<p dir="ltr">This dissertation investigates the Transition Assistance Program and its effectiveness in preparing United States Veterans for post-military civilian life. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines qualitative and quantitative data collection to provide comprehensive insights into Veterans' transition experiences, needs, and expectations. The research addresses the limited understanding of Veterans' perceptions of the Transition Assistance Program and highlights the need for comprehensive assessment. It includes online questionnaires to capture Veterans' perspectives. Key findings reveal challenges faced by Veterans during transition and emphasize the need for customization and robust resources. Recommendations propose integrating various technologies to aid Veterans during and after their transition. In conclusion, this study illuminates the Transition Assistance Program's efficacy and proposes innovative ways to support Veterans during their transition to civilian life. It provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance Veterans' transition experiences.</p>

A task force commissioned by President Obama overhauled the U.S. Military Transitioning Program (MTP) in 2012-2013. U.S. veterans have continued to struggle with military transitions following the MTP restructuring. The purpose of this phenomenological inquiry was to explore the critical success factors of the MTP after the redesign based on perceptions of 20 military officers intending to transition to the civilian sector in the National Capital Region. The problem studied was that there was no indication that the redesigned MTP was effective in helping officers transition to the civilian workforce. The study included 3 research questions and semistructured interviews were the primary means to collect data. Schlossberg's 4S transition theory, identity theory, and work-role transition theory comprised the conceptual framework. Data analysis included content analysis and the Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen Method. The findings in this study emphasized the importance of several critical success factors of the redesigned MTP: its focus on transition preparedness, its practical applications, individual counseling, and the knowledge and education obtained while attending the MTP. Senior leaders responsible for the MTP can benefit from this study by understanding the challenges the participants encountered while attending the MTP. Implications for social change include informing U.S. government leaders of the MTP of the need for continued improvements to MTP processes, services, and programs to aid transitioning veterans seeking civilian employment.

A task force commissioned by President Obama overhauled the U.S. Military Transitioning Program (MTP) in 2012-2013. U.S. veterans have continued to struggle with military transitions following the MTP restructuring. The purpose of this phenomenological inquiry was to explore the critical success factors of the MTP after the redesign based on perceptions of 20 military officers intending to transition to the civilian sector in the National Capital Region. The problem studied was that there was no indication that the redesigned MTP was effective in helping officers transition to the civilian workforce. The study included 3 research questions and semistructured interviews were the primary means to collect data. Schlossberg's 4S transition theory, identity theory, and work-role transition theory comprised the conceptual framework. Data analysis included content analysis and the Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen Method. The findings in this study emphasized the importance of several critical success factors of the redesigned MTP: its focus on transition preparedness, its practical applications, individual counseling, and the knowledge and education obtained while attending the MTP. Senior leaders responsible for the MTP can benefit from this study by understanding the challenges the participants encountered while attending the MTP. Implications for social change include informing U.S. government leaders of the MTP of the need for continued improvements to MTP processes, services, and programs to aid transitioning veterans seeking civilian employment.