Separating Airmen have resources for success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Every Airman will eventually separate or retire from the Air Force.

The Airman and Family Readiness Center provides classes and resources to Airmen transitioning back to the civilian world.

An Airman can decide to separate or retire by using the Virtual Military Personnel Flight and setting a date of separation. After that, the Airman can coordinate with career development specialists on base to receive checklists of criteria that will ultimately help finalize their discharge from the Air Force.

"Do not let circumstances determine your career path," said Stephanie Reyes, chief of the A&FRC. "Have a plan for after you separate. We are here to help you with your plan and give you the tools you need for success in a civilian career field of your choice."

Airmen who plan to separate, must attend multiple briefings, classes, and have checklists and paperwork signed and submitted before their date of separation.

The cumbersome process, however, is designed to set those who are separating up for future success.

"Those who separate will receive training in how to walk, talk, and dress the part for a job search," said James Snyder, A&FRC community readiness consultant. "They will develop a basic resume and learn what they should and should not say during interviews, what they should wear to an interview, and how to fill out job applications and follow up with prospective employers."

Airmen in the Transition Assistance Program will also receive financial information, budget training and a healthcare benefits briefing from Tricare.

Following the week-long TAP seminar, the A&FRC provides a capstone session which verifies a service member's preparedness to be successful following military service by producing documentation to meet career readiness standards.

"We will also let you know about your educational entitlements such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill and Veterans Administration benefits," Snyder said. "Capstone makes sure the Airman is career-ready, has a budget and a plan to make a successful transition."

For separating Airmen who want to begin entrepreneurship, the A&FRC hosts the "Boots to Business" class, as well as "Troops to Teachers" for those who want to begin a career in education.

Once Airmen become civilians, they will no longer benefit from the free services provided by the A&FRC, the 2nd Force Support Squadron, Comptroller Squadron or 2nd Medical Group. Reyes suggests Airmen take advantage of these benefits while still active duty.

"Changing a career is one of the biggest stressors in life," Reyes said. "The more you plan and the knowledge of available resources will help alleviate those stressors as you change careers."

For more information on the TAP seminar, contact the A&FRC at 456-8400.