AR 600-81: What You Need to Know About the Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program
If you are a Soldier in the Regular Army or the Active Guard Reserve Program, you may be wondering what will happen when you leave the military and enter the civilian world. How will you find a new career, education, or lifestyle that suits your skills, interests, and goals? How will you cope with the changes and challenges that come with transitioning from military to civilian life?
Fortunately, you are not alone in this journey. The Army has a program that can help you prepare for your transition and achieve your post-military aspirations. It is called the Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP), and it is governed by Army Regulation (AR) 600-81. In this article, we will explain what AR 600-81 is, who is eligible for it, what are its benefits, how to participate in it, and how to prepare for it. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how AR 600-81 can help you succeed in your transition and beyond.
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Introduction
What is AR 600-81?
AR 600-81 is a Department of the Army Regulation that requires all Soldiers in the Regular Army and the Active Guard Reserve Program to complete the SFL-TAP process before the separation date on their DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty). The regulation also clarifies specific warm handover guidance for Soldiers separating with an under other-than-honorable condition or characterization of service, or with a bad-conduct discharge.
The SFL-TAP is a program that provides mandatory and optional services and events to help Soldiers plan and prepare for their transition from military to civilian life. The program aims to help Soldiers make informed career decisions, take advantage of available resources and benefits, and overcome potential challenges during and after their transition.
The SFL-TAP is part of the Soldier Life Cycle (SLC), which is a holistic approach to managing the career progression of Soldiers from enlistment to retirement. The SLC consists of three phases: Start Strong, Serve Strong, and Reintegrate Strong. The SFL-TAP falls under the Reintegrate Strong phase, which begins 24 months before separation for active duty Soldiers and 12 months before separation for reserve component Soldiers.
Who is eligible for the program?
The SFL-TAP is mandatory for all Soldiers in the Regular Army and the Active Guard Reserve Program who have completed at least 180 continuous days of active duty service, not including full-time training duty, annual training duty, or days attending a service school while in active service. This includes Soldiers who are retiring, separating voluntarily or involuntarily, or transitioning to another component of the Armed Forces.
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ar 600-81 appendix l
ar 600-81 glossary
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ar 600-81 index
The SFL-TAP is also available, on a space-available basis, for students and trainees who have completed at least 180 continuous days of active duty service, not including full-time training duty, annual training duty, or days attending a service school while in active service. These include Soldiers who are being discharged due to entry-level performance or conduct issues, medical conditions, hardship or dependency reasons, or other administrative reasons. Students and trainees can receive SFL-TAP services for up to 180 days after their DD Form 214 date.
The SFL-TAP is also open to Family members of eligible Soldiers who want to support their transitioning Soldiers or pursue their own career, education, or lifestyle goals after the transition. Family members can access SFL-TAP services online or in person at any SFL-TAP Center.
What are the benefits of the program?
The SFL-TAP is designed to help Soldiers achieve their personal and professional goals after leaving the military. The program offers a variety of benefits, such as:
Helping Soldiers identify their skills, interests, and values and how they relate to civilian occupations and industries.
Providing Soldiers with information and guidance on how to conduct an effective job search, create a resume and cover letter, prepare for an interview, negotiate a salary, and network with potential employers.
Assisting Soldiers with exploring and applying for education and training opportunities, such as college degrees, certificates, licenses, apprenticeships, and credentialing programs.
Informing Soldiers about the benefits and services available to them as veterans, such as health care, education, disability compensation, pension, home loans, life insurance, and more.
Supporting Soldiers with developing a financial plan and budget for their transition and beyond, including how to manage debt, save for emergencies, invest for retirement, and use tax benefits.
Preparing Soldiers for the emotional and social aspects of transitioning from military to civilian life, such as coping with stress, adjusting to a new culture and environment, maintaining relationships, and finding a sense of purpose.
Connecting Soldiers with local and national resources and organizations that can help them with their transition needs and challenges, such as employment services, veterans affairs offices, community groups, and mentorship programs.
By participating in the SFL-TAP, Soldiers can increase their chances of finding a satisfying and rewarding career, education, or lifestyle that matches their skills, interests, and goals. They can also reduce the potential stress and uncertainty that may come with transitioning from military to civilian life.
How to participate in the program
When to start the transition process
The SFL-TAP process begins 24 months before separation for active duty Soldiers and 12 months before separation for reserve component Soldiers. However, Soldiers are encouraged to start thinking about their transition goals and plans as early as possible in their military career. The sooner they start planning for their transition, the more time they will have to explore their options, prepare their documents, access the resources, and take advantage of the opportunities available to them.
