Skip to content
SkillBridge Video r1-thumb-1

SkillBridge USMC

SkillBridge USMC

SkillBridge USMC Specific Information

This guide to applying for SkillBridge USMC incorporates information from the most recent known USMC SkillBridge publications and was last updated 10/20/2023.

Latest Update:

  • SkillBridge USMC is now limited to 120 days for E5 and below.
  • SkillBridge USMC is now limited to 90 days for E6 or higher.

This guide incorporates information from the following:

Jump To:

The SkillBridge USMC program, coupled with the Flex Air SkillBridge Commercial Pilot Gateway or the SkillBridge Aviation Maintenance programs presents transitioning Navy personnel with essential civilian employment skills and training in Aviation careers.

While DoD SkillBridge is open to all service members, the Marine Corps has its own special eligibility requirements and application process. This guide has  SkillBridge USMC specific information for Marines that wish to participate in SkillBridge.

USMC SkillBridge Background

  • SkillBridge is designed to facilitate the transition of eligible Marines into civilian sector occupations with a high probability of post-service employment.
  • SkillBridge is not for furthering civilian education but for securing meaningful employment.
  • Specify that commanders in the grade of Lieutenant Colonel and above are the designated approval authorities for SkillBridge requests.
  • SkillBridge is not an entitlement and commanders have the discretion to approve based on mission requirements.
  • Marines are not authorized to attend more than one program.
  • Marines who voluntarily withdraw from a SkillBridge program will report to their Permanent Duty Station (PDS) and that voluntary withdrawal does not automatically qualify Marines to participate in a different program.
  • SkillBridge internships provided by family members and relatives are prohibited.
  • SkillBridge Permissive Temporary Additional Duty (S-PTAD) requirements state that Marines participating in SkillBridge will be accounted for in a S-PTAD status, but the maximum PTAD limit of 30 days does not apply.

 

How Marines can apply for SkillBridge USMC?

  • Review NAVMC 1700.2. “MARINE CORPS SKILLBRIDGE EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PROGRAM”

  • Check your eligibility. To be eligible for SkillBridge, you must meet the following criteria:

    • You must have completed at least 180 days on active duty and expect to separate or retire from the Marine Corps within 180 days from the start of the program.
    • You must have sufficient time remaining on your contract to complete the program before your separation date. You are not authorized to extend your service to participate in SkillBridge.
    • You must have completed the Transition Readiness Program requirements, including the Transition Readiness Seminar and the Developing Your Business Ethics course.
    • Have not previously completed, currently participating in, or had participation terminated from another SETP course. This would be the first skills course.
    • You must receive command approval to participate in a SkillBridge program. The approval authority is the first commanding officer or officer in charge with court martial convening authority or non-judicial punishment authority.
    • You must obtain a program acceptance letter from an approved SkillBridge provider that meets the criteria established by the DoD. A list of approved providers can be found on the SkillBridge web portal.
    • Route SkillBridge request (S-PTAD) through your chain of command for consideration. Should the Marine receive command permission to pursue a program, the Marine will be given Permissive Temporary Additional Duty (PTAD) orders. PTAD means that all expenses associated with pursuing the program are your responsibility; these expenses may include travel cost, lodging, transportation, and meals
    • Leave and transitional PTAD will be used up to available balance in conjunction with S-PTAD, not to exceed the limits outlined in the Leave and Liberty Manual or NAVMC 1700.2.
  • Talk to your command about their support of your participation in a SkillBridge opportunity. You must receive command approval to participate in a SkillBridge program. The approval authority is the first commanding officer or officer in charge with court martial convening authority or non-judicial punishment authority. The approval authority may deny, approve, or modify participation based on personal conduct and mission requirements.
  • Talk to IPAC Outbound about the check-out and separation process in the context of SkillBridge.
  • You must obtain a program acceptance letter from Flex Air or another approved SkillBridge provider that meets the criteria established by the DoD. A list of approved providers can be found on the SkillBridge web portal.

  • Upload your approved SkillBridge package into your Outbound Interview (OBI) as an attachment.

  • Currently, OBI does not support the ability for a Marine to select option (1) or (2), to participate in the SkillBridge program. Due to both options requiring administrative action; Marines must specify their election within OBI utilizing the comment section. This will provide the necessary catching feature for Outbound to act as required.

