What's your 'game plan'? Published Sept. 24, 2007 MCGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- As an Airman, one of the most common questions you'll hear is "Do you plan to make it a career?" Whether or not you're a "lifer", chances are one of these days you'll be thinking about either separation or retirement. So, what's your plan? The Transition Assistance Program was developed to help servicemembers and their families separate from military service in a comprehensive, orderly manner. Members preparing for retirement are encouraged to begin the transition process two years before their retirement date, and separatees one year before separation. Completion of the Preseparation Briefing is extremely important in the development of the individual transition plan, or the member's transition "game plan". The briefing is actually the review of a needs assessment checklist, which identifies transition issues and provides the member and his or her family with resource information on available programs and services. Both retirees and separatees must complete the congressionally-mandated Preseparation Briefing no later than 90 days before their date of separation. The DD Form 2648, which is required for final outprocessing, is generated during this briefing. Appointments are scheduled with the squadron Community Readiness consultants/technicians at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. One of the programs offered during the Preseparation Briefing is the TAP Seminar. Although this seminar is not mandatory, it is highly recommended by Readiness Center staff. McGuire's seminar is offered twice a month, with the exceptions of November and December. During this briefing, all aspects of the job search process are presented and discussed with special emphasis on military experience. Additionally, representatives from the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs conduct briefings. As an extended courtesy, the VA representative is available, by scheduled appointment, to meet with individuals one-on-one. In addition, the Service Corps of Retired Executives sends representatives on a regular basis to assist members requiring more information regarding self-employment and business development. Another available resource at the Airman and Family Readiness Center is the Computer Resource Center. This provides clients with stand-alone computers, software and resource material to assist with every phase of their career development process. A coordinator is available to assist customers and post vacancy announcements for various employment positions. For more information about these programs and services, contact Carol Spencer or Rosalind Mercado-Yaeger, Transition Assistance Program, at (609) 754-3154.