To start the transition process, Soldiers need to contact their local SFL-TAP Center or visit the SFL-TAP website to register for the program and schedule an initial counseling session. During this session, they will meet with a Transition Counselor who will assess their transition readiness and provide them with an overview of the program requirements and services. The Transition Counselor will also help them create an Individual Transition Plan (ITP), which is a document that outlines their transition goals and action steps. The ITP will serve as a guide for their transition process and will be updated throughout their participation in the program.
What are the mandatory services and events
The SFL-TAP consists of five mandatory services that all eligible Soldiers must complete before their separation date. These are:
Pre-separation counseling. This is a one-on-one session with a Transition Counselor that covers the rights and responsibilities of transitioning Soldiers, the benefits and services available to them as veterans, and the resources and tools they can use to plan and prepare for their transition. This session must be completed no later than 12 months before separation for active duty Soldiers or 90 days before separation for reserve component Soldiers.
Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program Curriculum. This is a series of online or in-person workshops that cover topics such as career exploration, job search skills, education and training opportunities, financial planning, and transition challenges and solutions. These workshops must be completed no later than 90 days before separation for active duty Soldiers or 60 days before separation for reserve component Soldiers.
Individual Transition Plan Review. This is a one-on-one session with a Transition Counselor that reviews the Soldier's ITP and verifies that they have met all the program requirements and achieved their transition goals. This session must be completed no later than 90 days before separation for active duty Soldiers or 60 days before separation for reserve component Soldiers.
Veterans Affairs Benefits and Services Briefing. This is a group or individual briefing that provides information on the benefits and services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), such as health care, disability compensation, education, home loans, life insurance, and more. This briefing must be completed no later than 90 days before separation for active duty Soldiers or 60 days before separation for reserve component Soldiers.
Capstone Event. This is a final event that verifies that the Soldier has completed all the mandatory services and is ready to transition from military to civilian life. During this event, the Soldier will meet with their Commander or designee, who will review their ITP, verify their career readiness standards, and provide them with a DD Form 2958 (Service Member Career Readiness Standards/Individual Transition Plan Checklist). This event must be completed no later than 90 days before separation for active duty Soldiers or 60 days before separation for reserve component Soldiers.
In addition to these mandatory services, Soldiers must also attend at least one of the following two-day tracks, depending on their transition goals:
Career Technical Training Track (CTTT). This track is for Soldiers who want to pursue a technical or vocational career after their transition. It provides information and guidance on how to identify and apply for technical or vocational training programs, such as apprenticeships, certifications, licenses, and credentialing.
Accessing Higher Education Track (AHE). This track is for Soldiers who want to pursue a college degree after their transition. It provides information and guidance on how to identify and apply for higher education institutions, programs, and financial aid.
Soldiers can also attend the Entrepreneurship Track (ETAP), which is a two-day workshop that provides information and guidance on how to start and run a small business after their transition. However, this track is not mandatory and does not count as one of the two-day tracks required by AR 600-81.
What are the optional services and programs
The SFL-TAP also offers optional services and programs that Soldiers can access to enhance their transition experience and outcomes. These include:
SFL-TAP On Demand. This is an online platform that allows Soldiers to access SFL-TAP services anytime, anywhere, at their own pace. It includes self-paced modules, videos, webinars, podcasts, articles, and other resources on various transition topics. It also allows Soldiers to chat with Transition Counselors, schedule appointments, upload documents, and track their progress.
SFL-TAP Virtual Center. This is a virtual platform that allows Soldiers to access SFL-TAP services remotely via phone or video conferencing. It includes live workshops, briefings, counseling sessions, job fairs, employer panels, mentorship programs, and other events on various transition topics.
SFL-TAP Mobile App. This is a mobile application that allows Soldiers to access SFL-TAP services on their smartphones or tablets. It includes features such as notifications, reminders, checklists, calendars, calculators, and other tools to help Soldiers plan and prepare for their transition.
SFL-TAP LinkedIn Group. This is a social media platform that allows Soldiers to connect with other transitioning Soldiers, veterans, employers, mentors, and SFL-TAP staff. It includes features such as discussions, articles, job postings, events, and recommendations on various transition topics.
