Transition Requirements

Start Here If You Are New to Transition Requirements

Every Marine separating or retiring from active duty must complete specific transition requirements before separation. The TRANSITION READINESS SEMINAR (TRS) is the mandatory week-long pre-separation course. The CAPSTONE event is the final pre-separation review confirming the Marine is ready for transition. The INDIVIDUAL TRANSITION PLAN (ITP) documents the Marine's transition goals and progress through the framework. SKILLBRIDGE allows transitioning Marines to complete industry training, apprenticeships, or internships under the rank-based three-category framework per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 (Cat I E1-E5 up to 120 days, Cat II E6-E7 WO-CWO3 O1-O4 up to 90 days, Cat III E8-E9 CWO4-CWO5 O5+ up to 90 days). SkillBridge is at commander discretion. NCMIS is the system of record with a 365-day application window. VA benefits and GI Bill activation start the post-service benefit framework. The Marine completes TRS approximately 12 months before separation (or earlier for retirement). Coordinate with the unit S-1 and the Transition Office. Per DoD Instruction 1322.29DoD Instruction 1322.29 and Marine Corps transition policy.

This page walks you through transition requirements from your seat as a Marine separating or retiring. By the end you will know.

• Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS) framework
• Capstone event requirements
• Individual Transition Plan (ITP)
• SkillBridge framework under the rank-based three-category timeline per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 (Cat I 120 days, Cat II 90 days, Cat III 90 days), commander discretion, NCMIS application, IDES eligibility
• VA benefits at separation
• GI Bill activation
• Permissive TAD (PTAD) for transition (cross-reference to PTAD leaf)
• Cross-reference to Joining a Unit framework for the inverse perspective

Every fact on this page comes from DoDI 1322.29DoDI 1322.29, MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16, NAVMC 1700NAVMC 1700.2B, MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24, MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J, and Marine Corps transition published guidance.

Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS)

What TRS Is

A mandatory pre-separation course covering. Pre-separation counseling captures on the DD Form 2648, and the validation period for a completed DD Form 2648 follows PAA 06-25PAA 06-25.

• Career planning.
• Resume writing.
• Job interviewing.
• VA benefits.
• Education benefits (GI Bill).
• Financial planning.
• Healthcare.
• Other transition topics.

When You Take TRS

Per DoDI 1322.29DoDI 1322.29, the Marine should complete TRS approximately 12 months before separation. Earlier for retirement (often 18-24 months out).

Duration

Typically 5 days. Specific schedule varies by installation.

Tracks

TRS includes specific tracks aligned with the Marine's post-service plan.

• Employment track. Marines entering the workforce.
• Education track. Marines pursuing higher education.
• Vocational track. Marines pursuing trade or apprenticeship.
• Entrepreneurship track. Marines starting a business.

The Marine selects the track aligned with the post-service plan.

Where to Take TRS

Through the installation Transition Office. Typically held on base.

Confirmation

Completion of TRS is documented in MCTFS and on the Marine's record. Required for separation.

Capstone Event

What Capstone Is

The final pre-separation review confirming the Marine is ready for transition.

When Capstone Occurs

Approximately 90 days before separation. After TRS completion.

What Capstone Reviews

• TRS completion.
• ITP completeness.
• Documentation status (DD Form 214DD Form 214 draft, awards, etc.).
• VA benefits enrollment.
• GI Bill activation.
• Post-service plan readiness.

Outcome

The Marine receives Capstone certification, indicating readiness to separate. Marines who do not complete Capstone may have separation delayed.

Individual Transition Plan (ITP)

What ITP Is

A documented plan for the Marine's transition.

What ITP Covers

• Post-service goals (employment, education, etc.).
• Resume drafts.
• Network and professional connections.
• Financial plan.
• Healthcare plan.
• Family transition plan.

When You Develop ITP

Throughout TRS and afterward. Updated as the Marine progresses through transition.

Why ITP Matters

Provides structure to the transition. Documents the Marine's readiness. Supports Capstone review.

SkillBridge Program

Per NAVMC 1700NAVMC 1700.2B and MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 (Interim Guidance), SkillBridge allows transitioning Marines to complete civilian internships, apprenticeships, or training prior to their separation, retirement, or EAS.

Commander Discretion, Not an Entitlement

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 2, SkillBridge authorization is at the commander's discretion. It is not a Marine's entitlement. Participation is prioritized for those who require additional transition assistance. Force readiness remains paramount.

Three-Category Rank-Based Day Limits

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.a, the maximum number of days you participate in SkillBridge prior to separation, retirement, or EAS is set by rank category.

