Taking care of retirees and veterans through Capstone Published Oct. 29, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Janelle Patiño 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- In September 2013, Fairchild's Airman and Family Readiness Center launched a process, in addition to the Transition Assistance Program, called Capstone for service members who are preparing for their separation or retirement. Capstone is a culminating process that Department of Defense established to prepare and evaluate service members' preparedness to successfully transition from a military to civilian career by validating Career Readiness Standards. "In very recent history, DoD and other agencies identified unemployment rates among veterans was of concern," said Christopher Marble, chief of the A&FRC. "Ever since after redesigning TAP and launching Capstone, A&FRC's and Force Support Squadrons have made tremendous progress to better serve our separating and retiring personnel." Capstone attendance is mandatory for all military personnel, and includes a thorough review of Career Readiness Standards, which include the members Individual Transition Plan, job search materials such as resumes, applications and job offers, education materials such as college applications and benefits, Veterans Administration Benefits preparation and more. "In addition, commanders play a critical role in ensuring Career Readiness Standards are met," said Marble. "Capstone is the culminating piece of a comprehensive multi-year, multi-agency partnership with partners that may include Department of Labor, Veteran's Affairs, Small Business Administration, Education Services and more." According to Marble, every effort should be made to attend and complete the requirements of Capstone no later than 90 days prior to separation for service members to demonstrate that they have met the appropriate Career Readiness Standards and ultimately drive down unemployment for veterans. "The process will be incorporated into the Military Lifecycle implementation. The requirements to successfully graduate Capstone will be introduced to the member early in their career and act as a roadmap for successful career transition," Marble said. "It's usually held once a month where individuals verify with a counselor their Career Readiness Standards' are met as they prepare to leave the service." The A&FRC generally processes about 30 to 40 members through the separation and retirement process per month. The current classroom capability is about 30, however, A&FRC is always flexible to the demands of mission and personnel programming. Spouses are also encouraged to participate and support both TAP and Capstone. "Generally, during the A&FRC pre-separation or retirement class or during TAP week, we will schedule members for the Capstone," said Marble. "Members can also call the A&FRC to sign up." For more information, visit or call the A&FRC at 509-247-2246.