Transition Benefits: Navy Programs Provide Benefits for Separating Sailors

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 -- The U.S. Navy issued the following news release:

Navy assistance programs for separating Sailors, as well as some enhanced transition benefits unique for Sailors not selected for retention by the Enlisted Retention Board, are outlined in NAVADMIN 332/11, released Nov. 4.

"If you've served in the Navy, you've been a good military team member, and we want to give you and your families the best possible transition benefits," said Rear Adm. Martha Herb, director of Personal Readiness and Community Support.

"If you are not selected to stay in the Navy, you can succeed on the outside with your proven military values, education, training, and experience. The transition tools we're providing for separating Sailors will help you hit the ground running and get off to a good start."

The NAVADMIN outlines the full spectrum of separation benefits available to all Sailors leaving the Navy, voluntarily and involuntarily, which are designed to help them succeed in civilian life. Sailors separating via the ERB will receive targeted outreach assistance to ensure an individual transition plan is developed.

Historically high retention and low attrition led to the need for the Enlisted Retention Board (ERB).

Held in two phases, the board considered the records of approximately 16,000 Sailors from 31 overmanned ratings to determine who will be recommended for retention. Phase I convened Aug. 22 to review the records of E-4 and E-5 Sailors, and Phase II convened Oct. 11 to review the records of Sailors in pay grades E-6 through E-8. Those Sailors not selected for retention will have access to the full spectrum of Navy support services, as well as several enhanced transition benefits.

Benefits for every separating Sailor include:

- The DoD Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) which includes the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) workshop to assist the transition of military personnel and family members leaving the service (http://www.turbotap.org). Other programs offered at Commander, Navy Installations Command's (CNIC) Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) worldwide include assistance with resume writing, financial counseling, relocation counseling, questions about veteran's benefits, and educational benefits and opportunities.

- Continuing education and credentialing opportunities, including the Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) program (https://www.cool.navy.mil), which assists Sailors in obtaining civilian licenses and certifications aligned with their job or rating; and through Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) education counselors in Navy College Offices (https://www.navycollege.navy.mil).

- Information regarding government civilian opportunities through the Office of Civilian Human Resources (OCHR) Employment Information Center (EIC) (http://www.public.navy.mil/donhr/Employment/Vets/Pages/Default.aspx) and by email ([email protected]) or phone 1-800-378-4559. Also, the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) "Shipmate to Workmate" initiative assists Sailors with job searches, resumes and applications for careers at NAVSEA and other major commands (NAVAIR, SPAWAR, NAVFAC, NAVSUP, CNIC). For more information, visit http://jobs.navair.navy.mil/sm2wm/links.aspx.

- Authorized permissive temporary duty for job-hunting;

- Opportunities for eligible Sailors to affiliate with the Navy Reserve;

- Education benefits via the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bills;

- Department of Veterans Affairs health care and life insurance;

- Unemployment benefits (vary by state).

Benefits for all Sailors who are separated involuntarily in accordance with Department of Defense Instruction 1332.29, including those affected by the ERB, consist of:

- Involuntary separation pay.

- Transitional TRICARE coverage for six months for Sailors and their families, as well as the option to purchase health care coverage through the Continued Health Care Benefit Program for up 18 additional months.

- Continued ID card possession for two years to access medical and other benefits;

- Commissary and exchange benefits for two years after separation.

In addition to resources provided to all separating members, Sailors separating by the ERB will be eligible for the following enhanced transition benefits:

-Targeted Outreach assistance from various transition service providers.

- Navy COOL will approve waivers for Sailors with less than one year remaining on active duty to allow Sailors time to obtain civilian licenses and certifications aligned with their job or rating prior to their transition;

- Sailors assigned overseas will be afforded a minimum of 60 days in the continental United States prior to separation to ease their transition into the civilian sector.

- A contract for civilian hiring assistance beginning in January of 2012 will provide outplacement services, including pre-separation transition coaching, resume writing, job interview preparation and job search assistance for ERB separating Sailors.

- Transition Assistance Program (TAP) participation will be mandatory for all ERB separating Sailors.

For more information on transition assistance benefits and resources, Sailors can check out a reference handbook posted at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/boards/ERB/Pages/default2.aspx.

Sailors and their family members are also encouraged to access the full range of stress management resources available to them during this transition, including their command leadership, ombudsmen, medical and mental health specialists, and counselors at Fleet and Family Support Centers. Information about Navy chaplain support is available at http://chaplaincare.navy.mil/. Education, relocation, counseling and stress control resources are also available through Military One Source at http://www.militaryonesource.com/.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.

TNS MJ88-111108-3667649 StaffFurigay