Departing Marines get extra transition boost - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Departing Marines get extra transition boost

Marines who have decided to leave the military can now apply for a unique transition program that is privately funded, the brainchild of Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner, a longtime supporter of the Corps, and retired Commandant Gen. Charles Krulak.

They are the driving forces behind an innovative effort to help separating Marines make a successful transition to their next career. The program not only gives them an all-expense-paid program for at least four days that will help them make the transition to civilian life but also puts them in touch with 19 companies that want to hire Marines.

The Marine Civilian Development Program is a not-for-profit corporation that provides the training at no cost to Marines, the Marine Corps or employers. Lodging and meals are provided, as well as transportation and child care, when needed. The courses are four days for high school graduates and six days for college graduates, designed as a follow-on to the Marine Corps’ transition assistance program.

“It was some awesome training,” said 31-year-old James Hiler, who participated in one of the two pilot programs last fall involving 39 Marines. “They helped you know what to expect in your transition, and understand the perception civilians have of you, and that you have of civilians. They also talked about situations you encounter when you’re in the workforce.

Hiler was a first lieutenant with prior enlisted service when he left the Marine Corps on terminal leave Dec. 8. He started a job in early January as a senior quality analyst with Phelps Dodge, a copper mining company in Arizona.

The Marine Civilian Development Program “got the company in contact with me, and the company flew me out” for his interview, he said.

Spouses also are offered a one-and-a-half-day course to help them understand the transition and help their Marine in the process.

The courses are taught by a combination of successful business professionals and former Marines who understand making the transition.

Marines may sign up for the program as soon as they have made the decision to leave the service. It does not compete with or replace the Marine Corps’ retention efforts or other transition assistance programs, officials said.

Marines must provide a recommendation from their supervisor with the application. Although the Marine Corps helps by providing this screening, the Marine Civilian Development Program will still personally interview the candidates and make the selection, said Sharon VanNeerden, business manager for the program.

“This is a result of Randy Lerner and General Krulak trying to figure out a way to give back to Marines,” she said.

Marines can get more information, and apply online.