AF problem-solving method used to solve transistion assistance issue

  • Published
  • By Maj. Lisa L. Kostellic
  • 403rd Mission Support Group
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  The 919th Special Operations Force Support Squadron participated in an Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century rapid improvement event here Feb. 9-12.

AFSO-21's focus is to generate efficiencies and improve combat capabilities across the Air Force. A RIE applies a series of problem-solving steps to determine the root causes of problems, eliminate waste, set improvement targets, and establish clear performance measures to reach desired effects.

The RIE team applied the AFSO21 eight-step problem-solving model to the 919th Special Operations Wing's transition assistance program.

"The 919th SOW is not currently complying with the time requirements to complete TAP," said Lt. Col. Greg Buchanan, 919th SOW inspector general's office.  "It was discovered that only one out of 393 eligible Airmen who required TAP completed the program over a two-year period."

TAP is a DOD program intended to meet the needs of separating service members during their period of transition into civilian life by offering job-search assistance and related services.  For reservists, TAP is required for any member who has been on active duty orders for 180 consecutive days or more.

The TAP course consists of a four-phase process:

1) Pre-separation counseling
2) Veterans Affairs benefits briefings
3) Department of Labor employment workshop
4) Capstone event

Members who complete TAP learn about job searching, career decision-making, current occupational and labor market conditions, resume writing and interview techniques. They also receive an evaluation of their employability in the current job market and receive information on the latest VA benefits.

To move toward compliance, the 919th SOFSS set a goal of completing the process no later than 60 days after the member's orders have ended.

"TAP is an important program for our members, and we need to find a way to get every one of our Airmen through the process," said Capt. Kelli A. Phillips, 919th SOFSS operations officer and RIE team lead.

The resulting plan is scheduled to start the March unit training assembly with briefing unit leadership as the first step. The 919th SOFSS has a goal of having 70 percent of the backlogged members all the way through the process by Oct. 31.