Congressman Jack Bergman (R-Watersmeet) and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) called for urgent reform to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), a key resource aiding servicemembers transitioning to civilian life following troubling findings in a 2022 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report.
“It’s past time for DoD to implement an execution timeline for the GAO recommendations on TAP improvements – we need to ensure our service members don’t fall through the cracks and actually receive the support they need for a smooth transition from active-duty service into their next steps in life,” said Rep. Bergman. “Our commitment to these brave men and women extends beyond their time in uniform, and we owe it to them for their unwavering service to our country.”
“Servicemembers deserve our utmost support, not just when they’re in uniform, but also when they’re transitioning back to civilian life,” said Rep. Kilmer. “If we can implement these improvements to the Transition Assistance Program, we can make a real difference for folks in our region, ensuring they’re not just leaving the service, but also stepping into bright futures. It’s about honoring their service and ensuring they have all they need to succeed in the next chapter of their lives.”
Established more than 32 years ago, TAP offers a comprehensive curriculum tailored to each servicemember’s educational, training, employment, and financial objectives. Specialized two-day training sessions on higher education, career technical training, or entrepreneurship are available, being mandatory for those needing maximum support.
However, the GAO report reveals that 25 percent of servicemembers needing maximum support didn’t attend their compulsory sessions. Additionally, 70 percent started the program later than recommended, and a significant number didn’t complete the curriculum due to military service waivers, despite a 90 percent overall completion rate.
The GAO made eight recommendations to improve TAP participation and timeliness, receiving general agreement from the Department of Defense (DoD). Yet, the DoD has not provided a specific implementation plan to Congress. In response, the Secretary of Defense has been formally requested to issue a detailed execution plan, reinforcing the commitment to aid servicemembers transitioning to civilian life.
In addition to Reps. Bergman and Kilmer, 20 members of Congress signed the letter, including Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Ed Case (HI-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (TN-04), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Mike Levin (CA-49), Susie Lee (NV-03), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Chris Pappas (NH-01), John H. Rutherford (FL-05), Patrick K. Ryan (NY-18), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Dina Titus (NV-01).
The full text of the letter is available HERE
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