R 042355Z DEC 20
MARADMIN 734/20
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MP//
SUBJ/FY21 VOLUNTARY ENLISTED EARLY RELEASE PROGRAM//
REF/A/MSGID: DOC/CONGRESS//
REF/B/MSGID: DOC/SECNAV/YMD:2020701//
REF/C/MSGID: DOC/DOD/YMD: 20200612//
REF/D/MSGID: DOC/DOD/YMD: 20170303//
REF/E/MSGID: DOC/CMC/YMD: 20190215//
REF/F/MSGID: WEB/CMC/YMD:20200504//
REF/G/MSGID: DOC/OSD/YMD: 20180712//
REF/H/MSGID: MSG/CMC/YMD: 20200114//
REF/I/MSGID: DOC/CMC/YMD: 20151230//
REF/J/MSGID: DOC/CONGRESS//
REF/K/MSGID: DOC/DFAS/YMD: 20200501//
REF/L/MSGID: DOD/OSD/YMD: 20170127//
REF/M/MSGID: DOD/CMC/YMD: 20200521//
REF/N/MSGID: DOD/CMC/YMD: 20200724//
REF/O/MSGID: DOD/SECDEF/YMD:20091112//
NARR/REF (A) IS TITLE 10 UNITED STATES CODE SECTION 1171,
REGULAR ENLISTED MEMBERS: EARLY DISCHARGE. REF (B) IS SECNAV APPROVAL OF VOLUNTARY ENLISTED EARLY RELEASE PROGRAM (VEERP) DATED 01 JUL2020. REF (C) IS DODI 1332.14, ENLISTED ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATIONS. REF (D) IS DODI 1332.29, INVOLUNTARY SEPARATIONS PAY (NON-DISABILITY) REF (E) IS MCO 1900.16 CH2, MARINE CORPS SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT MANUAL. REF (F) IS MARINE CORPS TOTAL FORCE SYSTEM PERSONNEL REPORTING INSTRUCTION USER’S MANUAL (PRIUM). REF (G) IS DODI 1341.13, POST-9/11 GI BILL, CH1. REF(H) IS MARADMIN 017/20, TRANSFER OF POST-9/11 GI BILL EDUCATION BENEFITS (TEB) TO DEPENDENTS PROCESS. REF (I) IS MCO 1700.31, TRANSITION READINESS PROGRAM. REF (J) IS TITLE 37 UNITED STATES CODE SECTION 373. REF (K) IS DOD FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS, DOD 7000.14-R, VOLUME 7A, CHAPTER 2, PARAGRAPH 020303.E. REF (L) IS DEPUTY SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MEMO FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BLENDED RETIREMENT SYSTEM. REF (M) IS MARADMIN 302/20 MANPOWER FORCE SHAPING IN SUPPORT OF FORCE DESIGN PHASE ONE. REF (N) IS MARADMIN 422/20 INVOLUNTARY MOS RECLASSIFICATIONS AND DIRECTED LATERAL MOVES IN SUPPORT OF FORCE DESIGN PHASE ONE. REF (O) IS SECDEF MEMORANDUM FURTHER DELEGATING AUTHORITY UNDER EXECUTIVE ORDER 11498 TO SECRETARIES OF THE MILITARY DEPARTMENTS.//
POC/C. M. BLAIS/CIV/UNIT: CMC MMIB (INTEGRATION BRANCH)/-/TEL:703-784-9229//
POC/V. W. LEE/CAPT/UNIT: CMC MPP-20 (ENLISTED PLANS)/-/TEL: 703-784-9361//
POC/L. SIMONE/CAPT/UNIT: CMC MMSR (SEPARATION AND RETIREMENT) /-/TEL: 703-432-9459//
POC/B. C. SCHOLL/CAPT/UNIT: CMC MMEA-1 (ENLISTED ASSIGNMENTS) /-/TEL:703-432-9125//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Purpose. The FY21 Voluntary Enlisted Early Release Program (VEERP) is a force shaping initiative that will support future force requirements. This message serves to establish the authority, eligibility, and procedures for the voluntary early release of Active Duty enlisted Marines whose term of service will expire during FY21 or FY22 (1 October 2020 to 30 September 2022) with a Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS) of 1812, 1869, or 2146.
