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Programs, benefits help Sailors transition after ERB

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Many E-5 through E-8 Sailors will begin their transition out of the Navy due to the Enlisted Retention Board Phase I results, which were released to command leadership Nov. 14. Phase II results were released Nov. 29.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Transition Assistance Program workshop, commonly known as TAP, will be mandatory for all ERB Sailors due to their unplanned separation prior to their end of active-obligated service.

"Navy leadership is ensuring Sailors separating from the Navy, because of the ERB, have all the tools necessary for a successful transition to civilian life," said Vice Adm. M.C.Vitale, Navy Installations Command commander. "TAP is a key component of this effort."

TAP is offered at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Warfighter and Family Readiness Center. This program provides information on job employment workshops, transition preparation and Department of Veteran Affairs benefits.

"TAP is a servicemember's roadmap to success," said Bobbie Seidel, 87th Force Support Squadron WFRC life skills coordinator technician. "This program not only gives an overview of VA and unemployment benefits, valuable employment resources, and job search techniques, but also provides a starting point for transition."

All Sailors not selected for retention by the ERB should reference Navy Administration Message 332/11, which highlights existing and new benefits available to all Sailors as part of the Navy's comprehensive transition support strategy.

The three most important resources for the transitioning Sailors are the completion of a preseparation counseling checklist (DD form 2648), the preseparation guide which is available at www.turbotap.org and accessing the Navy Personnel Command ERB webpage at www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/boards/erb/pages/default2.aspx to download the transition handbook.

The transition handbook provides ERB and other separating Sailors a reference tool or guide for transition assistance, relocation assistance, education benefits, VA health care and life insurance, as well as links to other useful sites.

Sailors affected by the ERB are also entitled to involuntary separation benefits which include:
- Involuntary separation pay
- Transitional TRICARE coverage is provided for 180 days past active duty separation. Sailors can pay for optional premium based medical coverage - 18 additional months - continued health care benefit program after the initial 180 days. Sailors have 60 days after transitional health care ends to enroll in the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.
- ID card possession for benefits such as extended commissary and Exchange access for two years.
- State regulated unemployment benefits.

Every leader in the chain of command is required to be actively involved in the transition process, providing guidance, time and opportunity for their Sailors to utilize transition assistance, according to NAVADMIN 332/11.

"The Navy leadership at JB MDL is in complete service to our Sailors so the transition is as smooth and stress-free as possible," Master Chief Herbert Kelton, Naval Support Activity-Lakehurst command master chief.

(Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Monique K. Hilley contributed to this article)