Armed Forces News

Service members who plan on hanging up the uniform would have more tools to help them make the transition to civilian life, under a bill now pending before Congress. Under the measure, H.R. 4954, departing service members would be required to opt out — rather than opt in — to participation in the two-day workshops provided under the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The workshops offer advice in fostering higher education, technical and skills training, and entrepreneurship. In 2016, fewer than 15 percent of all departing service members took part in the workshops, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported. Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., introduced the bill before the House. Bipartisan supporters include Reps. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz. It is now pending before the House Armed Services Committee.