ETS Act

The ETS Act (HR 3387) enhances support for military members transitioning to civilian life through the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). It increases preseparation counseling from 365 to 540 days, requires at least 3 days of counseling for members with employment/education plans and 5 days for others, and mandates in-person counseling when possible. The bill creates standardized pathways across military branches, establishes a pilot program for military spouses with tailored counseling, and improves coordination between Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Labor to support service members at risk of difficult transitions. It also includes new reporting requirements to track TAP effectiveness and extends transitional health care availability from 180 to 270 days.