SFL-TAP Podcast. This is an audio platform that allows Soldiers to listen to stories, tips, and advice from other transitioning Soldiers, veterans, employers, mentors, and SFL-TAP staff. It includes episodes on various transition topics, such as career exploration, job search skills, education and training opportunities, financial planning, and transition challenges and solutions.
SFL-TAP Newsletter. This is an email platform that allows Soldiers to receive updates, news, and information on SFL-TAP services, events, resources, and opportunities. It includes features such as articles, videos, webinars, podcasts, job postings, events, and recommendations on various transition topics.
These optional services and programs are designed to complement the mandatory services and events and provide Soldiers with more flexibility, convenience, and support for their transition. Soldiers can access these optional services and programs at any time during their transition process or after their separation date.
How to prepare for the transition process
What are the transition goals and plans
The first step in preparing for the transition process is to identify the transition goals and plans. These are the personal and professional objectives that Soldiers want to achieve after their transition from military to civilian life. They may include finding a new career, pursuing higher education or training, starting a business, relocating to a new place, retiring comfortably, or anything else that matters to them.
To identify their transition goals and plans, Soldiers need to assess their skills, interests, values, and personality and how they relate to civilian occupations and industries. They also need to research the labor market trends, demand, and requirements for their desired career fields. They also need to consider their financial situation and needs and how they will fund their transition goals and plans.
To help Soldiers identify their transition goals and plans, the SFL-TAP provides various tools and resources, such as:
CareerScope Assessment. This is an online assessment that measures the Soldier's aptitudes and interests and matches them with civilian occupations and industries.
O*NET Interest Profiler. This is an online assessment that measures the Soldier's interests and matches them with civilian occupations and industries.
My Next Move for Veterans. This is an online tool that allows Soldiers to explore civilian occupations and industries based on their military occupation code (MOC), keywords, or interests.
CareerOneStop. This is an online tool that provides information on various civilian occupations and industries, such as job outlook, wages, education, training, skills, and more.
Occupational Outlook Handbook. This is an online publication that provides information on various civilian occupations and industries, such as job duties, work environment, education, training, pay, and more.
Individual Transition Plan (ITP). This is a document that outlines the Soldier's transition goals and action steps. It helps Soldiers organize their transition process and track their progress.
By identifying their transition goals and plans, Soldiers can have a clear direction and focus for their transition process. They can also have a realistic and achievable plan that aligns with their skills, interests, and values.
What are the transition resources and tools
The second step in preparing for the transition process is to access the transition resources and tools. These are the benefits and services that Soldiers can use to support their transition goals and plans. They may include employment assistance, education and training assistance, financial assistance, health care assistance, and more.
To access the transition resources and tools, Soldiers need to be aware of the eligibility criteria, application procedures, deadlines, and contact information for each benefit and service. They also need to gather the required documents and evidence to support their applications. They also need to follow up with the providers and agencies to ensure that they receive the benefits and services they applied for.
To help Soldiers access the transition resources and tools, the SFL-TAP provides various tools and resources, such as:
SFL-TAP Website. This is an online platform that provides information on various benefits and services available to transitioning Soldiers and veterans, such as employment services, education services, financial services, health care services, and more. It also allows Soldiers to register for the program, schedule appointments, chat with Transition Counselors, upload documents, and track their progress.
Veterans Affairs Benefits and Services Briefing. This is a group or individual briefing that provides information on the benefits and services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), such as health care, disability compensation, education, home loans, life insurance, and more.
Military OneSource. This is an online platform that provides information on various benefits and services available to transitioning Soldiers and veterans, such as employment services, education services, financial services, health care services, and more. It also provides confidential counseling, referrals, and resources for various personal and family issues.
eBenefits. This is an online platform that allows Soldiers and veterans to apply for and manage their VA benefits and services, such as disability compensation, education, health care, home loans, life insurance, and more.
Transition Assistance Advisors (TAAs). These are individuals who provide information and assistance to Soldiers and veterans on various benefits and services available to them from the VA, the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Labor (DOL), and other agencies and organizations.
By accessing the transition resources and tools, Soldiers can obtain the support they need to achieve their transition goals and plans. They can also take advantage of the opportunities and benefits that they have earned through their military service.
What are the transition challenges and solutions
The third step in preparing for the transition process is to anticipate the transition challenges and solutions. These are the potential difficulties and obstacles that Soldiers may face during and after their transition from military to civilian life. They may include finding a suitable job, adjusting to a new culture and environment, maintaining relationships, coping with stress, finding a sense of purpose, and more.
