DoW’s DSSC and MCTO leaders visit Davis-Monthan Air Force Base to discuss transition support, SkillBridge and education pathways
ALEXANDRIA,VA—Department of War’s (DOW) Defense Support Services Center(DSSC) and Military-Civilian Transition Office(MCTO) leaders visited Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, August 3, 2026, to meet with installation leaders, Davis-Monthan Transition Center, Education Office, and Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) staff supporting service members preparing for life after military service.
Dr.Liz Clark, DSSC Director and Mike Miller, MCTO Director, participated in the visit, which focused on transition readiness, Transition Assistance Program (TAP) delivery, SkillBridge opportunities, voting assistance, DoW Project Patriot Pipeline, and local efforts supporting airmen and guardians.
Clark said the visit highlighted the importance of viewing transition as a connected process involving installation programs, community partners, education pathways and industry opportunities.
“A successful military-to-civilian transition is not a single event, but a comprehensive journey,” Clark said. “My visit to Davis-Monthan AFB highlighted how we connect every stage of that pathway — from initial TAP classes and financial readiness on base, to local initiatives like the Edge4Vets program, and the University of Arizona’s VETS program. By aligning our transition services, voting assistance, and educational pipelines with local community and industry partners, we ensure our service members are fully supported from their first transition course to their first day in a civilian career.”
During the visit, Clark met with Col. Jose L. Cabrera, commander of the 355th Wing, to discuss successful transitions and their connection to the future of the all-volunteer force. Clark also highlighted the importance of the Federal Voting Assistance Program, DoW SkillBridge and the broader implications of DoW Project Patriot Pipeline supporting the Defense Industrial Base.
Cabrera provided an overview of Davis-Monthan initiatives designed to support transitioning airmen and guardians by connecting them with mentors, the greater Tucson business community and other local programs. Miller also discussed ways to create SkillBridge opportunities on base that support installation manning needs and Davis-Monthan’s aerospace mission.
The discussion included Davis-Monthan’s connection with the University of Arizona’s national security and defense industrial base program, reinforcing the role local education and industry partners can play in supporting military transition and workforce readiness.
Clark also visited the Davis-Monthan Transition Center, where she met with TAP staff, M&FRC flight chief, and the education center chief. During the visit, she joined transitioning service members for the TAP Financial Planning for Transition course and participated in a working lunch with staff to discuss local transition trends and efforts to connect services with transitioning service members’ needs.
Noel Cumberland, Davis-Monthan TAP manager, said the visit provided an important opportunity for senior leaders to see TAP delivery at the installation level.
“I was especially heartened by the fact that Dr. Clark and Mr. Miller were willing to come all the way to Arizona, in the middle of the summer, to see the Transition Assistance Program in action,” Cumberland said. “They asked questions and made observations that will keep the program a force-multiplier for years to come. Every successful transition enhances the reputation of the military at large, inspiring future generations to serve, confident that they too will be able to achieve great things both in service, and after service.” The visit gave DSSC and MCTO leaders an opportunity to hear directly from installation staff supporting service members as they prepare for civilian life.
Those conversations helped identify local practices, emerging needs and potential opportunities to strengthen coordination among TAP, education services, SkillBridge and community partners.
Clark and Miller also met with the University of Arizona Veterans Education and Transition Services(VETS)team. VETS staff provided an overview of their space, programs and support for military-connected students in person and online. The discussion included advocacy for students using Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits, support when education is interrupted by military service, community-building initiatives and partnerships connected to Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) programs.
The meeting ended with Miller inviting the University of Arizona to join the Council on Military Transition to Education. The council serves as a subject matter expert body supporting MCTO’s annual curriculum updates and provides best-practice recommendations on adult education for transitioning service members pursuing higher education.
The visit highlighted the importance of collaboration among installation leadership, TAP staff, education partners and local communities to support service members and families throughout the transition process.
To learn more about TAP courses, events and transition resources, visit https://www.tapevents.mil.
To learn more about DoWSkillBridge, visit https://skillbridge.mil.
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