88.4—Policy.
It is DoD policy that: (a) Transition assistance programs prepare separating Service members and their families with the skills, tools, and self-confidence necessary to ensure successful reentry into the Nation's civilian work force.
(b)
Transition assistance programs be designed to complete the military personnel “life cycle.” This cycle begins with the Service member's recruitment from the civilian sector, continues with training and sustainment throughout a Service members's active service in the Armed Forces, and ends when the Service member returns to the civilian sector.
(c)
Transition assistance programs include: (1) Transition service as defined in )88.3 (d) to be provided to Service members and their families for up to 90 days after separation, space and work load permitting.
(2)
Separation entitlements as defined in § 88.3 (b) for Service members who are involuntarily separating as defined in § 99.3 (a) or separating under the Voluntary Separation Incentive or Special Separation Benefit Programs as defined in § 88.3 (c).
(d)
Service members from one Service shall not restricted from participating in another Service's transition assistance program unless workload or other unusual circumstances dictate. Every effort will be made to accommodate all eligible personnel, especially if referral to another transition site will require the Service member to travel a long distance and incur significant expense.
(f)
When being discharged, released from active duty, or retiring (hereafter referred to as “separating Service members”), Service members and their families bear primary responsibility for their successful transition into the civilian sector.
(g)
Spouses shall be encouraged to participate in transition planning and counseling to the maximum extent possible.
(h)
Enhanced transition programs shall be established for Service members and their families who are overseas to help alleviate the special difficulties overseas personnel encounter when job and house hunting.
(i)
Installations in the United States shall give priority transition assistance to personnel who recently returned from overseas.