Page 12 - Ft. Irwin High Desert Warrior, October 2019

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News
High Desert Warrior October 4, 2019
www.aerotechnews.com/ntcfortirwin
NDAA Transition assistance changes now in place
The Soldier for Life — Transition Assistance Program is excited to announce changes to SFL-TAP that will be more beneficial to Soldiers.
These changes are outlined in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019.
They include a new self-assessment that will help determine the level of transition assistance each Soldier needs. Other changes include an updated curriculum for some of the classes and a requirement that Soldiers start the process of transitioning at least a year out. Technically, if a Soldiers starts 365 days out, they’re late.
These changes went into effect Oct. 1.
“This is the best thing that has happened for Army transition in 10 years,” said Col. (R) Walter Herd, director of the Army-wide program.
In the future more changes will be made to the curriculum and a new Pre-Separation brief- ing will be added.
“The Army has been advocating for these changes for a while in order to better prepare Soldiers for transition,” Herd said. “Congress heard the Army, and now Soldiers are getting a transition plan that is more tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual Soldier, rather than the “one size fits all” program that’s been the overall standard. The overarching theme of ‘Go Early, Go Often’ is still a key component of SFL-TAP”
Moving forward, Soldiers who are better prepared for the transition to the civilian sector will not have to spend as much time away from mission requirements, and Soldiers who need more support can get the help and advice they specifically need.
SFL-TAP is excited to enact these changes and continue our mission to support Soldiers.
Man who defied medical odds speaks to the community Courtesy of the 11th ACR and ASAP
FORT IRWIN, Calif. — The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and the Fort Irwin ASAP team welcomed Jared Estes to Fort Irwin on Sept. 24. TheinspirationalspeakerinteractedwithTroopers at the Fort Irwin theatre and Sandy Basin Com- munity Center during Suicide Awareness Month. Estes survived a fatal car crash as a result of a drunk driver and burn victim. The crash killed his wife and left him with more than 50 surger- ies. He shared his stories on how he was able to overcome this trial in his life and pursue a positive outcome. The Regiment showed Estes vehicles utilized during rotation from Fury Troop in 2nd Squadron, 11th ACR Motorpool. Estes joined the Regiment for a physical training event conducted onthemorningofSept.25atMaintenanceTroop, Regimental Support Squadron, 11th ACR.
The Garrison Command Team wants to make sure the National Training Center/Fort Irwin has a great quality of life for all residents. We always welcome your ideas on how to improve the experience of soldiers and families on our installation and we are putting a bigger focus on your ideas.
Send your suggestions to irwinbestinthewest@gmail.com on how you think we can make NTC/Fort Irwin the #BestInTheWest. The Garrison Command Team’s goal is to listen to your opinions and work toward a solution. Your ideas can be of any topic on post. The Garrison Command Team will respond to your ideas on Facebook Live during our usual #FacebookRoundup session on Facebook.com/FtIrwin every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.
We want a positive conversation, so please try to avoid solely complaints and offer ideas/ suggestions/opinions, so that our office can provide a timely response to your statement. Your ideas can also include possible solutions you have to make Fort Irwin the #BestInTheWest.
For more information go to home.army.mil/irwin