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CAMP FOSTER, Japan - Marine administrative message 462/12 was recently signed into effect to aid first-term enlisted Marines and company-grade officers with transitioning into Marine Forces Reserve upon their completion of active-duty service.
The MARADMIN introduces the direct affiliation program, which helps eligible Marines transition into the reserve by providing health care benefits, allowing Marines to choose a duty station, and giving corporals and below an added 60 points toward their composite scores for promotion.
First-term active-duty enlisted Marines who have been denied further service and are eligible for honorable discharge can apply for the program. Company-grade officers not offered or declining career designation and approved for a reserve commission may also apply.
“The goal of the program is to aid in a smooth transition for active-duty Marines to the reserve with no break in service,” said Gunnery Sgt. Robert D. Noyes, the reserve transition coordinator, reserve liaison office, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
One benefit the program provides is a health care option, which gives eligible married and single Marines an opportunity to retain TRICARE Prime for free during their first six months in the reserve. After six months, the plan will convert to TRICARE Reserve Select and will cost $53 for single Marines and $197 for those with families.
“Upon the end of active-duty service, Marines often do not consider the cost of medical insurance,” said Noyes. “Because of this, the TRICARE program is very valuable. Medical coverage for Marines not utilizing this program can cost more than $500 a month.”
The direct affiliation program also allows Marines to know in advance where their reserve units will be, allowing them to take into account location when selecting a home of residence.
“A Marine can pick a reserve unit in a location they want,” said Noyes. “There is no competition. The only factor is (there must be) billets currently available at reserve units.”
In addition to the health care and guaranteed duty stations, corporals and below can get 60 bonus points added to their composite scores, which helps Marines get promoted.
The program is open to the first 100 Marines to apply and be approved. Results will be evaluated and if successful, the program will be relaunched with greater opportunities for participation. As of Oct. 5, four Marines currently on Okinawa have taken advantage of the direct affiliation program.
“Through the program, I will be receiving free health care for six months when I get to my new reserve unit,” said Cpl. Neil P. Higgins, a motor vehicle operator with 3rd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF. “It is allowing me to start my new career while continuing to serve in the Marine Corps.”
To apply, Marines can talk to their career retention specialists, local reserve transition coordinators or contact the local program coordinator at 622-6004.
| Date Taken: | 10.10.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 10.11.2012 00:46 |
| Story ID: | 95967 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 86 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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