Three federal departments announced plans Tuesday to update the Transition Assistance Program so service members preparing to leave the military can connect with specific job, training or apprenticeship opportunities before they separate.
The Labor Department announcement said the effort involves its own veterans employment office and the departments responsible for military personnel and veterans benefits. It follows a Sept. 8 executive order directing the agencies to update the program.
What service members can use now
The existing program offers workshops for people preparing to enter civilian life. The Labor Department’s 2026 workshop catalog describes help with exploring careers, preparing for a job search and identifying employment or training options. It says spouses and caregivers of transitioning service members can take the department’s workshops.
What the agencies plan to change
The announced changes focus on making connections to specific opportunities before separation. The executive order also directs the military and veterans departments to update systems used to share official personnel and service treatment records. Those records can matter when former service members apply for veterans benefits.