• Category I. E1-E5. Up to 120 days.
• Category II. E6-E7, WO-CWO3, and O1-O4. Up to 90 days.
• Category III. E8-E9, CWO4-CWO5, and O5 and above. Up to 90 days.

Category I Marines are the principal audience for SkillBridge. Category III participation cannot result in a gapped billet.

What SkillBridge Provides

• Industry training, apprenticeships, and internships under the rank-based category cap.
• Continued military pay and benefits during the SkillBridge period (reported under PTAD (Other) per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.b pending updates to MCO 1050.3JMCO 1050.3J).
• Real-world civilian experience while still in the Marine Corps.

Eligibility

• Within the category window prior to separation, retirement, or EAS.
• IDES Marines remain eligible under the special considerations section of NAVMC 1700NAVMC 1700.2B per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 4.b. The commander only authorizes if they assess you will separate within 180 days. The approval letter must address the special consideration criteria.
• Command approval required at the appropriate level by category.

Approval Authority by Category

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.c.

• Category I and II. Commanders at the grade of LtCol and above.
• Category III. General Officers. Cannot result in a gapped billet.
• Joint Marines. Obtain an O-6 endorsement from your operational chain. Final approval is your administrative Marine Commander based on category.

Application via NCMIS

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 4.c, the Navy College Management Information System (NCMIS) is the Marine Corps SkillBridge system of record.

• NCMIS utilization is required per NAVMC 1700NAVMC 1700.2B.
• You initiate an application up to 365 days from your EAS.
• Coordinate with your installation SkillBridge coordinator at the servicing center.
• Servicing centers list at https://www.usmc-mccs.org/.
• HQMC SkillBridge POC. HQMC_SKILLBRIDGE@usmc.onmicrosoft.com.

How SkillBridge Works

1. You identify an approved SkillBridge program (employer, educational institution, training program) through the installation SkillBridge coordinator.
2. You initiate the application in NCMIS up to 365 days from EAS.
3. The chain of command reviews per the category-based approval authority.
4. The approval authority for your category authorizes participation. PTAD plus any leave combined cannot exceed your category cap. PTAD must execute before any leave including terminal leave.
5. You report to the SkillBridge program while still on active duty under PTAD (Other). You remain subject to the UCMJ. Industry partners cannot grant absences. Command accountability protocols apply.
6. You return to the unit at the end of the SkillBridge period for separation processing.

Combined Absence Cap and Order of Execution

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 3.b, the combined PTAD plus leave (including terminal leave) cannot exceed the category cap. PTAD (Transition PTAD and SkillBridge PTAD) must execute prior to any authorized leave. You cannot extend obligated service to complete SkillBridge. Participation extending beyond your time in service is at your expense.

SkillBridge Program Types

• Industry-recognized certification programs.
• Apprenticeship programs.
• Internships at civilian employers.
• Educational programs.

Effective Date

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 5, the rank-based category framework applies to packages approved on or after 31 August 2024. Packages approved before that date are governed by NAVMC 1700NAVMC 1700.2B.

Cross-Reference to PTAD

The Permissive TAD (PTAD) and SkillBridge leaf in the Leave and Liberty parent group covers SkillBridge in the broader leave and liberty framework.

VA Benefits at Separation

What the VA Provides

The Department of Veterans Affairs administers post-service benefits.

• VA Healthcare.
• VA Disability Compensation.
• VA Home Loan.
• VA Education benefits.
• VA Insurance.
• VA Pension.
• VA Burial Benefits.

How to Enroll in VA Healthcare

• Apply during TRS or before separation.
• VA enrollment forms.
• Eligibility based on discharge characterization.

VA Disability Compensation

Marines with service-connected disabilities should file claims before separation through the IDES process or after separation through the VA.

VA Home Loan

The VA Home Loan is available immediately after separation for Honorable or General characterization. Useful for purchasing a home in the post-service period.

Discharge Characterization Affects VA Benefits

• Honorable. Full VA benefits.
• General Under Honorable Conditions. Many VA benefits.
• OTH. Limited VA benefits.

The Administrative Separation leaf in Legal Services covers the benefit impact in detail.

GI Bill Activation

Two Primary GI Bill Programs

Post-9/11 GI Bill

• Up to 36 months of education benefits.
• Tuition and fees up to the Yellow Ribbon cap.
• Monthly Housing Allowance during training.
• Books and supplies stipend.

Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)

• Older program.
• Different benefit framework.
• Available to Marines who enrolled and contributed during service.

Activation

The Marine activates GI Bill benefits through the VA. Application is via VA.gov or in person at a VA facility.

Transferability

Some active duty Marines may transfer GI Bill benefits to dependents (spouse, children) per specific eligibility criteria. The transfer must be requested while still on active duty.

