Transition GPS sets Airmen up for success Published Feb. 10, 2014 By By Senior Airman Naomi Griego 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Editor's note: This is the first of three articles in a series on the Transition GPS Program here. Airman getting out of the Air Force must attend a Transition Goals Plan and Success course at the airman and family readiness center within at least 90 days of separation. The course provides information about post-service benefits and civilian-sector employment. The Transition GPS course, formerly known as the Transition Assistance Program, changed its name as a result of the Veteran Opportunity to Work Act of 2011. According to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, the VOW Act sought to enhance TAP to ensure its effectiveness. "The course was extended from three days to five to allow for more information and resources to be offered to service members," said LaVonne Vasquez, Hurlburt Field A&FRC community readiness consultant. Vasquez said she has worked in transition assistance for nearly 21 years. "The course helps ease service member's transition into the civilian sector by providing resume training, interview experience and business attire ideas," she said. Master Sgt. Tony Conley, 823rd RED HORSE foreman, attended the Transition GPS course Jan. 28 at Hurlburt Field. Conley said he is retiring after 31 years of service and already has several prospective jobs in mind. "They provide a tremendous amount of information and experts informed me about Veterans Affairs benefits and medical programs that will be offered to me as a retiree when I separate," Conley said. "All I can say to anyone who will be separating is attend all the classes so you can prepare for your future outside of the Air Force. It helps." The course is offered twice a month at the Hurlburt Field A&FRC. "The information you gain from these five days is going to be useful right when you separate, and for the rest of your life as a veteran," Vasquez said. For more information about the Transition GPS course, call the Hurlburt Field A&FRC at (850) 884-5441.