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).
2023 TRS/Pre-Retirement Schedule – Mainside
2023 TRS Schedule – SOI

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 with hard-copy materials in class. Education track attendees will utilize the following digital workbook: My Education Participant Guide

 

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

Mon-Fri

7:30am–3:30pm

The DOD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for active-duty military members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of active duty service.

The purpose is to obtain immediate employment upon separating/retiring.

MCB Camp Pendleton SkillBridge Program Monthly Informational Brief

MCB Pendleton Theater and Training Center, BLDG 1330
Come learn about SkillBridge, the different courses, eligibility, and application procedure.

Briefs held 11:30am-12:30pm:

• Every 2nd Tuesday of the month at the MCB Pendleton Theater and Training Center, BLDG 1330
• Every 2nd Thursday of the month at the SOI Marine & Family Programs Facility, BLDG 520512

No registration is needed.

SkillBridge briefs can be provided on-site for units to learn more about our program. Ask us how to schedule!

For a list of authorized SkillBridge organizations please visit: https://skillbridge.osd.mil

There are over 2000 authorized DOD SkillBridge organizations (and growing).

Eligibility

• Complete at least 180 days on active duty and be discharged from active duty with an honorable discharge, including general discharge (under honorable conditions), within 180 days of the date of commencement of participation in such program.
• Be separating or retiring from the Marine Corps and have sufficient time remaining on their contract to complete the program prior to the established separation date.
• Have attended and completed requirements of the Transition Readiness Seminar 180 days prior to separation.
• Have attended an Ethics Brief or completed a DOD-approved Ethics Training presentation within the last 12 months from the start date of the skills training program.
• Receive command approval prior to attending a Marine Corps SkillBridge program.
• The first Commanding Officer (CO) with court-martial convening authority maintains final approval. Participation in this program is at the CO/OIC discretion.

* Marines participating in the program away from and/or outside the vicinity of their permanent duty station will be accounted for in a Permissive Temporary Active Duty (PTAD) status. The limit of 30 days for PTAD does not apply for the purpose of participating in this program. Local approval authorities may approve PTAD in excess of 30 days for this program. PTAD means that all expenses associated with pursuing the program are your responsibility; these expenses may include travel costs, lodging, transportation, and meals.*

Policy

• Authorized in 10 U.S.C. § 1143 (e) (2020)
• DODI 1322.29 Job Training, Employment Skills Training, Apprenticeships, and Internships (JTEST-AI) for Eligible Service Members
• Navy – NAVADMIN 222/15 SkillBridge Employment Skills Training Program (2015)
• Marine Corps – MARADMIN 350/18, SkillBridge Employment Training Program (2018)

Note: As published in the Joint ethics regulations of the Department of Defense and as outlined in the U.S. Department of Labor guidance, Service members participating in a SkillBridge program are participating in a Capstone training experience at the end of the military career and are NOT eligible for wages or other benefits from industry partners since the program is supported by the Department of Defense which will continue to cover the salaries and benefits of the participating members.

 

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:

• One-on-one appointments can be conducted by phone
• Email  Jerrand.Carr@va.gov,  Dorothy.Haney2@va.gov,  Anthony.Scott@va.gov for appointments or assistance

Pre Discharge BDD Camp Pendleton Book Online

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 kwiss@dav.org for appointments or assistance

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri, 7:30am-4pm
www.vfw.org
Available Services:

• One-on-one appointments can be conducted by phone or via appointment
• Call (619) 772-6235 or email dfoy@vfw.org 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 are welcome at BLDG 1101 or 1339.

Medical Records Screening
Hours of Operation: Daily, 7:30am-2:30pm
Walk-in services are available at BLDG 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 into VA Offices in BLDG 13150.

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, and 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 birth, and cities and states of births)
• If you have children between 18-23, are 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 BLDG 13150, 2nd 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 ((877) 424-3838)

Marine for Life
For assistance please contact:
Jamal Brown
(619) 663-7323 or (760) 725-9791
Jamal.Brown@usmc.mil

Customs and Border Patrol (CBP)
For assistance please contact:
(619) 216-4155 or (619) 216-4152
*if no answer, leave a message

Marine 2 Guard
For assistance please contact:
MSG David Hodges (850) 726-0985
SFC Garcia (620) 640-1887

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri, 7:30am-4pm
Available Services:

• 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
Available Services:

• Currently no services within the building, however, you can reach out to the Regional VFW office in San Diego at (619) 400-5322 or email vfw.vbasdc@va.gov.