  • DD214s and Separation orders will not be provided until your checkout is completed. If you have questions on what is required of you do not hesitate to contact the Outbound Branch.

Need more SkillBridge USMC info? Join our Q&A sessions online. 

Register for our monthly SkillBridge Briefing Webinar

SkillBridge USMC Package Checklist

The SkillBridge Command Permission Packet consist of forms NAVMC-1, 2, 3, a sample Commander's Participation letter, a sample acceptance letter, a copy of your pre-separation/transition (DD2648) form, and a copy of your ethics course certificate of completion.

The NAVMC 1320 Part 1 and 2 below REQUIRE Adobe Acrobat Reader. They will not properly load in your browser. Download them and open with Acrobat or Acrobat reader.
  1. Download NAVMC 1320 Part 1and open with only with Acrobat - USMC SkillBridge Packet Checklist - This document must be completed by the Marine, signed by the First Sergeant/SNCOIC, and emailed to command (email varies by site) for signature. All signatures must be captured with a CAC.
  2. Download NAVMC 1320 Part 2 and open with only with Acrobat - USMC SkillBridge Participant Screening -  This document must be completed by the Marine and emailed to command (email varies by site) for signature. All signatures must be captured with a CAC.
  3. NAVMC 3 (if applicable) - Individual Program Vetting Documents - Normally you provide the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from Flex Air or other DoD authorized SkillBridge Provider. You'll need this form is for government (Federal, State and Local) program providers who DO NOT have an existing MOU with DoD. Private companies and other entities to include non-profit organizations without an existing DoD MOU are not authorized. Please complete the form and email to command (email varies by site) for signature. All signatures must be captured with a CAC.
    NOTE: Potential SkillBridge participants are no longer permitted to find their     own one -time SkillBridge partner. The organization must have a MOU with DOD  or be a government entity. Not an organization working with or for a government entity. The program must be verified by Command and reviewed by the SkillBridge representative. For a list of authorized DoD SkillBridge partners with an existing MOU visit https://skillbridge.osd.mil
  4. Acceptance letter or an offer letter from the program provider. Flex Air will provide this to you.  If you need a sample for another provider here is a Quantico provided sample: Program Provider Acceptance Letter Sample 
  5. Commander's Participation letter - to be drafted by the Marine and signed. Here is a Quantico provided sample: DOD SkillBridge Sample Command Letter
  6. Ethics Training Certificate
    1. Go to https://www.marinenet.usmc.mil/marinenet/
    2. Select Catalog
    3. Type in Developing your Business Ethics, View, and Enroll Now

    4. Cherry Point indicates the ethics requirement can be satisfied by attending an Ethics Brief (here are the skillbridge.osd.mil ethics slides) or completed a DoD approved Ethics Training presentation within the last 12 months from the start date of the skills training program. Either ETI08A00ZZ or LLISELF301 in Marine Net will satisfy this requirement.
    5. Quantico only specifies: LLISELF301
    6. Check with your local site to determine their Ethics Training requirement.
  7. DD form 2648- Showing completion of TRS and the Capstone appointment documented by the TRS Office - TRS completion date must be included in the Packet Checklist and the Screening Checklist.

For more information on the SkillBridge Application process, contact the Education Program at: 252-466-3500

 

Register for our monthly SkillBridge Briefing Webinar

 

Can't find a good time to join the webinar? Watch a recent recorded briefing here.

 

Whether you plan to participate in one of Flex Air’s programs or not, I highly recommend every transitioning military veteran allocate an hour of their time to speak with Paul about their life plans. I guarantee you will not be disappointed in what he has to say. He is a phenomenal advisor that gets “it” because he has been in our shoes.

Brandon McRay Lt Col, US Air Force Reserve

Brandon McRay

More resources for transitioning servicemembers:

Veteran resources

Resources for all Veterans

Readings and exercises can help you discover your personal career goals and values while developing the soft skills you'll need for success.

 

Rotor Transition Program

Rotor Transition Program (RTP)

Military helicopter pilots can transition directly into airline careers. Flex Air's RTP training is a complement to SkillBridge for rotary wing pilots.

VA Benefits for Flight Training

VA Benefits for Flight Training

SkillBridge is your best first step. Learn how to unlock your VA benefits for advanced flight training.