Critical Advice for Accurate Initial Counseling

 

The Issue: Inaccurate Tier Assignments at Initial Counseling (IC)

I've noticed a significant number of Sailors arriving at their final Capstone

review who were flagged as Tier 1 during their IC, by active duty military before they transition, but after my short conversation with member, it's clear they are actually Tier 2 or, most often, Tier 3.

 Why This Is a Critical Problem: When a Tier 3 Sailor, Marine, Soldier, Airmen, Guard (who needs the most support) is miscategorized as Tier 1, they are allowed to bypass mandatory Career Readiness Standards (CRS). This creates a last-minute crisis at their Capstone to get them into compliance, which delays their transition and causes immense stress for both the Sailor and their command. Getting the TIER level right from the very beginning is the single most effective way to ensure a smooth process for everyone.

 The Solution: "Confirm, Don't Just Ask"

The DoDTAP system can be misleading and often defaults to Tier 1 if a Sailor answers optimistically. As their CCC, your expert role is to dig one level deeper. During the Initial Counseling, instead of just asking "Do you have a plan?" please use these clarifying questions to confirm their status.

To Confirm TIER 1 Status, You Must Verify the "Confirmed" Part:

• Employment: Don't just ask, "Do you have a job lined up?" Ask Instead: "Do you have a confirmed, accepted job offer letter in hand?" If the answer is no, they are likely not Tier 1.

• Education: Don't just ask, "Are you going to college?" Ask Instead: "Have you been formally accepted into a specific college or technical training program, and do you have the acceptance letter?" If the answer is no, they are likely not Tier 1.

• Financial Security: Don't just ask, "Are you financially ready?" Ask Instead: "Have you completed a detailed, written 12-month post-separation budget that accounts for the loss of BAH and all new civilian expenses?" If they haven't done this work, they are likely not Tier 1.

 Official Resources & The "Source of Truth"

You may have missed some of the detailed guidance, as it can be hard to find. Everything about the TAP process, from the Tiers to the Capstone, is governed by a single, authoritative document. Instead of attaching multiple files, please use this link as your primary official resource:

• The "Bible" for TAP: DoD Instruction 1332.35 - "Transition Assistance Program (TAP) for Military Personnel" This document is the official rulebook. You can always find the latest version by searching for DoDI 1332.35 on the official DoD Issuances website: Direct Link: https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/DoD-Issuances/DODI/

All day-to-day work for you and your Sailors must be completed on the official DoD TAP website, which implements the rules from that instruction:

• The Official Portal: https://www.dodtap.mil/dodtap/app/home

Many of my active duty clients are arriving at their final Capstone review who were marked as "Tier 1" (lowest risk), but after a short conversation, it's clear they are actually Tier 2 or Tier 3 (highest risk).

 I'm Here to Help Your Team

This is a complex process. If your Divisional, Capstone, Transition Career Counselors or your team need a more detailed walkthrough of the Initial Counseling process, the DoDTAP portal, or these TIER level requirements, please contact or reach out or comment. For Norfolk, VA Counselors, I am happy to set up a small-group session here at C9 to provide that targeted assistance.

My goal is to be a strong partner for you. Let's work together to make sure every Sailor is on the right track from Day One.