Timeline (PAT) Development Tool • Multiple links for benefit resources sites
• Introducing the VA Career Technical Training Track and Defining Technical Training • Using On-Line Tools to Identify Your Skills and Opportunities
• Exploring Your Technical Training Program Options • Discovering Technical Career Credentialing • Recognizing Your Transition Benefits • Examining Your Individual Transition Plan
• Career Path – Technical Training – ITP Block 4 Technical • Benefit Comparison Chart
• Executive Order 13607
• Graduate Application for Admission Checklist • Reference Guide
• Time to Choose Research Questions and College Comparison Chart • ACE Transfer Guide
• Undergraduate Application for Admission Checklist • Choosing a College – 8 Questions to Ask
• GI Bill Addendum Sheet • Financial Shopping Sheet • College Comparison Chart
• The Principles of Excellence Infographic • Feasibility Analysis Tool
• The Nuts and Bolts of Great Business Plans • Entrepreneur Track Reference Guide
The Transition Assistance Program’s
(www.dodtap.mil/transition_gps.html) Accessing Higher
Education track will lead you through the steps and provide a wealth of resources to help you make
an informed decision.
While getting a college degree will help you achieve your career goals and get a better-paying job, it is a big investment in time and effort. There will also be some financial costs associated with applying to college. Take the time to research your options thoroughly. It’s important to start by identifying your career goals. The U.S. Department of Labor’s career search tool (www.mynextmove.org/) and the VA’s CareerScope (www. benefits.va.gov/gibill/careerscope. asp) will help you match your skills and interests with potential careers. Knowing the kinds of programs you want to pursue will help narrow the possible choices. Personal factors like location, family needs, and finances can be equally important. The U.S. Department of Education’s college search tool, College Navigator (nces. ed.gov/collegenavigator/), provides detailed information describing each institution and will help you find colleges and career schools that may fit your needs.
Evaluate the characteristics of each college, paying attention to the factors that are most important for you. Each college or university has its own culture, and it’s in your best interest to explore various college environments to determine the best fit. Factors to consider include the size of the student body, athletics programs, student activities and support groups, institutional mission, reputation, location, student-to-instructor ratio, instructional delivery method (in-class, online, or blended),
and support for student Veterans. Here are some questions to ask when looking for a school that supports Service members and Veterans: • Has the institution signed on to the
Principles of Excellence and made a commitment to implement the 8 Keys to Veterans’ Success (www. ed.gov/Veterans-and-military-families/8-keys-success-sites)? • What Veteran services are
provided? Does the institution participate in the VA’s VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program, which helps student Veterans and their qualified dependents succeed by coordinating delivery of on-campus benefits assistance and counseling (www.ebenefits.va.gov/ ebenefits/vsoc-fact-sheet)? • Does the institution accept credit
for military experience? • Does the institution provide a
residency exemption to Veterans for in-state tuition, and/or participate in the Yellow Ribbon program?
College affordability and value are important factors to consider as well. You may be able to get training of equal quality for a lower cost by considering these factors. The GI Bill® Comparison Tool (benefits. va.gov/gibill/comparison) provides helpful information to enable you to calculate your benefits, research approved programs, and compare basic school indicators.
In addition to your GI Bill® benefits, consider submitting a Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) (studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa). Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and quick, and gives you access to additional funding to pay for college. Compare the details of the financial aid package
available for you at different schools, and determine the right amount of student loan debt to take on. You can reduce your cost of attending college through planning and perseverance. The federal government and nonprofit organizations offer money for college to Service members and Veterans (studentaid.ed.gov/types/ grants-scholarships/military). You can also start at a less expensive school or community college before transferring to a four-year college (make sure the four-year school you are interested in accepts course credits from the community college or other institution you are attending). Consider in-state versus out-of-state schools to save tuition costs. Consider a private loan with caution, taking into account all Federal loans, grants, work-study, and
grant aid from other institutional, state or private sources. Private loans can be aggressively marketed to students through TV ads, mailings, and other media, and are almost always more expensive than Federal student loans. They have higher interest rates that may substantially increase the total amount you repay. Be sure to compare interest rates, repayment terms, and other factors to be sure you’re making wise decisions for your future. Be an informed consumer and avoid scams. The Federal Trade Commission has developed Eight Questions to Ask When Choosing a College After Military Service (www.consumer.ftc. gov/articles/0395-choosing-college) to help you avoid pitfalls as you pick the college that’s right for you. — Source: U.S. Department of Education
Transition GPS Accessing Higher Education track is your first step toward picking the right school for you. This track focuses on topics such as how to achieve academic success, how to research and compare institutions, and how to finance higher education. After completing the Accessing Higher Education Track, Service members will be prepared to complete an application to an accredited institution, schedule a session with a counselor at an academic institution, or meet individually with education counselors, as needed. Since this track is optional and not a part of the Transition GPS core curriculum, be sure to contact your local Transition Assistance Program office to register.