When You Use GI Bill

The Marine uses GI Bill benefits for post-service education. The benefit window varies by program (15 years for some, indefinite for others).

TRICARE at Separation

Active Duty TRICARE

Ends at separation date.

Transitional Healthcare

Marines may have access to.

• Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP). Premium-based for up to 18 months after separation.
• TRICARE Reserve Select for Reserve Marines.

TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR)

Per the Reserve Retirement leaf, Reserve Marines transferring to the Retired Reserve may purchase TRR.

Veterans Affairs Healthcare

Many Marines transition from TRICARE to VA healthcare post-separation.

Permissive TAD (PTAD) for Transition

Marines may take PTAD for transition-related activities.

• House hunting (10 days).
• Transition-related travel.
• SkillBridge participation.

The Permissive TAD (PTAD) and SkillBridge leaf in the Leave and Liberty parent group covers PTAD in detail.

Common Transition Scenarios

Scenario 1. Marine Approaches EAS in 12 Months

Marine has 12 months until EAS.

• TRS. Schedule and complete TRS.
• ITP. Develop the Individual Transition Plan during TRS.
• Capstone. Complete Capstone approximately 90 days before EAS.
• Pre-separation actions. Final physical, awards finalization, leave plan.
• VA. Enroll in VA Healthcare. Plan VA disability claims if applicable.

Scenario 2. Retirement at 24 Months Out

Marine has 24 months until retirement.

• Long-range planning. Begin retirement planning per the 7-phase framework.
• TRS. Schedule TRS earlier than 12 months for retirement.
• ITP. Document retirement-specific transition.
• Capstone. Complete approximately 90 days before retirement.
• Final FITREP. Coordinate with chain of command.

Scenario 3. Marine Approved for SkillBridge

Marine wants to participate in SkillBridge prior to EAS.

• Identify category. Determine your rank category (Cat I E1-E5 up to 120 days, Cat II E6-E7 WO-CWO3 O1-O4 up to 90 days, Cat III E8-E9 CWO4-CWO5 O5+ up to 90 days).
• Identify program. Find an approved SkillBridge program through your installation SkillBridge coordinator.
• Initiate NCMIS application. Up to 365 days from EAS.
• Submit request. Through unit S-1 with the appropriate approval authority by category (LtCol+ for Cat I and II, GO for Cat III). Joint Marines need an O-6 endorsement from operational chain.
• Plan combined absence. PTAD plus terminal leave together cannot exceed your category cap. PTAD executes first.
• Begin program. Report to SkillBridge with continued military pay (reported PTAD (Other)). Remain subject to UCMJ.
• Return for separation. Complete final separation processing at end of SkillBridge.

Scenario 4. Marine Has Service-Connected Disability

Marine has a documented service-connected disability.

• IDES. If processing through DES, claims are filed during the process.
• Pre-separation. File VA disability claim before separation.
• Post-separation. Continue claim processing through VA.
• Compensation. Monthly disability compensation if rated.

Scenario 5. Marine Plans to Use GI Bill

Marine plans to attend college after separation.

• Pre-separation. Verify GI Bill eligibility and remaining benefits.
• Transferability. If transferring to dependents, request before separation.
• Application. Apply for benefits through VA.
• Education. Use benefits at an approved institution.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1. Late TRS Completion

TRS should be completed approximately 12 months before separation. Late completion can delay separation.

Mistake 2. Not Developing ITP

Marines who do not develop a comprehensive ITP miss the opportunity to plan transition effectively.

Mistake 3. Missing SkillBridge Opportunity

SkillBridge provides industry training while still on active pay under the rank-based category cap (120 days Cat I, 90 days Cat II and III). SkillBridge is at commander discretion and is prioritized for those who require additional transition assistance. Many Marines do not initiate the NCMIS application early enough. Apply up to 365 days from EAS.

Mistake 4. Delayed VA Disability Claim

Service-connected disabilities should be documented before separation. Late claims can be more difficult to substantiate.

Mistake 5. Not Transferring GI Bill Benefits Pre-Separation

GI Bill transferability to dependents must be requested while on active duty. Post-separation transfers are not allowed.

Mistake 6. Not Coordinating With Capstone

Marines who skip or delay Capstone face separation processing complications.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is TRS?

Transition Readiness Seminar. Mandatory week-long pre-separation course covering career, resume, VA, GI Bill, financial, healthcare topics.

When should I take TRS?

Approximately 12 months before separation. Earlier for retirement.

What is Capstone?

The final pre-separation review confirming readiness to transition. Approximately 90 days before separation. Reviews TRS, ITP, documentation, VA, GI Bill, and post-service plan.

