The SkillBridge program, which provides service members with civilian job training before they leave the military, needs comprehensive data from the services and improved oversight, according to a recent report from the Government Accountability Office.
Military-to-civilian transition programs should shift their focus to employment and improve oversight, according to a recent report from the Rand Corp.
“Transition aids, such as training, education, career advice, and job support, can boost veterans’ job prospects and help them find or develop fulfilling careers in civilian life,” the report found. “However, as prior RAND research has shown, many veterans still feel that they are unable to leverage their military skills in their civilian jobs.”
As the share of women veterans in the U.S. grows, they are seeking more access to sources of support during their transition to civilian life, a panel of experts said during a recent Rand Corp. webinar.
Data from the military’s Transition Assistance Program could be used more effectively to support service members as they prepare to return to civilian life, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.
While the services and the TAP policy office collect and review performance information on issues like class attendance and timeliness, “they do not fully leverage this information to understand and improve results,” the report found.
When a soldier reports to their new command and takes over their new position, the first order of business after meeting the commander
The Army's top personnel official offered a House subcommittee two good reasons why soldiers had a low sign-up rate for the new Blended Retirement System.
One reason is that many soldiers intend to stay in the Army until retirement. A second is that the plan doesn’t allow retirement savings to be used until age 59½, limiting the value of the benefits for starting a post-service business or buying a home.
The Army closed fiscal 2016 paying $172.8 million in unemployment compensation, the lowest level for the service in 13 years, according to the U.S. Army Human Resources Command.
It marked the first time the amount has dipped below $200 million since fiscal 2003, when it came in at $152 million. The 2016 figure is also far below the peak of $515 million, which was paid in fiscal 2011.
Army officials credit several initiatives preparing soldiers to establish civilian careers for the declining unemployment compensation.
