ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Until recently, Reserve Citizen Airmen were required to complete the Transition Assistance Program with every new 180 day set of military orders. With new reforms enacted by Congress, Reservists are no longer required to attend TAP with every 180 day set of orders, according to the policy.
The policy ensures all Reserve members will complete the TAP mandates after serving their first 180 continuous days or more on active duty but they will not be required to attend all of the mandates for every 180 days on orders after that.
Reservists can voluntarily attend TAP workshops and briefings while on additional orders as the program provides a wide array of information on topics including, VA benefits, educational benefits, employment assistance and retirement planning.
“TAP has a wealth of beneficial information for our Reservists,” Mandie Holovach, Air Force Reserve Command Airman and Family Readiness program specialist, said. “The new policy will ensure members receive the valuable information presented in a timely and beneficial way.”
The updated policy also states that if a Reserve member is TAP eligible at their final separation or retirement, they will be required to attend the VA benefits briefing, if they have not attended within the past five years, to ensure they are aware of all VA benefits before ending their military service.
Reservists should contact their local Airman and Family Readiness office for information on how to complete TAP requirements. For further details, please go to www.DODTAP.mil or email questions to A1.RZ.workflow@us.af.mil.