Transition Readiness Program

Beginning 1 October 2019, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) will require completion of an Initial Counseling and the Pre-Separation Counseling brief PRIOR to attending TRS. Retirees may attend these components up to 24 months prior to EAS but must do so no later than 12 months from EAS. Separatees may complete the components up to 18 months prior to EAS but must do so no later than 12 months from EAS.

Attendees will discuss their transitional goals, receive relevant resource referral, and review options for supplemental workshops and training. Initial counseling must be completed prior to the Pre-Separation Counseling Brief. You must register for Initial Counseling via EventBrite.

Pre-work must be completed prior to your Initial Counseling. Instructions can be found here:
Initial Counseling and Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS) Checklist

Per MCO 1700.31 & MARADMIN 632/19, the Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS) is the mandatory training course for separating Service Members. Separatees may attend as early as 18 months prior to EAS, but must do so no later than 180 days from EAS. Retirees may attend as early as 24 months from EAS, but must do so no later than 180 days from EAS. Pre-Retirement TRS is provided during the first two full weeks of each month.

Attendees explore topics such as employment, VA benefits, financial planning, transition resources, etc. and receive one-on-one guidance from a Personal and Professional Development Advisor. Completion of Initial Counseling and Pre-Separation Counseling is required prior to attendance of TRS. All Service Members must register via their Unit Transition Coordinator (UTC).

Beginning 6 January, 2020, two-day tracks will be embedded in the week of TRS. Service Members will select their track during Initial Counseling. The four track options will be: Employment, Education, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship. Students attending the Employment, Vocational and Entrepreneurship tracks will be provided hard-copy materials in class. Education track attendees will utilize the following digital workbook: My Education Participant Guide

Due to COVID-19, the following details reflect our current TRS processes:

• TRS will be conducted Tuesday through Friday until further notice.
• Pre-Retirement TRS will be provided in-person, once a month, until further notice. All other tracks will be conducted virtually via Adobe Connect.
• The VA Benefits and Services class will need to be completed online prior to TRS registration. Your UTC will provide instructions for this course.

(In-person service not available at this time)
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri, 7am-3:30pm

For appointments or assistance:
(442) 288-5834
Email us

* SkillBridge support and application submission by email and telephone only

The SkillBridge Program offers a variety of courses to transitioning Service Members within their 180 days of active duty service. All courses train in high-need industries and offer a high probability of securing employment as each course provides job interviews, placements, or certifications. It is best to begin the application process early. To learn more about the SkillBridge Program courses, eligibility, and application procedures, please attend one of our SkillBridge briefs to get all your questions answered. The SkillBridge brief will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

You may join the virtual brief through the following site: https://meeting.marinenet.usmc.mil/MCBCampPenSkillBridge/
There is no need to pre-register. When you click on the link you will need to enter your name and the password: SkillBridge (case sensitive, no spaces). Please log in at least 15 minutes prior to familiarize yourself with the virtual platform.

SkillBridge Office
BLDG 13150 – #311 – Mainside (Marine & Family Programs HQ)
(760) 725-6517
cpsdp@usmc.mil

In-person service not available at this time. Please utilize POC emails listed below.
VA Medical Record Screening
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri, 7:30am-4pm
www.va.gov
Available Services:
• On-site assistance is not available at this time
• One-on-one appointments can be conducted by phone
• Email Terron.sumpter@va.gov, Christie.hardy@va.gov, daniel.martinez5@va.gov, glenn.pederson@va.gov, lynne.christmas@va.gov, or gerardo.vargas@va.gov for appointments or assistance

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri, 7:30am-4pm
www.dav.org

Available Services:
• On-site assistance is not available at this time
• One-on-one appointments can be conducted by phone
• Call (760) 725-9482 or email swillingham@dav.org for appointments or assistance

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri, 7:30am-4pm
www.vfw.org
Available Services:
• On-site assistance is not available at this time
• One-on-one appointments can be conducted by phone
• Call (619) 455-5179 or email gerardo.vargas@va.gov for appointments or assistance

VA Benefits Advisors
Available at Transition Readiness Facilities for one-on-one appointments regarding accessing and understanding your VA benefits, utilizing eBenefits.
Make an appointment by calling: (760) 725-4360, or walk-ins welcome at Building 1101 or 1339.

Medical Records Screening:
Hours of Operation: Daily, 7:30am-2:30pm
Walk-in services available at building 13150 (2nd Floor) for medical records to be screened by a representative from the DAV, VFW or VA in preparation for you to file a VA disability claim with the VA.

File your VA Claim:
Hours of Operation: Daily, 7:30am-2:30pm
Walk in to VA Offices in Building 13150: (760) 385-0416

Benefits delivered at Discharge (BDD) program filing window is 90-180 days prior to a known separation date. The Service member will also have to be available for 45 days from the date of their claim submission to attend any VA examinations. You must have a firm fixed date of separation to have your records reviewed. If you are pending administrative separation, you must have your 5 or 10 day letter.

Provide the VA with a complete copy of your Service Treatment Record. They will keep this copy.
You must have a complete copy of your AHLTA notes from your medical department printed out or emailed to a VA employee via AMERDAC
Provide a copy of your complete Mental Health records, if applicable.
If you are married, complete VA Form 21-686C (requires Name, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Date of Marriage, City and State of Marriage)
If have any previous marriages, marital information required
If you have dependent children, complete VA Form 21-686C (names, Social Security numbers, Dates of births, city and state of births)
If you have children between 18-23, unmarried and going to school, complete VA Form 21-674 for each child
Direct Deposit information (Name of financial institution, routing number, account number)
TCRG- VA Chapter 36 assessments and career counseling

Free Personalized Educational and Career Counseling

• Individual counseling to help you decide on your employment goals
• Educational and career counseling to identify a college or vocational program
• Benefits Coaching – guidance on VA benefits and how to effectively use resources
• Career Choice – understand best career options for you based on Aptitude/Interests/ Values Assessments

To apply:
Log into: www.ebenefits.va.gov
Select “Apply.”
Select “Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits.”
Apply for “Educational and Career Counseling.” Be sure to use local address.
*You can also stop by VA Offices in Building 13150, Second Floor to request an application (8832 form) OR Room #217

Vet Centers:
Locate the nearest Vet Center to you
Manage your VA benefits at EBenefits
Access VA’s services for homeless and at-risk Veterans 24/7 at:
1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838)