To anticipate the transition challenges and solutions, Soldiers need to be aware of the common transition issues and how they may affect them personally and professionally. They also need to develop coping skills and strategies to deal with the challenges effectively. They also need to seek help and support from others when needed.
To help Soldiers anticipate the transition challenges and solutions, the SFL-TAP provides various tools and resources, such as:
SFL-TAP Curriculum. This is a series of online or in-person workshops that cover topics such as career exploration, job search skills, education and training opportunities, financial planning, and transition challenges and solutions. These workshops help Soldiers identify and overcome the potential barriers and difficulties that may hinder their transition success.
Military OneSource. This is an online platform that provides information on various benefits and services available to transitioning Soldiers and veterans, such as employment services, education services, financial services, health care services, and more. It also provides confidential counseling, referrals, and resources for various personal and family issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, relationship problems, and more.
Veterans Crisis Line. This is a toll-free hotline that provides 24/7 confidential support and assistance to Soldiers and veterans who are in crisis or have thoughts of suicide. It also connects them with local VA resources and services.
Peer Support Network. This is a network of fellow Soldiers, veterans, mentors, and SFL-TAP staff who can provide emotional and social support, guidance, and advice to transitioning Soldiers. It includes features such as discussions, articles, job postings, events, and recommendations on various transition topics.
By anticipating the transition challenges and solutions, Soldiers can be better prepared and equipped to handle the changes and difficulties that may come with transitioning from military to civilian life. They can also improve their mental and emotional well-being and resilience during and after their transition.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
In conclusion, AR 600-81 is a Department of the Army Regulation that requires all Soldiers in the Regular Army and the Active Guard Reserve Program to complete the SFL-TAP process before their separation date. The SFL-TAP is a program that provides mandatory and optional services and events to help Soldiers plan and prepare for their transition from military to civilian life. The program aims to help Soldiers make informed career decisions, take advantage of available resources and benefits, and overcome potential challenges during and after their transition.
To participate in the program, Soldiers need to start the transition process 24 months before separation for active duty Soldiers or 12 months before separation for reserve component Soldiers. They also need to complete the five mandatory services and at least one of the two-day tracks before their separation date. They can also access the optional services and programs at any time during their transition process or after their separation date.
To prepare for the transition process, Soldiers need to identify their transition goals and plans, access the transition resources and tools, and anticipate the transition challenges and solutions. These steps will help them achieve their personal and professional objectives after leaving the military and succeed in their transition and beyond.
Call to action and contact information
If you are a Soldier in the Regular Army or the Active Guard Reserve Program who is planning to leave the military soon or in the future, we encourage you to take advantage of the SFL-TAP program and all its benefits. The program will help you make a smooth and successful transition from military to civilian life.
To learn more about the program or to register for it, please visit the SFL-TAP website at or contact your local SFL-TAP Center. You can also follow us on LinkedIn at subscribe to our podcast at or sign up for our newsletter at
We look forward to hearing from you and supporting you in your transition journey. Remember, you are a Soldier for Life!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AR 600-81?
AR 600-81 is a Department of the Army Regulation that requires all Soldiers in the Regular Army and the Active Guard Reserve Program to complete the Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) process before their separation date.
What is SFL-TAP?
SFL-TAP is a program that provides mandatory and optional services and events to help Soldiers plan and prepare for their transition from military to civilian life.
Who is eligible for SFL-TAP?
SFL-TAP is mandatory for all Soldiers in the Regular Army and the Active Guard Reserve Program who have completed at least 180 continuous days of active duty service. It is also available, on a space-available basis, for students and trainees who have completed at least 180 continuous days of active duty service. It is also open to Family members of eligible Soldiers who want to support their transitioning Soldiers or pursue their own goals after the transition.
How to participate in SFL-TAP?
To participate in SFL-TAP, Soldiers need to contact their local SFL-TAP Center or visit the SFL-TAP website to register for the program and schedule an initial counseling session. They also need to complete the five mandatory services and at least one of the two-day tracks before their separation date. They can also access the optional services and programs at any time during their transition process or after their separation date.
How to prepare for SFL-TAP?
To prepare for SFL-TAP, Soldiers need to identify their transition goals and plans, access the transition resources and tools, and anticipate the transition challenges and solutions. These steps will help them achieve their personal and professional objectives after leaving the military and succeed in their transition and beyond.
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