What is the ITP?

Individual Transition Plan. Documented plan for the Marine's transition including post-service goals, resume, network, financial plan, healthcare plan, family plan.

What is SkillBridge?

Per NAVMC 1700NAVMC 1700.2B and MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24, SkillBridge allows transitioning Marines to participate in industry training, apprenticeships, or internships prior to separation, retirement, or EAS. The day cap is set by rank category (Cat I E1-E5 up to 120 days, Cat II E6-E7 WO-CWO3 O1-O4 up to 90 days, Cat III E8-E9 CWO4-CWO5 O5+ up to 90 days). SkillBridge is at commander discretion and is not an entitlement. You continue to receive military pay and benefits under PTAD (Other).

How do I apply for SkillBridge?

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 4.c, initiate the application in NCMIS up to 365 days from EAS. NCMIS is the SkillBridge system of record. Coordinate with your installation SkillBridge coordinator at the servicing center (list at www.usmc-mccs.org). Approval authority is LtCol+ for Cat I and II, General Officer for Cat III. Joint Marines need an O-6 endorsement from operational chain plus final approval from the administrative Marine Commander.

I am in IDES. Am I eligible for SkillBridge?

Per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 paragraph 4.b, yes, under the special considerations section of NAVMC 1700NAVMC 1700.2B. Your commander only authorizes if they assess you will separate within 180 days. The approval letter must address the special consideration criteria. Your category is set by rank.

How does discharge characterization affect VA benefits?

Honorable. Full benefits. General. Many benefits. OTH. Limited benefits. The Administrative Separation leaf in Legal Services covers in detail.

When can I activate the GI Bill?

After separation, through VA. Some Marines may transfer to dependents while on active duty.

What is TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR)?

Premium-based TRICARE for Reserve Marines transferring to Retired Reserve. The Reserve Retirement leaf covers.

How do I file a VA disability claim?

Before separation through IDES or after separation through VA.gov. The earlier the claim, the better the documentation.

What is the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP)?

Premium-based health coverage for up to 18 months post-separation. Bridge between active duty TRICARE and post-service healthcare.

Can I take Permissive TAD for transition?

Yes for specific purposes including house hunting (10 days) and SkillBridge. The Permissive TAD leaf in Leave and Liberty covers.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• TRS scheduling. Installation Transition Office.
• ITP development. During TRS or with the Transition Office.
• Capstone scheduling. Installation Transition Office.
• SkillBridge application. NCMIS (system of record) initiated up to 365 days from EAS, the installation SkillBridge coordinator, and the unit S-1.
• SkillBridge servicing centers. List at https://www.usmc-mccs.org/.
• HQMC SkillBridge POC. Email HQMC_SKILLBRIDGE@usmc.onmicrosoft.com.
• VA benefits enrollment. VA.gov or local VA facility.
• GI Bill questions. VA Education Service.
• TRICARE transition. TRICARE.mil or installation healthcare.
• VA disability claims. VA.gov, Veterans Service Organizations (American Legion, VFW, etc.).
• BCNR for code corrections affecting VA benefits. DD Form 149DD Form 149.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Separations and Retirement landing page lists all topics.
• Separations and Retirement Overview and Authorities covers the framework.
• Voluntary Separations covers EAS framework.
• Involuntary Separations covers the alternative path.
• SPD and RE Codes covers codes affecting VA benefits.
• Separation Pay and Final Pay covers final compensation.
• Retirement Timeline covers the 7-phase retirement planning.
• Retirement Types and Eligibility covers active duty retirement.
• Permissive TAD (PTAD) and SkillBridge in Leave and Liberty covers PTAD framework.
• Joining a Unit covers the inverse perspective (post-PCS check-in).

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on transition planning, TRS scheduling, and SkillBridge opportunities.
• Admin at S-1 supports TRS coordination, ITP review, and VA benefit enrollment.
• Commanders endorse SkillBridge participation and ensure transition timeline alignment.

Every Marine separating or retiring must complete Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS, mandatory week-long course), Capstone (final review approximately 90 days before separation), and develop Individual Transition Plan (ITP). SkillBridge allows industry training under the rank-based three-category framework per MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24 (Cat I 120 days, Cat II 90 days, Cat III 90 days), at commander discretion. NCMIS is the SkillBridge system of record (365-day application window). VA benefits and GI Bill activation start post-service framework. TRICARE transitions to CHCBP, TRR, or VA healthcare. Discharge characterization affects benefit access. Per DoD Instruction 1322.29DoD Instruction 1322.29, MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16, NAVMC 1700NAVMC 1700.2B, and MARADMIN 280/24MARADMIN 280/24.