The project addressed a core challenge identified during discovery research: transitioning service members often face significant barriers in accessing clear, personalized guidance for life after the military. Key areas of need include civilian employment, VA claims, and healthcare services. To address this challenge, the team developed a digital solution designed to simplify the transition process through curated pathways. In 2024, the team piloted and released a soft-launch “Minimum Viable Product” digital solution on VA.gov. The solution was shaped through extensive co-design sessions and cross-agency collaboration, ensuring that each iteration is informed by the validated needs of transitioning service members and military families. The team is currently completing co-design iterations for Version 2 and securing buy-in from DoD partners to continue additional pilots.

See the 2024 project evaluation plan to learn about the project measures and methods.

The team initiated the project focusing on four areas: navigating the transition process; planning for life after the military; right-sizing and timing curriculum content; and selecting, organizing, and presenting personalized resource connections. The team coordinated with representatives from nine Federal agencies and five military service branches on three HCD improvement sprints.

Sprint 1A involved co-designing with customers to develop a digital solution that consolidates action steps from multiple agencies and delivers the right information and resources at the right time.

Sprint 1B investigated technical feasibility in response to customer-relayed usability and design considerations. The sprint included gathering requirements to provide recommendations to inform project resourcing, piloting, and communicating with customers.

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides information, resources, and tools to Service members and their loved ones to help prepare for the transition to civilian life. The TAP Executive Committee, which provides cross-agency shared governance over the program, approved all of the HCD-rooted recommendations, green-lighting the proposed solution for MVP development.

Sprint 1C recently launched and seeks to develop solutions for customers to receive information and resources earlier in their military careers with clear calls to action. Recognizing that TAP is in part overseen by commanders, cross-agency partners rallied around a visual management solution to make TAP progress more transparent within chains of command and supporting organizations—to promote proactive engagement and external accountability. This sprint will deliver prototypes and recommendations in the first quarter of FY 2024.