Mike B.’s Post

Alfred Negron II,thank you for posting this. In reading this and the associated messaging it is becoming more apparent that the mentality of MCWP 3-30F (Operations and Readiness) where it was stated "The three most important things the Marine Corps does for the Nation are make Marines, win battles, and return quality citizens", is changing. While a Marine at the end of their service is normally more a contributor to society then they were when they entered, why is their ability to ensure success in a competitive job market being potentially limited. I retired after 21 years of service in 2020 and even with participation in a Skill Bridge Program, I struggled to find employment. If it hadn’t been for the connections I was introduced to on my Skill Bridge program, I and my family would have would have had a difficult transition period. I am glad to see that Hiring Our Hero’s Corporate Fellowship is running their cohorts at 80 days a session. While this is a good length for what their program offers, it is not for every Skill Bridge that exists. While I see what the Marine Corps is alluding to when they say they provided 3,400 years of service to external agencies. What is not capture is that those agencies are creating and or holding positions of employment for soon to be Veterans AND giving them an opportunity to see if that field is a right fit for them before they leave the pay and security of active-duty service. They give as much to the Marines who are working for them as interns as they are getting back in the applied “free labor”. I do believe that their needs to be limits on time spent on a Skill Bridge. A case by case apprach would be logical in my opinion. Perhaps the Marine Corps should re-evaluate how orders are issued to more senior Marines to ensure that billets are not gapped. Additionally, the Services as a whole, could look at what they focus their efforts and attention into if they want to increase retention. I strongly encourage anyone who is about to leave the service look at Onward to Opportunity and Hiring our Hero’s Corporate Fellowship. Both fit in the constraints of this policy and are willing to helpensure the success of our future Veterans.

As someone benefiting from SkillBridge, I'm sharing an update for currently serving Marines and potential employers connected with me. The Marine Corps has released new guidance on SkillBridge implementation starting August 31. Here are the key points to note: - SkillBridge days vary based on rank, capped both in number and timing from official EAS, but in all cases is down from the 180 days previously. - Example: O-3's can take up to 90 days, no earlier than 90 days from EAS. - It's crucial to remember that approval falls on commander's discretion, and is not a guaranteed right. Categories and Days Allowed: - Category I: E1-E5 - Up to 120 days - Category II: E6-E7, WO-CWO3, O1-O4 - Up to 90 days - Category III: E8-E9, CWO4-CWO5, O5 and above - Up to 90 days For more details, check out the Marine Corps' interim guidance on SkillBridge implementation: [Link to Guidance](https://lnkd.in/dF3_x-6r) Stay informed and make the most of this valuable opportunity!

🔔 Interim Guidance on #SkillBridge Program Implementation for #Marine Corps Members 🔔 The Marine Corps has issued new interim guidance for the SkillBridge Program, which provides service members with opportunities for industry training and experience to support their transition into the civilian workforce. These updates aim to balance the support for service members' transitions with the readiness needs of the Marine Corps. Here is an overview of the upcoming changes: Timeline/Duration: Category I (E1-E5): Up to 120 days Category II (E6-E7, WO-CWO3, O1-O4): Up to 90 days Category III (E8-E9, CWO4-CWO5, O5 and above): Up to 90 days Leave and Permissive Temporary Additional Duty (PTAD): PTAD or leave in conjunction with SkillBridge is authorized within the category limits. Marines are not authorized to extend obligated service to complete the SkillBridge program. Approvals and Authority: Commanders (Lieutenant Colonel and above) approve Categories I and II. General Officers approve Category III, ensuring it does not result in a gapped billet. 📝 Eligibility and Applications: Eligibility: Unchanged per NAVMC 1700.2. IDES Participants: Eligible under special considerations if separation is within 180 days. Application Process: Applications can be initiated up to 365 days from EAS via the Navy College Management Information System (NCMIS). 📆 Effective Date: Changes take effect on 31 August 2024. Packages approved prior will follow the current guidelines. 🔗 References: DoD Instruction 1322.29: Job training and employment programs. NAVMC 1700.2: Marine Corps SkillBridge Employment Training Program. MCO 1050.3J: Regulations for Leave, Liberty, and Administrative Absence. https://lnkd.in/e-ASeHrQ

The ASVAB, or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, is a multiple-choice test administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command (MEPCOM) to assess an individual’s aptitude for various military occupations. The benefits of the ASVAB include: 1. Career Exploration: The ASVAB helps individuals explore different career options within the military by assessing their aptitude for specific job roles. 2. Job Placement: Based on the ASVAB results, individuals are matched with military occupational specialties (MOS) that align with their skills and abilities. 3. Enlistment Eligibility: The ASVAB determines an individual’s eligibility to enlist in the military by assessing their academic and cognitive abilities. 4. Training Opportunities: The ASVAB results can determine eligibility for specialized training programs within the military, providing individuals with valuable skills and qualifications. 5. Scholarship Opportunities: High ASVAB scores may make individuals eligible for scholarships and financial incentives offered by the military. 6. Personal Development: The ASVAB helps individuals identify their strengths and weaknesses, providing insights into areas they can improve upon and develop. 7. Career Advancement: The ASVAB results can influence career advancement opportunities within the military, allowing individuals to pursue higher-ranking positions. 8. Transferable Skills: The skills acquired through ASVAB preparation and military training can be valuable in civilian careers after military service. 9. Self-Assessment: The ASVAB provides individuals with a self-assessment tool to understand their potential and interests in different career paths. #ASVAB #militaryaptitude #careersinthemilitary #militaryjobplacement

