SkillBridge

Eligibility Requirements

• Active Duty Service Members

• Marines who have served a minimum of 180 days on active duty and received honorable discharge, including general discharge (under honorable conditions) within 180 days.

• Marines in the process of separating or retiring, must ensure adequate time remaining on contract prior to EAS by identifying their Category type, permitted timeline and final approval authorities for SkillBridge Program participation.

• Complete the Transition Readiness Seminar requirements at least 180 days before separation.

• Obtain command approval before participating in a Marine Corps SkillBridge program. Information on how to apply through your command will be provided during the SkillBridge Information Session.

• Marines enrolled in the Individual Disability Evaluation System or assigned to the Wounded Warrior Transition Program will require Commander consideration and approval of a SkillBridge Program packet and a separation date within 180 days.

• Category I (E1-E5): up to 120 days, requires approval from Commanders at the grade of O5 or above. 
   
• Category II (E6-E7, WO-CWO3, O1-O4): up to 90 days, requires approval from Commanders at the grade of O5 or above.
   
• Category III (E8-E9, W4-W5, O5 and above): up to 90 days or less, requires General Officer approval and Marine’s SkillBridge participation must not result in a gapped billet.

• NAVMC 1700.2
• MARADMIN: 280/24
• DoDI 1322.29

Application Process

The application process may vary from installation to installation.

We encourage you to contact your SkillBridge coordinator and attend the SkillBridge Information Session before you process your application.

Selection / Acceptance
Applying does not guarantee your acceptance with a SkillBridge industry partner. Please adhere to the due dates and any additional information required. You will be notified of your acceptance through a Transition Readiness or SkillBridge representative.
 
Your Responsibility
You will be responsible for contacting the specific SkillBridge industry partner directly for information; a SkillBridge Coordinator will guide you through the application process. Authorization is obtained by uploading your packet and routing through NCMIS for final approval from your CO. 

1. Attend the SkillBridge Brief
   Participate in the mandatory brief at your installation.
    
2. Confirm Eligibility
   Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the SkillBridge program.
    
3. Command Approval
   Discuss your interest in SkillBridge with your command to obtain their support.
    
4. Check-Out/Separation Coordination
   Connect with your local administrative office regarding check-out/separation procedures.
    
5. Research SkillBridge Opportunities
   Explore and apply to DoD-approved SkillBridge programs that match your career goals.
    
6. Selection/Acceptance
   Receive confirmation of your acceptance into a DoD-approved SkillBridge opportunity.
    
7. Complete Application Packet
   Gather and complete all necessary documents for the SkillBridge application.
    
8. Submit for Review
   Submit your completed packet to your installation's SkillBridge office for review and conditional approval.
    
9. Command Authorization
   Submit your application through MyMarineEducation for final command authorization.
    
10. Finalize Your Approval
    Download and print your SkillBridge Approval Document from MyMarineEducation.

Downloads
Download the files below and save them to a folder on your MAC or Windows computer. Make sure to open the file from the new location. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, please visit Adobe to download it for free.
  
NAVMC 1320/1 USMC SkillBridge Packet Checklist
Required by any service member (aboard a MCI) applying for a SkillBridge program.
 
NAVMC 1320/2 USMC SkillBridge Participant Screening
Required by any service member (aboard a MCI) applying for a SkillBridge program.
  
Sample Program Acceptance Letter
You must provide an acceptance letter for the program you are attending. The letter must include dates, times, location and a point of contact for the training. It should also provide information for the topics on the example.

Information Session

We want to help you successfully transition into the civilian workforce by using the SkillBridge DoD-approved opportunities. 

We encouraged you to attend the SkillBridge Information Session to learn essential details about the program:

• Eligibility Requirements
• Available DoD-Approved SkillBridge Opportunities
• How to Successfully Navigate the Application Process

During the session, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the program’s requirements, timelines, and the commitment involved.
 
The session also offers a chance to ask questions, ensuring that you are fully informed before moving forward with any applications. Completion of the SkillBridge Information Session is required before you can engage with the program or submit any further documentation, making it a crucial step in your transition journey.

View the calendar section of this webpage or contact your local SkillBridge representative for session dates and times.

School Liaison Officers

School Liaison Support

Your School Liaison Officer will provide you with important information, assist with transferring your child's grades or credits, and ensure that your child receives support. Empowering you with the information you need, they ensure you can make informed decisions about your child's education and be their strongest advocate.

• Promotes and enhances education services and programs
• Provides incoming families with information regarding DoDDS
• Assist with grade/credit transferability
• Ensure school children and schools are supported by military command volunteers
• Organize Adopt-a-School units
• Essential in providing school administrators with a conduit to military and military protocol
• Help communicate with principals, teachers or other school personnel
• Help parents in making their child's educational transition a success

Quick Tips for Transitioning

• Start talking about the upcoming move with your child as soon as you receive your orders. Talk about the positive aspects of moving and experiencing new areas. 
   
• Help your child to explore the local area before the move using technology. All schools and districts now maintain websites, and many heavily impacted school districts have pages dedicated to military families.
   
• If your orders require that your family relocate before the end of the current school year, make sure to notify your child’s current school as soon as possible.
   
• Make copies of your child’s current textbook cover, table of contents and the course syllabus to bring to your new school.
   
• Contact your child’s current school to arrange for unofficial copies of all necessary school records that you can hand carry with you during the move and provide to the receiving school upon arrival. 
   