T
housands of Service members being deactivated and separated from the military each year are planning to use their educational benefits after their military service. You may be one of them. If you are and you’ve also considered continuing your Service to America through the Federal Civil Service, the Federal Government’s Pathways program for students and recent graduates should be on your radar.The Pathways Programs offer clear paths to Federal internships for students from high school through post-graduate school and to careers for recent graduates, and provide meaningful training and career devel-opment opportunities for individu-als who are at the beginning of their Federal service. As a student or recent graduate, you can begin your career in the Federal government by choosing the path that best describes you and where you are in your academics.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
This program is for current students enrolled in a wide variety of educa-tional institutions from high school to graduate level, with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Fed-eral careers while still in school.
Program Details
• Administered by each hiring agency. • Agencies may hire Interns on a
temporary basis for up to one year for an initial period, or for an indefinite period, to complete the educational requirement.
• Interns may work either part- or full-time.
• Each agency must sign a Participant Agreement with the Intern that sets forth the expectations for the internship.
• Intern’s job will be related to their academic career goals or field of study.
After Program Completion
Interns may be converted to a perma-nent position (or, in some limited cir-cumstances, to a term position lasting 1-4 years) within 120 days of successful
completion of the program.
RECENT GRADUATES PROGRAM
This program is for individuals who have recently graduated from qualify-ing educational institutions or pro-grams and seek a dynamic, career de-velopment program with training and mentorship. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (except for Veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who will have up to six years to apply).
Program Details
• Orientation for Recent Graduates hired for the program.
• Mentorship throughout the program.
• Individual Development Plan to create and track Recent Graduates’ career planning, professional development, and training activities. • At least 40 hours of formal,
interactive training each year of the program.
• Positions offer opportunity for career advancement
After Program Completion
Recent Graduates may be converted to a permanent position (or, in some limited circumstances, a term appoint-ment lasting 1-4 years).
For complete program information on both the Student Intern and Recent Graduates Programs, please visit: www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/ hiring-authorities/students-recent-graduates/#url=graduates
PRESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWS PROGRAM
For more than three decades, the PMF Program has been the Federal govern-ment’s premier leadership develop-ment program for advanced degree candidates. This program is now
for individuals who have received a qualifying advanced degree within the preceding two years.
You will give the best you have to give to a cause greater than yourself. You will bring fresh, new ideas and a willingness to take on challenges never dreamed possible. As part of the PMF “fraternal order,” you will portray your elite status through the quality of your work and service to your country. You will need to demonstrate leadership, foster teamwork, set goals and, in the end, deliver something of value to the American people.
In addition to salary and benefits, the PMF Program gives you a lot in return for your hard work. Your two-year ap-pointment will provide a fast-paced
opportunity to gain experience and develop your talents. You will be chal-lenged with opportunities to flourish into a problem solver, strategic thinker and future leader.
While serving as a PMF, you will re-ceive:
• 160 hours of interactive training (on leadership, management, policy and other topics)
• Challenging work assignments • Feedback on your work • At least one 4 to 6 month
developmental assignment For complete program information, visit: www.pmf.gov.
These programs are excellent avenues
to Federal careers and can provide Veterans, transitioning Service mem-bers, and family members a smooth transition into Federal career positions for some of the Government’s most important and critical occupations. Job announcements for student and recent graduate programs appear regularly on the USAJOBS website where a keyword search for “Student” or “Recent Graduate” will pull up op-portunities. These positions are also frequently highlighted on the Feds Hire Vets Facebook and Twitter sites. Veterans are highly encouraged to visit these sites on a regular basis.
— Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management
We offer:
*
Military support on campus
*
Caring and dedicated advisors
*
Student tuition assistance
*
Special policies for deployments
*
Online classes
Choose
Iowa Western
[email protected] / 800.432.5852 / 2700 College Road, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Choosing a college is a big decision.
At Iowa Western, we go out of our way
to help military students
make the right choice
for their future.
Check out our
AVIATION MAINTENANCE PROGRAM!
iwcc.edu
D
id you know that more than 2.45 million U.S. businesses
are owned by Veterans? These businesses contribute to the
U.S. economy in a significant way. More than five million
Americans can say they work for a company that’s owned by a
Veteran.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is focused on making sure
Veterans have the tools to start successful small businesses that
contribute to the long-term economic growth of their communities.
