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TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN

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LEAVING THE MARINES

Transitioning out of the Marines and into civilian life is a daunting task. A Marine's End of Active Service (EAS) is a bittersweet day.
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Don't worry - we have collected a comprehensive list of resources to help make the transition as smooth as possible, help you define your path forward, and find a rewarding next chapter of your life.
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Separation financial benefits and other information is located on our Retirement page.

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TRANSITION READINESS SEMINAR

EVERY MARINE IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND ONE WEEK-LONG SEMINAR BEFORE GETTING OUT

The Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS)  provides transitioning Marines and their families with the resources and tools needed to reach their personal goals.
 
Marines will be begin planning with an emphasis on post-transition goals at least a year in advance of EAS or retirement.
 
Separatees must start and complete the Initial Counseling and Pre-Separation Counseling process 18 to 12 months before EAS, and Retirees must do so 24 to 12 months from retirement.
 
TRS will still be required at 12 to no later than six months from EAS, the Capstone Review must be completed four months from EAS, and the Commander’s Verification three months from EAS.

Marines explore topics such as employment, VA benefits, financial planning, transition resources, and receive one-on-one guidance from a Personal and Professional Development Advisor.

There are 4 two-day tracks Marines can choose from within the TRS: Employment, Education, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship

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PRIVATE TRANSITION ASSISTANCE

THERE ARE NUMEROUS FREE RESOURCES AND AGENCIES PROVIDING HELP TO TRANSITIONING MARINES AND THEIR FAMILIES

There are countless non-profit and charitable agencies who help Marines throughout their transition process. Below we have listed some of the best services and what each one offers.

Veterati
A digital platform to support the veterans as they pursue their dream careers at every point in their career journey by connecting them with mentors in their industries of interest.

Veterans Transition Support
VTS helps Marines and veterans in Southern California bridge the gap between military service and civilian life through job training and one-on-one mentoring in career development, education planning and obtaining veteran benefits. The Veterans Transition Support “Military Transition Training Program” provides no cost professional certification courses and transition resource briefs, career counseling, and resume help.

FourBlock
FourBlock equips high potential veterans to achieve great careers at our nation's top companies. A tool to help veterans achieve more after the military.

United Service Organization (USO)
The USO does more than provide airport lounges for military personnel. The Pathfinder program helps veterans find a civilian job that suits their skills and interest, secure financial stability, research education options, take advantage of their GI Bill, utilize their VA Home Loan or any other veteran programs, maintain family strength and personal wellness through the process. Participants will get a personalized Action Plan and one-on-one support from a USO Pathfinder Scout.

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MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS

THERE ARE COMMUNITIES AND CHARITIES THAT HELP VETERANS CONECT, SHARE BONDS, AND ADVOCATE FOR THEIR BENEFITS AND INTERESTS

One of the hardest aspects of leaving the Marine Corps is the loss of camaraderie and being a part of a team. These military associations have been around for years and help to connect veterans, as well as advocate on their behalf with the government.

AMVets
Founded in 1944, AMVets advocates for its members as well as for causes that its members deem helpful to the nation at large. They help with finding jobs and working with the complex rules of the Department of Veterans Affairs, at no cost.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides support for veterans of all generations and their families, helping more than 1 million veterans each year. Annually, the organization provides more than 600,000 rides to veterans attending medical appointments and assists veterans with well over 200,000 benefit claims. In 2019, DAV helped veterans receive more than $21 billion in earned benefits. DAV’s services are offered at no cost to all generations of veterans, their families and survivors.  They also host job fairs and help connect veterans with meaningful job opportunities.

American Legion
The American Legion is a member-based advocacy organization that has posts and chapters all around the country.  They host events, volunteer to run community events, and operate a grassroots advocacy program that was founded in 1919.

National Association of American Veterans (NAAV)
The NAAV assists service members and disabled veterans, assists with veterans benefits, provides VA assistance and emergency veteran assistance. They also provide free SAT and ACT prep to veterans looking to apply to colleges.

Marine Corps League
Since 1937, the mission of the Marine Corps League is to promote the interest and to preserve traditions of the United States Marine Corps; strengthen the fraternity of Marines and their families; serve Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and FMF Chaplains who wear or who have worn the Eagle, Globe and Anchor; and foster the ideals of Americanism and patriotic volunteerism.

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
The Military Officers Association of America is a professional association of United States military officers. It is a nonprofit organization that advocates for a strong national defense, but is politically nonpartisan. The association supports government policies that benefit military members and their families

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)
The WWP was founded to help wounded post-9/11 veterans with a variety of services ranging from mental and physical well-being to building homes, providing transportation, and helping find accomodating employment opportunities.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
The VFW is the oldest military association in the United States.  Founded in 1899, the membership-based VFW has posts across the country, and is excellent at helping with VA Claims and separations, GI Bill issues, and provides grants to its members.