I recently requested to go to Taps class in ATC Mobile. I'm an OS stationed just west of New Orleans. I have been told that I can go to the class but that the CG is not going to help me with any travel or living quarters and such. Anyone know why?

Becuase they are permissive orders, not TAD orders.

In the "good old days" if the TAP class was not offered locally (within commuting distance) it was handled with TAD orders and travel/lodging/meals were provided for like any other TAD situation.

Seems like the USCG is being "thrifty" again.

Actually, it is not thrifty, it is following the law. JFTRs tell us what we can pay for and what we can not. (He posted the question in the YN forum, where he mentioned it was 'pretty close' to where he lives)

OK. A little over 15 years ago while nearing retirement and stationed at CAMSPAC, the closest TAP seminar was held at NAS Alameda. I was able to go on TAD orders which covered commercial lodging, milage and chow.

Quite possibly, the JFTR has changed for the worst since then, as have a lot of other benefits that were part of military life.

Mark

Tap class ..in short tells you or helps you write a ressume ..oh and to dress for sucess (you only get 1 chance to make a first impression nice haircut clean cloths cover those tattoo's etc)not sure i would sweat it.

They will also tell you to get used to no one really giving a rats bottom that you were ever a pettyofficer in the service..ok well thats what i remember anyways.

the later is not all that true..maybe it could help in finding a GS job with the veterans administrastion or something.

think twice before getting out...every little bit helps..for me staying in got me a morgage payment and uh hillarycare some healthcare for the family...still pisses me off georga pacific gets eye insurence and i don't ..oh well.

sc

Check with your ISC work life. ISC Boston sometimes had money to pay for people to go to TAPS.

I went three times and found it very informative. More then writing resume and teaching you how to dress. Alot of information on other benefits that you may not be aware of.

Dan

SC;
You either had a crappy instructor or you were not paying attention. Many excellent things are passed at a TAPS class. The things you mentioned are pretty damned important in 'transition assistance' when someone who is used to our world is heading out to the civilian world, but even more important things go on. Vet's benifits are one of the most important things talked about. State benifits can be more important than federal. Some states waive advanced education tuition for all dependants of 'disabled' vets. In some cases, this may be vets with a 'zero %' disability. I would encourage every member departing, regardless of time in service, to go through this.

Me not paying attention.. ..ok it is possible..maybe i got a little republican in me.

I believe the things you mentioned mightyz could be found in a book at the military exchange call the "Retired Military Almanac" it is written by Lt.Col. Sol Gordon,USAF (RET) mine is now outdated but the info is probably the same..maybe not i have the twenty-first edition..cost me $6.75..makes good reading if you can not

Theres even a phone number 1-888-872-9698 for ordering the book..i personally don't reccomended it..but whatever..if you get a chance stop by and look at one in a base exchange somewhere..

sc

Another thing i remember about taps class was they said to regesture your DD214 ..at a few different courthouses..because its easy to lose records of you ever being in the military..so its just good besides..you never know what may happen in life..maybe a natural disaster or a home fire may destroy your paperworks just something to think about...I would also make a copy of my medical records or even take the originals if you can get away with it..for future problems.

anyways i do hope you get to go to class..and i also hope things go good for you.

Oh yeah just one more thing before getting this job i have with the city...i amplied at the veteran administration..the trouble was they wanted to see my DD214 and i did,nt have it yet..i was techinally still active duty ..I took 86 days leave..they said come back when you get it but i did,nt because i was already doing this deal..i worked a few places while on leave.. greasy spoon ..concrete truck driver..they said in taps most change jobs a little after getting out..so far i have been working here since a month BEFORE i techinacally got out...so there is life after the CG...i had several phone calls from other places i applied too ..for a fews days there was nothing then everyone called at the same time..

i hope i helped a little and gave you something to think about..

Good luck and GOD Bless sc

This message has been edited. Last edited by: spacecowboy1,

Thanks for everyone's input.