Within the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program,
the SBA offers the Operation Boots to Business entrepreneurial
education program. The free, two-day training course is available
to transitioning Service members and their dependents who are
pursuing small business ownership.
Participating in the Operation Boots to Business program is a great
first step toward laying a solid foundation for your small business.
Visit the Operation Boots to Business site on SBA’s Office of Veterans
Business Development website for more information.
10 steps to starting a Veteran-owned business
STARTUP RESOURCES
SBA’s resource partners are ready to assist Veterans, providing technical support and counseling to those starting a business.
SBA has resource partners in 1,500 locations across the U.S., Guam, and Puerto Rico ready to help Veterans who want to start their own business by providing training and support on everything from gaining access to capital, to developing marketing plans to promote the company.
VETERANS BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTER
Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) provide entrepreneurial development services such as business training, support, mentoring, and referrals for eligible Veterans who already own or are considering starting a small business. For more information, visit: www.sba.gov/content/Veterans-business-outreach-centers.
WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTERS
Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) are designed to assist women start and grow small businesses. WBCs operate with the mission to “level the playing field” for women entrepreneurs, who still face unique obstacles in the world of business. WBCs offer comprehensive training and guidance on a variety of topics in many languages to help them start and grow their own businesses. For information on how to find a WBC near you, visit: www.sba.gov/ tools/local-assistance/wbc.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide a vast array of technical assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. SBDCs foster local and regional economic development through job creation and retention. SBDC clients receive free, extensive, one-on-one, long-term professional business advising, low-cost training and other specialized services. For more information, visit: www.sba.gov/content/small-business-development-centers-sbdcs.
SCORE: COUNSELORS TO AMERICA’S SMALL BUSINESS
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow, and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Volunteer business counselors, advisors, and mentors provide free, confidential business counseling, free business tools, and inexpensive or free business workshops to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. For more information visit:
www.score.org.
SBA DISTRICT OFFICES
SBA District offices offer one-on-one and group programs on a wide variety of business topics for aspiring and existing small business owners, as well as connections and referral to lenders. Ask to speak to a Veterans Business
Development Officer (VBDO) or a staff member who is available to help you start, manage and grow a successful small business. To find a local SBA disaster office, visit: www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/districtoffices.
—Sources: The Small Business Administration
Write a Business Plan - Use these tools and resources to create a business plan. This written guide will help you map out how you will start and run your business successfully. This information can be found on the SBA home page under the Starting & Managing Tab.
Get Business Assistance and Training - Take advantage of free training and counseling services, from preparing a business plan and securing financing, to expanding or relocating a business. This information can be found on the SBA home page under the Learning Center tab.
Choose a Business Location - Get advice on how to select a customer-friendly location and comply with zoning laws. This information can be found on the SBA home page under Starting & Managing tab.
Finance Your Business - Find government backed loans, venture capital and research grants to help you get started. This information can be found under the SBA home page under the Loans & Grants tab.
Determine the Legal Structure of Your Business -Decide which form of ownership is best for you: sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, S corporation, nonprofit or cooperative. This information can be found on the SBA home page under the Starting & Managing tab.
Register a Business Name (“Doing Business As”) - Register your business name with your state government. This information can be found on the SBA home page under the Starting and Managing tab.
Get a Tax Identification Number - Learn which tax identification number you’ll need to obtain from the IRS and your state revenue agency. This information can be found on the SBA home page under the Starting and Managing tab.
Register for State and Local Taxes - Register with your state to obtain a tax identification number, workers’ compensation, unemployment and disability insurance. This information can be found on the SBA home page under the Starting and Managing tab.
Obtain Business Licenses and Permits - Get a list of federal, state and local licenses and permits required for your business. This information can be found on the SBA home page under the Starting and Managing tab.
There are many resources available on the SBA’s web site, www.sba.gov.
Be sure to check out these e action items to follow on the path to starting your small business.
Understand Employer Responsibilities - Learn the legal steps you need to take to hire employees. This information can be found on the SBA home page under the Starting and Managing tab.
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At Bellevue University, we’ve got you covered.
Founded by military, for military, we have been helping service members transition to civilian life for over 40 years. We were built to serve you — and as a top military and Veteran-friendly university, our commitment is stronger than ever.
Affordability: Select undergraduate degrees start at
$250/credit hour, so your education benefits go further. Acceleration: With generous credit transfer, classes that start every month, and six-week courses, you can get started immediately and finish quickly.
Flexibility: Our accommodating faculty and advisors are here to serve you. They’ll help you stay on track despite unexpected interruptions.
Quality: With accredited degrees designed with industry experts, you’ll learn the knowledge and skills you need to transition.
Experience: Our world-class Military-Veteran Service Center will support you with transition and career counseling, and Veteran mentoring.