IIPAC is a proud supporter of Helmets to Hardhats. A transitioning program for US military veterans to move directly into the ironworking field. Why prioritize transitioning veterans for apprenticeships in ironworking? Skill and Reliability: Veterans bring a wealth of skills and a track record of reliability. They are equipped with diverse expertise, drug free expectations, and leadership capabilities. Addressing Unemployment Challenges: Government unemployment costs are notably higher among veterans, particularly in the 22-26 age groups. Integrating them into apprenticeship programs helps reduce these costs and offers them stable career pathways. Maximizing Military Training: There's significant value in harnessing military training within apprenticeship programs. Former armed forces members deserve opportunities to excel in civilian professions. At IIPAC, we're dedicated to empowering veterans and utilizing their talents for success in construction. Join us as we build a brighter future together! Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gmXQq38M #VeteransInConstruction #MilitaryTransition #IIPAC

‼️ “The Commander’s Dilemma ‼️ The military’s insufficient emphasis on transition is manifested in its most crucial form among commanders, or those individuals tasked with leading military operations, organizations, and personnel. ❇️ In short, supporting transition conflicts with these commanders’ primary and most essential responsibility—maintaining mission readiness. ❇️ When service members are valuable contributors to their units, the need to keep them on duty can seem of greater importance to a commander than the service member’s post-military future. ⚠️⚠️⚠️ One example of this dilemma relates to service members’ participation in a Department of Defense (DoD) program such as SkillBridge, which provides participants with work experience through job training, internships, or apprenticeships. … Some service members report that commanders deny SkillBridge requests because of the importance of maintaining mission readiness, although data documenting reasons for such denials has not been systematically collected. A recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO)27 found that service members face similar barriers when seeking access to the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), which may explain why so few complete this required program on time.” ⁉️See comments for solutions from the VJC

Do you know what the most in demand #skilledtrades are in #SanDiego? Join us at San Diego Military Summit ’24 on August 8 at National University as we discuss how those #transitioning out of the #military can align their skills with these opportunities. This panel will cover: - Benefits of pursuing a #career in skilled trades - In-demand skilled trades in San Diego and the broader region - Steps servicemembers can take to transition into a skilled trade, including necessary #training, #certifications, or #apprenticeships - How servicemembers can leverage their military training and experience to succeed in skilled trades - Resources available to support veterans entering skilled trades Our panel of experts include: - Kevin Johnson, Electrical Training Institute of San Diego and Imperial Counties - Lorenzo Miles, Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee of San Diego - National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) - San Diego In addition you will have the opportunity to sit in on our keynotes for the day from Medal of Honor Recipient Dakota Meyer, Lt. General Ronald Bailey with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and BGen (Ret) Ivan Denton. San Diego Military Summit '24 is presented by Cushman & Wakefield, Gary Sinise Foundation, and Lowe's Companies, Inc.. Register on the website - the first 200 members of the military and their families receive complimentary tickets courtesy of Cushman & Wakefield and Lowe's Companies, Inc. #sdmilitarysummit #sandiego #military #veterans #event #free #militarytransition

What is the pathway to become a Deck Officer in the Merchant Navy?

I've heard it said, "Dreaming is the easy part, but it is not until you decide to become what you're dreaming about that the challenge truly begins." Have you ever dreamed of going to college and completing your undergraduate degree, but you face the hurdle of figuring out how to pay for school? The Navy's Baccalaureate Degree Completions Program (BDCP) could be the answer you're looking for! Top Benefits of the BDCP: 💵 Earn While You Learn: Receive a competitive salary while completing your degree, providing financial stability without the typical stress of part-time jobs. 🏥 Full Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, and life insurance benefits that are usually only available to active-duty personnel—no more worrying about healthcare costs while in school! 🎓 Guaranteed Career as a Navy Officer: Upon graduation, you'll be commissioned as a Navy officer with diverse career paths available, from Aviation and Intelligence to Surface Warfare and Supply Corps. 🏅 Professional Development: Gain early access to Navy mentors, leadership training, and professional development opportunities that set you apart in the job market. 🧑🏫 Focus on Your Studies: No uniform requirements, no mandatory training sessions—just the support you need to excel academically and graduate on time. 🌐 Networking and Career Advancement: Build a network within the Navy and open doors to continuous education, specialized training, and a fulfilling career. Let's link up and talk about how the Navy can be a stepping stone towards making your dream a reality! #USNavy #MilitaryCareers #EarnWhileYouLearn #StudentOpportunities #Scholarships #STEM

I was talking to a student today who is considering going into the Air Force. That's a great option but it had me thinking that in schools we don't talk about the exploring and negotiating. You may know you want to go into a specific career, college, military, apprenticeship, or company - but how do you know for sure that it's the best fit for you without exploring? How do you know you had the best option without negotiating? Many companies have the same job - which company culture is fitting your values and long-term goals? One college may give you a great financial aid package, but how do you know another won't unless you negotiate? The student I mentioned wants to be an aviation mechanic and serve their country. They assumes that the most likely way to get that job is with the Air Force, but all the branches of the military have that option. And colleges have both aviation mechanics and ROTC programs. By exploring their options they have found that one branch has a Guard option and connections to an aviation company that hires enlisted Guard. Or the Navy has aviation mechanic needs so are using the students Civil Air Patrol to advance in rank. Perhaps the Air Force is the best option, but without exploring they don't know what they've missed. In high school explore, try out classes, activities, and volunteer so you can find out what you want out of a career. Then focus on opportunities that will get you where you want to be. Don't settle for the first, sometimes the only, thing you look at - there's a whole world full of opportunities. #exploreoptions #askquestions #futureplanning #spartansintransition