Total Army Sponsorship Program (TASP)

Purpose

The Total Army Sponsorship Program (TASP) ensures that incoming Soldiers and their families are welcomed and supported when they PCS, reassign, or first enter the Army. TASP is mandatory for first-term Soldiers and generally required for ranks PVT–SSG, WO1–CW2, and 2LT–CPT. Sponsorship eases the transition, reduces anxiety, and improves unit readiness.

DA Form 5434 & ACT

DA Form 5434 (Sponsorship Program Counseling and Information Sheet) is the foundational form, now primarily managed digitally through the Army Career Tracker (ACT). The gaining unit has 10 days to assign a sponsor after receiving the DA Form 5434. The sponsor uses this system to provide information about the gaining unit, local area, housing, schools, and other resources.

Sponsor Qualifications

• When appointing a sponsor, the Soldier should generally be:
• Equal to or higher ranking than the incoming Soldier.
• The same sex (gender).
• Familiar with the unit, activity, and the local community.

Sponsor Responsibilities

• Make contact with the incoming Soldier/family and send a welcome letter within 10 days of being assigned as a sponsor.
• Provide information about the unit, local area, housing, schools, and medical facilities.
• Meet the Soldier upon arrival and assist with reception and in-processing.
• Introduce them to the chain of command and key personnel.
• Ensure a smooth transition and orientation during the first 90 days.

Board Tips

Know the Regulation: AR 600-8-8. Know the Form: DA Form 5434 (accessed via ACT). Know the 6 Elements of TASP: DA Form 5434, Welcome Letter, ACS Relocation Readiness Services, Reception, Orientation, and In-processing. Scenario Question: If asked, 'You're assigned as a sponsor for a new Soldier — what do you do?', walk through the steps: Check ACT/DA 5434, contact them and send a welcome letter within 10 days, arrange pickup, assist with in-processing, and introduce them to the chain of command.