A non-profit university, Bellevue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools • www.ncahlc.org • 800-621-7440 • Bellevue University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disabilityin the educational programs and activities it operates. Bellevue University, 1000 Galvin Road South, Bellevue, Nebraska 68005. 3905-0314
APPLY TODAY AT
BELLEVUE.EDU/military
1.866.676.3614
BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY PROVIDES:WHAT’S YOUR
TRANSITION
STRATEGY?
You don’t have to figure it out on your own.
All fees waived for active duty military* —
THERE’S NO REASON TO WAIT!
Choose the university that understands where you’re coming from
and will help you transition to where you want to go.
20
10
*U.S. News & World Report, 2014
*Active duty members of the United States Military, National Guard, Reserve and Coast Guard who declare BS in Leadership, Management, Criminal Justice, Investigations, or IT Operations Management majors are eligible to have all general fees waived and for a tuition rate of $250.00 per credit hour for all courses in their Undergraduate Degree.
T
he outlook for Service members transitioning to the civilian workforce has brightened significantly this year. Our nation’s economic recovery is accelerating; since January 2014, the U.S. has seen the most robust private-sector job growth since 1998. Overall, the country has experienced 55 consecutive months of private-sector job creation, with a total of 10.3 million new jobs. In September, the overall unemployment rate fell to 5.9 percent, its lowest level since July 2008.The U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) is encouraged by the resilience of the economy and by the strength of the nation to keep climbing and creating new opportunities for workers. VETS is equally committed to using every tool available to honor Veterans’ sacrifices by helping them succeed in meaningful careers. Businesses that hire Veterans thrive on their leadership, their discipline, and their technical skill; these businesses can do much
to keep our momentum going and moving America forward.
Transitioning Service members will first encounter the Labor Department and its employment resources in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), which provides the critical resources, expertise, and
necessary training to locate and obtain meaningful employment. An updated Labor Department employment workshop through TAP, Transition GPS (Goals, Plans, Success), has put increased emphasis on networking and effectively communicating to employers the value proposition of hiring Veterans. It is specifically geared toward the mechanics of getting a good job and includes exploring career interests, searching the labor market, building resumes, preparing for interviews and negotiating a job offer.
Once they have returned to civilian life, Veterans can continue to use a battery of tools available from the department to begin a career. With President Barack Obama’s emphasis on providing more streamlined training for in-demand careers, there are more ways than ever to gain the skills needed for the jobs of the 21st century.
My Next Move for Veterans
(www.mynextmove.org/vets/) is another online resource that allows Veterans to enter their military occupation code and discover civilian occupations for which they are well qualified. The site provides typical tasks, skills, salary information, and job listings for more than 900 different careers. Veterans can find careers through keyword search; by browsing industries that employ different types of workers; or by discovering civilian careers that are similar to their job in the military. Veterans can also take advantage of the O*NET Interest Profiler, a tool that offers personalized career suggestions based on a person’s interests and level of work experience.
Post-9/11 Veterans also can download the Gold Card (www. dol.gov/vets/goldcard.html), which entitles them to intensive services — including six months of personalized monthly follow-up, assessments and counseling at American Job Centers (www. jobcenter.usa.gov) across the country.
Veterans receive priority of service at American Job Centers. Specialists
conduct outreach to local employers to find job openings and prepare Veterans for success through a range of services that include:
• Job readiness assessment, including interviews and testing; • Development of an Individual Development Plan (IDP); • Career guidance through group or individual counseling that
helps Veterans in making training and career decisions; • Labor market, occupational, and skills transferability
information that inform educational, training, and occupational decisions;
• Referral to job banks, job portals, and job openings;
• Referral to employers and registered apprenticeship sponsors; • Referral to training by Workforce Investment Act-funded or
third-party service providers; and
• Monthly follow-up by an assigned case manager for up to six months.
In addition, Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden this year announced the creation of the Veterans Employment Center (VEC), which connects transitioning Service members, Veterans and their families to meaningful career opportunities. The VEC brings together public and private employers with real job opportunities and provides the tools to translate their military skills into plain language and build a profile that can be shared with businesses that have made a public commitment to hire Veterans. For more information, see www.ebenefits.va.gov/ ebenefits/jobs.
There is no doubt that Veterans strengthen our workforce and help our businesses succeed. As Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez has said, the best way to honor a Veteran is to hire one. The Labor Department is working every day to connect Veterans to those opportunities — and to set them on a path to lifelong success.
Take hold of your
future with Veterans
Employment Services
By Keith Kelly, Assistant Secretary Of Labor, Veterans’ Employment And Training Service, U.S.