2. Background. References (a), (b), and (o) provide the authority from the Secretary of the Navy to establish a voluntary enlisted early release program. The FY21 VEERP will commence upon the publication of this MARADMIN. Marines approved for this program may separate no greater than 365 days prior to their current expiration of active service (EAS). Marines approved for the FY21 VEERP will be considered to have completed their full active service commitment. This MARADMIN does not exempt Marines from completing reserve or individual ready reserve (IRR) obligations per their individual service enlistment contracts. Marines with PMOS of 1812, 1869, and 2146 are encouraged to review references (m) and (n) to understand their options outside of VEERP and the timelines for divestment.
3. Eligibility
3.a. This message only applies to active duty enlisted Marines with a PMOS of 1812, 1869, or 2146 and an EAS in FY21 or FY22 (1 October 2020 to 30 September 2022). This Headquarters reserves the right to adjust the preceding list as necessary to maintain authorized strength requirements.
3.b. Marines may request to separate no greater than 365 days prior to their current EAS and no less than 60 days prior to their current EAS. FY21 VEERP authorizes Marines to separate cross FY (i.e. FY22 EAS adjusted to FY21).
3.c. Marines must not be stabilized for deployment at the time of requested early release (new EAS). Additionally, Marines possessing obligated service (not necessarily stabilized) to meet future deployment demand will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
3.d. Marines are required to complete mandated Transition Readiness Seminar (TRS) requirements prior to EAS per reference (I) as supplemented by MARADMIN 632/19. Marines must be TRS complete and medically qualified prior to early release.
3.e. Marines must be eligible for an honorable or general (under honorable condition) discharge characterization at time of early release.
4. Ineligibility. Marines meeting any of the following conditions are ineligible to participate in the FY21 Voluntary Enlisted Early Release Program:
4.a. Marines without a PMOS as listed under paragraph 3.a. or who do not have a FY21 or FY22 EAS.
4.b. Marines scheduled for transfer to the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve (FMCR) or retired list.
4.c. Marines who are indebted to the government (to include advance and excess leave). Indebted Marines desiring early separation can make accelerated repayment of their debts by increasing scheduled installment amounts and by making cash collections to repay their indebtedness. Indebtedness must be entirely resolved prior to early release.
4.d. Marines being released under other HQMC directed early out programs, e.g., early release for education, temporary early retirement authority, and voluntary separation pay program.
4.e. Marines currently on terminal leave away from the permanent duty station (PDS) pending separation.
4.f. Marines currently serving on a Special Duty Assignment who have not completed obligated service required for the assignment.
4.g. Marines who manifest symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder/traumatic brain injury and are undergoing post deployment health evaluation and management care will not be separated under this authority until that process is complete or a waiver of treatment evaluation has been executed.
4.h. Marines pending legal action or proceedings, administrative separation, or disability separation or retirement are not eligible for the VEERP. The Marine may submit for VEERP once proceedings are completed and if he/she remains eligible for release under honorable conditions. The VEERP should not be viewed as an expeditious manner to separate Marines who fall into a category which requires mandatory processing for administrative separation per references (c) and (e).
4.i. Marines participating in the National Call to Service Program.
5. Program timeline
5.a. Application processing will commence immediately upon release of this MARADMIN. Marines must submit their requests in enough time to reach this HQ 60 days prior to the new requested EAS date. Additionally, Marines requesting a new cross fiscal year separation date from FY22 to FY21 must submit their VEERP request in enough time to reach HQ (MMIB) 120 days prior to the new requested EAS date. VEERP processing example provided as follows:
5.a.1. Cross year VEERP: A Marine with an existing EAS of 31 August 2022 requests to depart the Marine Corps on 31 August 2021. Since the EAS date crosses fiscal years, this request must reach HQMC (MMIB) no later than 3 May 2021 (120 days prior to requested EAS).
5.a.2. Non-cross year VEERP: A Marine with an existing EAS of 30 September 2021 requests to depart the Marine Corps on 31 January 2021. Since the EAS date does not cross fiscal years, this request must reach HQMC (MMIB) no later than 2 December 2020 (60 days prior to requested EAS).
5.b. Additionally, the Marine must meet all eligibility criteria outlined in paragraph 3 of this MARADMIN prior to early release. Upon early release, the Marine will be considered to have completed his/her full active service commitment. Marines are reminded that early release is not an entitlement. Early release will be approved or disapproved based on the needs of the Marine Corps. Marines can expect to receive determination on their VEERP package within 30 days of the package arriving at HQMC.
6. Coordinating instructions
6.a. It is understood that full participation in this program may result in some units accepting temporary risk by falling below historical staffing levels. Commanders’ support of this force shaping tool is critical for the Marine Corps to attain its force shaping goal.
6.b. Individual Marines must submit requests by AA Form via their ADCON chain of command to CMC (MMIB) for adjudication via outlook to smb.manpower.mmib1@usmc.mil.
6.b.1. Commanders will recommend approval of the specific date for separation on the spreadsheet when endorsing a Marine’s request for early release. Terminal leave is authorized at commanders’ discretion upon approval of the VEERP by HQMC.
6.b.2. Commanders will provide specific justification for individual Marines not recommended for approval to participate in the program. Commanders utilizing stabilization for deployment as justification must ensure Marines have been reported to MMIB for proper stabilization and DCC reporting. For deployment planning purposes, Marines deploying in support of a MEU require 15 months remaining on contract while UDP deployments require 12 months remaining on contract. Failure to provide specific recommendations does not allow this HQ to make informed decisions.
6.c. HQMC (MM) reserves the authority to approve/disapprove/restrict the total number of early release days to meet the needs of the Marine Corps. Marines may be released at less than requested release and/or commander recommended dates. Upon HQMC (MM) final approval, MMIB will report the new EAS/ECC via MCTFS unit diary entry per reference (f). Commanders will be notified of VEERP approval via electronic diary feedback report with history statement indicating approval for VEERP. In the case of VEERP disapproval, HQMC (MM) will report a discharge disapproved entry via unit diary.
6.d. Marines being separated under VEERP will sign a page 11 entry for inclusion in their official military personnel file acknowledging they are a volunteer for the program and that separation requirements will be completed prior to EAS. Example page 11 entry: I have been approved for participation in the FY21 Voluntary Enlisted Early Release Program. I understand that my new EAS is (yyyy/mm/dd). I have been counseled on the contents of the FY21 Voluntary Enlisted Early Release Program MARADMIN and understand that I will be considered to have completed my full active service commitment. I understand that I am required to complete any remaining reserve or ready reserve obligations per my individual service enlistment contract. Additionally, I understand that pre-separation counseling, TRS and medical screening for separation must be complete prior to my new EAS.
6.e. Unit diary entries reporting release from active duty or discharge will be submitted per reference (f).
6.e.1. The Separation Program Designator Code (SPD) for active duty enlisted Marines being released from active duty is MCC1, Force Shaping. This SPD applies to Marines that have remaining obligated service or wish to transfer to the reserves. Reference (e), paragraph 6404.3 provides the authority for this SPD.
6.e.2. The SPD for active duty enlisted Marines being discharged from active duty is KCC1, Force Shaping. This SPD applies to Marines who have completed eight years active duty obligated service and do not wish to transfer to the reserves. Reference (e), paragraph 6404.3 provides the authority for this SPD.
6.e.3. Marines already denied further service will retain the appropriate SPD code and must submit for separations pay determination per references (d), (e), and (f). Release of regular active enlisted Marines with military service obligations from active duty will be effected in accordance with reference (e).
6.f. It is imperative that commands notify their Disbursing Officers/Finance Officers (DO/FO) regarding early separations in accordance with reference (f).
6.g. Marines wishing to withdraw from participation in VEERP prior to decision should submit correspondence via the MMIB SMB account, smb.manpower.mmib1@usmc.mil. Marines wishing to withdraw after approval must submit a new AA Form requesting that their VEERP request be cancelled. Marines wishing to request a longer VEERP period than already approved should submit an AA Form requesting modification to their approved VEERP.
6.h. In any case where a Marine previously approved for the VEERP is charged with any offense which requires mandatory processing for administrative separation per reference (e), contact MMIB immediately to have the VEERP cancelled.
6.i. If a Marine previously approved for the VEERP is found to be not medically qualified to separate at their adjusted EAS, notify MMIB immediately to have the VEERP date either modified or cancelled.
7. Reserve component opportunity.
7.a. The Selected Marine Corps Reserve is actively seeking the service of separating Marines who want to remain affiliated with the Marine Corps upon transition out of the active component. Opportunities exist for lateral move (LATMOV) into a different MOS per (MARADMIN 504/20). Depending on MOS and billet availability, affiliation bonuses may be available for transitioning Marines. Marines interested may join a unit by applying for the Direct Affiliation Program (DAP), (MARADMIN 279/20)or request additional information by contacting their Career Planner (CP), local Prior Service Recruiter (PSR), or a DAP Specialist representing the East Coast, West Coast, and Overseas. To contact a DAP Specialist choose from the nearest POC from the list below:
7.a.1. East Coast, Sgt Devor B.K., Tel: 910-451-5348/ Email: brian.devor@usmc.mil
7.a.2. West Coast, SSgt Kyles B.R., Tel: 760-763-3426 / Email: bobby.kyles@usmc.mil
7.a.3. Okinawa-Asia Pacific Region, SSgt Stafford, C.J., Tel: From the U.S. (011)81-611-722-6004 or Local: 622-6004 / Email: christopher.j.staffo@usmc.mil
7.a.4. MCRC-PSR DAP Chief, SSgt Pulliam, Tel: 703-784-9782/ Email: angelica.pulliam@marines.usmc.mil
7.b. For Marines transitioning to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) upon EAS, opportunities to transfer from the IRR to a Selected Marine Corps Reserve unit (SMCR) or Individual Mobilization Augmentee Program (IMA) exist through a Prior Service Recruiter (PSR). For more information visit the Marine Corps Recruiting Web page (https:(slash)(slash)www.mcrc.marines.mil/)to contact your local PSR.
8. General information
8.a. In the event of future recall, Marines released under this MARADMIN will be considered as being in the same status as those who have completed their obligated period of active duty.
8.b. Enlisted Marines separated under authority of this MARADMIN may be awarded the Good Conduct Medal if their adjusted EAS falls within 90 days of their 3-year Good Conduct Medal anniversary date. Waiver request must be submitted with VEERP package in the AA Form.
8.c. Marines who are entitled to separation pay upon normal EAS, who elect and are approved for early release from active duty under this MARADMIN, will retain their entitlement to separation pay provided they have completed six years of active service prior to the day of early release (new EAS) from active duty. Marines are reminded that early release from active duty under this MARADMIN could affect the amount of their separation pay. Reference (d) prescribes the method of computing separation pay. Furthermore, if early release would disqualify Marines for separation pay due to length of service criteria under the law, Marines will not be released from active duty until their service length criteria has been met.
8.d. Marines who are entitled to separation pay upon normal EAS must submit for early release via a separations pay determination request in the Total Force Retention System (TFRS).
8.e. Marines entitled to separation benefits are authorized those benefits if released under this MARADMIN. Separating Marines and their family members are encouraged to review their continued eligibility for TRICARE depending on their beneficiary category.
8.f. Marines are reminded to review the references for eligibility and other requirements related to educational benefit programs prior to participating in VEERP. Pursuant to reference (a), Marines approved for VEERP who had been approved to transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill (PGIB) education benefits (TEB) to their dependents prior to requesting VEERP, are considered to have completed their previously approved TEB-related service agreement. Accordingly, these Marines are not required to take any further action regarding their TEB. However, VEERP applicants who had not been previously approved to TEB, with the exception of Purple Heart recipients, may not request to TEB.
8.f.1. MMEA will modify the TEB Obligation End Date for Marines approved for VEERP who had been previously approved to TEB to their dependents; MMEA will ensure the applicant’s TEB Obligation End Date is on or before the Marine’s VEERP separation date.
8.f.2. In the case that a Marine wishes to withdraw from VEERP after approval, and MMEA has already modified the Marine’s TEB Service Obligation Date, MMIB will notify MMEA to reset the Marine’s TEB Service Obligation Date to the pre-VEERP TEB Service Obligation Date.
8.f.3. If the current VEERP applicant is a Purple Heart recipient, and is eligible for the PGIB, they may request to TEB, in accordance with references (g) and (h), prior to their separation date.
8.g. Blended Retirement System continuation pay, enlistment bonuses, and/or selective retention bonuses will not be recouped from Marines separated under the authority of this MARADMIN per references (a) and (i) through (k).
9. Reserve Applicability. This MARADMIN is not applicable to the Marine Corps Reserve.
10. This MARADMIN cancels on 30 Sep 2022.
11. Release authorized by LtGen D. A. Ottignon, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.//