U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) on Oct. 2 introduced the U.S. House version of a bipartisan proposal that would enhance the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Rep. Curbelo introduced the Improving Preparation and Resources for Occupational, Vocational, and Educational (IMPROVE) Transition for Servicemembers Act, H.R. 7025, with U.S. Rep. Jacky Rosen (D-NV). The measure is identical to the same-named S. 3299, introduced on July 30 by U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).
“We are thankful every day to our brave servicemembers who have dedicated their lives to protect our nation,” Rep. Curbelo said. “As they begin to transition away from their military careers, we must ensure they have the necessary resources for productive and prosperous civilian careers.”
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) requires all departing servicemembers to complete the TAP, a core curriculum that prepares them for transitioning to civilian life. They also may opt to participate in a specialized two-day workshop in one of three areas: higher education, conducted by DOD; technical and skills training, conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; or entrepreneurship, conducted by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The legislation would reform TAP in numerous ways, according to a summary of the measure provided by Rep. Curbelo’s office, including by adding an advanced employment assistance program to the list of optional two-day specialized courses, and then making all of the courses mandatory.
This would boost participation in and access to the courses, according to the summary.
The measure also would require at least one full-time, non-contract TAP employee per 250 transitioning members at an installation to guarantee more full-time personnel are available to meet the transitioning needs of servicemembers.
Among several other provisions in the proposal, the use of online TAP curriculum as a substitute for in-person instruction would be limited to extreme circumstances only, according to the summary, and the Government Accountability Office would be directed to study TAP and other transition assistance programs at small and remote installations to determine any differences in resources and access compared to larger military bases.
H.R. 7025 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Armed Services Committee and the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. S. 3299 is under review by the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee.