Military and Veterans': Benefits Enhanced Services Could Improve Transition Assistance for Reserves and National Guard
Abstract
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 mandated that GAO review whether the transition assistance program (TAP) is meeting the needs of service members leaving the military. GAO (1) assessed TAP administration, including program participation, and (2) identified actions agencies are taking to improve TAP and challenges that remain. TAP serves military personnel with at least 180 days of active duty who separate or retire and members of the Reserves and National Guard who are released from active duty, a process termed demobilization. Recently, the Reserves and National Guard have been called to active duty in greater numbers than at any other time since the Korean War. We recommend that DOD, in conjunction with DOL and VA, determine what demobilizing Reserve and National Guard members need to make a smooth transition and explore options to enhance their participation, such as employment workshops before or after their demobilization and timely information about the need to apply for certain benefits while still on active duty. GAO also recommends that VA take steps to ascertain the level of participation of service members in the Disabled TAP component. All three agencies concurred with our findings and recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 2005
- Accession Number
- AD1174872
Entities
People
- Cynthia A. Bascetta
- Irene Chu
- Martin Scire
- Patricia L. Elston
- William E. Hutchinson
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office