• Bring samples of current schoolwork your child has produced. if you will be arriving after tryouts have occurred for a favorite extra-curricular activity, create a short video introducing your child and highlighting his or her skills in action; it might help reserve a spot on the team.
   
• Find out if the new school requires testing and/or prerequisites in order to place students at the appropriate level for their skills. It might be possible to arrange for those tests before you arrive, so you are good to go when you register your child.
   
• Be sure to pay any outstanding fees at your current school, return library books and any other items belonging to the school. If those items are not cleared, there could be delays with transcripts.
   
• Last but not least, make sure to contact your School Liaison right when you get orders. School Liaisons are subject matter experts on preK-12 education and local school communities and can help ease the transition for everyone involved.

Checklist for Parents

• Student’s Birth Certificate
• Student’s Social Security Number
• Student’s Health Record (Immunizations, etc.)
• Legal Documents as needed (i.e. custody agreements)
• Proof of Residency/Military Orders (e.g., utility bills, lease/escrow deed, housing contract)

• Copy of Cumulative Folder (only the copy mailed between schools is considered official)
• Current Schedule
• Report Cards
• Withdrawal Grades or Progress Reports
• Test Scores (Standardized)
• Special Education Records

• Notify the school that your child will be leaving at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Request official transcripts
• Find out the latest date your child can check out of school and still receive full credit
• Ask whether a child can complete credits after they have left the school district
• Request work that your child can do to keep current during the transfer

• Address, Phone Number, other contract information
• Course Description Book/Grading
• Scale (if applicable for 6th grade and above)
• Copy of the Cover for Each Textbook or Title Page
• School Profile/Handbook

Kid's Moving Checklist

• Return any library items I have checked out
• Decide which clothes and toys
• I have outgrown and give them away
• Get pictures of my friends
• Get contact information from my friends
• Look up my new hometown on a google map
• Ask my parents how I can help them
• Give my friends my contact information
• Visit your favorite places before you leave

Enrollment

• Certified copy of child’s birth certificate
• Child’s immunization records
• Proof of withdrawal from pPrevious school (if not entering school for the first time)
• Last report card and/or unofficial transcripts (if not entering school for the first time)
• Special education records (if a child has an IEP or 504 plan)
• Proof of residency in the form of tax statement, rental or lease agreement, dated residence contract, or current utility bill.
• Picture ID to substantiate the proof of residency.
• Custody documentation (if applicable)
• High School students– Previous school’s withdrawal forms and copy of the most recent report card or school transcript

Homeschool

• You are eligible if you are a DoD dependent home-school student living near a DoDEA school.
• You can enroll in a DoDEA school tuition-free in the Americas, or space-required in Europe and the Pacific.
• This does not apply if you are enrolled in a host nation school under space-required status.

• You can use auxiliary services, such as school libraries, academic resources, and after-hours access to school facilities.
• You can participate in music, sports, and other extracurricular activities at DoDEA schools.
• You can enroll in one or more DoDEA courses, or access services like gifted education, English as a second language, or special education.
• Academic resources like textbooks, software, and scheduled tests are available to you, just as they are for DoDEA-enrolled students.
• You cannot participate in DoDEA commencement ceremonies if you are not fully enrolled in a DoDEA high school.

• You can participate in a DoDEA commencement ceremony if you are fully enrolled in a DoDEA high school.
• To do this, you need to meet DoDEA graduation requirements and earn a DoDEA diploma.
• Contact your DoDEA school administrator to learn about other ways your homeschool graduation can be recognized if you do not meet DoDEA graduation requirements.

• Your homeschooling practices must follow the laws of the host nation, state, commonwealth, possession, or territory where your family is stationed.
• Talk to your commander to make sure your homeschooling complies with any command policies or local rules.

Earn a Degree

Whether you're looking to earn a college degree, obtain a certification, or improve your skills, there are resources designed to support your personal and professional growth, preparing you for success both in the Marine Corps and in civilian life. Take advantage of these opportunities to invest in your future today!

Visit your Volunteer Education center and speak with a coordinator.

Volunteer Education

Enroll in a University or College

The Leadership Scholar Program is a valuable resource for service members seeking to leverage their military experience into academic success and civilian career opportunities.

Service members interested in the Leadership Scholar Program should start by visiting the Volunteer Education and speaking to an education coordinator or the Transition Assistance Program coordinator.

Leadership Scholar Program

Credentialing Opportunities Online

The Credentialing Opportunities Program is an excellent way to leverage your military experience and prepare for a successful career both within the Marine Corps and in civilian life.

Marines interested in the COOL program should visit their local Volunteer Education Center and speak to an education coordinator to explore available credentials, understand the application process, and get started on obtaining valuable certifications and licenses.

Credentialing Opportunities Online

Budgeting for Your Future

We can help you prepare for financial changes by offering guidance on budgeting, saving, and managing expenses during and after your transition.

Personal Financial Management

Managing Stress

The Community Counseling Program utilizes a holistic approach to support individuals, children, couples, and families. Our clinicians provide solutions designed to meet your specific needs in the following areas:

• Relationship Concerns
• Work Stressors
• Life Stressors
• Trauma
• EAS/PCS and Challenges Related to Transition
• Grief and Loss
• Sadness
• Worry
• Deployment Cycle Stressors and Reintegration
• Adjustment
• Crisis Intervention
• Sleep Hygiene
• Parent-Child Communication

Establish a connection with professionals from your Community Counseling Program and discover a successful journey toward overcoming life's challenges.

Community Counseling