TRANSITIONVA program
Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
Mandatory pre-separation program providing servicemembers with career counseling, résumé writing, interview skills, and benefit briefings to prepare for civilian employment or further education.
Available to separating servicemembers after 180 continuous days of active duty, or sooner when retiring or separating for disability; required for most
Step-by-step guide
What you get
Classes, counseling, and a VA benefits course that help you plan the move from military to civilian life.
What TAP looks for
- Starting at least one year before separationVA guide: all transitioning Service members, both separatees and retirees, must participate in TAP no later than one year before separation or retirement.
Source: VA: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers (2026) (opens in new tab); VA Outreach and Transition Services: frequently asked questions (opens in new tab)
Separating or retiring: when TAP starts
- Separating from service
VA says all transitioning Service members must take part in TAP no later than one year before separation. The transition period can start as early as 365 days before separation.
Source: VA: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers (2026) (opens in new tab); VA Outreach and Transition Services: frequently asked questions (opens in new tab)
- Retiring from service
Retiring Service members can start TAP as early as two years before retirement, and must start no later than one year before.
- A retirement date setVA guide: Service members who are retiring can participate in TAP as early as two years before retirement.
Source: VA: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers (2026) (opens in new tab); VA Outreach and Transition Services: frequently asked questions (opens in new tab)
What to gather, and what it shows VA
| Document | What it shows | How VA gets it | Have it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Separation date or orders The record from your service that sets your separation date. | When the one year TAP window opens for you | Your unit or personnel office issues it. Bring it to your installation TAP office. | Yes |
| Retirement date or orders The record from your service that sets your retirement date. | When the two year window for retirees opens | Your unit or personnel office issues it. Bring it to your installation TAP office. | Yes |
| VMET document (DD Form 2586) The Verification of Military Experience and Training document. It lists your military experience and training for employers and schools. | Training and experience that can count toward jobs, school credit, or licenses | VA guide: get it from your Transition Support Office within 12 months of separation or 24 months of retirement. It is meant for members with at least six months of active duty. | |
| Your military service records Copies of your service records, which you will want for VA benefits after you leave. | Your service history for VA benefits you learn about in the VA course | VA.gov explains how to request your military service records. |
TAP runs through your installation TAP office. These records go to your TAP office or to VA, not to BeneVets.
Steps, in order
- Contact your installation TAP office
Your installation TAP manager starts the process and can connect you with your local VA Benefits Advisor.
Source: VA Outreach and Transition Services: frequently asked questions (opens in new tab)
- Start no later than one year out
Start TAP no later than one year before separation or retirement. Retiring members can start up to two years before.
Source: VA: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers (2026) (opens in new tab); VA Outreach and Transition Services: frequently asked questions (opens in new tab)
- Take the pre-separation brief
VA guide: Service members may receive pre-separation counseling 24 months before retirement or 12 months before separation from active duty. It covers education, training, job help, Guard and Reserve programs, medical benefits, and money help.
Source: VA: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers (2026) (opens in new tab)
- Take VA Benefits and Services
Take the one-day VA Benefits and Services course in person, as a virtual class, or online. The online version is on Transition Online Learning.
Source: VA: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers (2026) (opens in new tab)
- Get your VMET document
Ask your Transition Support Office for your VMET document (DD Form 2586) within 12 months of separation or 24 months of retirement.
Source: VA: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers (2026) (opens in new tab)
- Look at a pre-discharge claim
If you have a condition from service, VA.gov explains how to file a disability claim before you leave, through Benefits Delivery at Discharge.
- Get free help with VA claims
TAP is run by the military and its partner agencies, not by a VSO. The VA claims you start during transition, such as a pre-discharge claim, can have free help. Free help: an accredited VSO can file this with you. Find one near you in the BeneVets VSO directory at Find an accredited VSO near you.
Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab)
Good to know
VA describes TAP as an interagency program supported by the Department of War, the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, VA, the Department of Homeland Security, the Small Business Administration, and the Office of Personnel Management.
Source: VA: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers (2026) (opens in new tab); VA Outreach and Transition Services: frequently asked questions (opens in new tab)
The VA part of TAP is a one-day course called VA Benefits and Services, offered in person, as a virtual class, or online. It covers family support, disability compensation, education, and health care benefits.
Source: VA: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers (2026) (opens in new tab)
VA Benefits Advisors at military installations teach the VA course and can help Service members, Veterans, and families at any point in a military career. Your installation TAP manager can connect you with one.
Source: VA Outreach and Transition Services: frequently asked questions (opens in new tab)
BeneVets is informational and is not an accredited representative. Free help: an accredited VSO can work through VA benefits with you at no cost. Find an accredited VSO near you
Sources checked October 8, 2026: VA: Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers (2026) (opens in new tab), VA Outreach and Transition Services: frequently asked questions (opens in new tab), VA.gov: request your military service records (opens in new tab), VA.gov: pre-discharge claim (opens in new tab), VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab)