New program a 'Capstone' for the future Published Oct. 11, 2013 By Jenny Gordon Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- As of Sept. 1, military members retiring or separating from the service will now take part in a mandatory Capstone process, a new program under the Transition Assistance Program. For those attending mandatory pre-separation counseling at the Airman & Family Readiness Center, this new additional process validates career readiness standards as listed on DD Form 2958. "This was established to evaluate service member preparedness so they could successfully transition from a military to a civilian career," said Tiffany Englehart, community readiness specialist. Standards basically include a list of 17 items which must be completed before members transition out of the service. After attending pre-separation counseling and the five-day Transition GPS Workshop, a Capstone appointment is scheduled to discuss those items. Members are responsible for such things as having an individual transition plan, 12-month, post-separation budget, a job application package or education package if applicable, and more. "We're really trying to make sure our veterans are ready for the workforce," she said. "That's why we do this - to make sure they're taken care of and prepared when they leave us." The Capstone, a multi-step process, is required for all personnel and should occur no later than 90 days prior to separating. It does not replace pre-separation counseling. Once the list is completed and verified, the form is signed off by a commander and returned to the A&FRC. It is filed and tracked by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Strengthened preparedness programs such as those through TAP are the result of the VOW or Veterans Opportunity to Work Act of 2011. This veteran employment legislation helps stem the rising unemployment rate among America's veteran population. Capstone counseling is conducted each Thursday at the A&FRC. For additional questions on Capstone, call 468-1256.