Bill > S3354

This bill, the Transition Assistance Advisor Act of 2012, directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) program within the Department of Defense's existing Transition Assistance Program (TAP). TAAs will be professionals located in each state who will act as statewide contacts to help members of the armed forces, including the National Guard who have served on active duty for more than 180 days, and their families access benefits and healthcare provided by both the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill specifies a minimum number of TAAs required in each state, with the number increasing based on the population of Army and Air National Guard members, particularly during contingency operations. In addition to helping access benefits, TAAs will also be responsible for creating and assisting with individual military-to-civilian transition plans for these service members and their families, which will cover employment, education, and healthcare, and will also provide information on relocation, mental health, and financial support services. The act authorizes $10 million for fiscal year 2013 and such sums as may be necessary for subsequent years to implement these provisions and requires the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on the implementation efforts.