ACAP services change for soldiers affected by stop loss

CML Army Chemical Review, Oct, 2004 by Tesia Williams

The recent implementation of the Active Army Unit Stop Loss/Stop Movement Program will affect Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP) participation for some soldiers who are planning to leave the Army. Soldiers who are impacted by stop loss/stop movement and assigned to units selected for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan will now receive their mandatory preseparation counseling prior to departure from their home station. The mandatory counseling will allow soldiers to receive an explanation of transition benefits and services 90 days prior to their separation date.

Many installations integrate ACAP preparation counseling into the predeployment process; however, soldiers need not wait until predeployment processing to begin receiving ACAP transition services. As time permits, soldiers should visit their local ACAP center and sign up for the transition and job assistance services available to them after the initial preseparation counseling. Early initiation of the ACAP process will increase a soldier's opportunity to receive available follow-on ACAP services and attend the Transition Assistance Program workshops prior to deployment. Additionally, ACAP offers online services that soldiers can take advantage of during downtime while they are deployed; however, to access these resources, they must have already received the preseparation counseling.

The Reserve Component unit stop-loss policy implemented in the fall of 2002 remains in effect. Army National Guard and Army Reserve personnel who have completed more than 180 days of continuous active duty are eligible for full ACAP services. ACAP provides transition and job assistance services to separating and retiring soldiers and their family members. Separating soldiers can enroll in the program up to one year prior to their separation date, and retiring soldiers can start the process as early as two years in advance of their retirement date. Soldiers can obtain additional information by visiting their local ACAP center or by going to the Web site <www.acap.army.mil>.

Ms. Williams is a Department of the Army public affairs specialist. She has written several articles on Army programs and advanced schooling, including the Veterans Educational Assistance Program and the Army University Access Online (eArmyU). She works in the Public Communications Office at the US Army Materiel Command, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.