1. What do I do first?
Attend the SkillBridge Information Session ASAP! This is a MANDATORY step! They are conducted weekly at Camp Lejeune and monthly at New River. Register at https://lejeunenewriver.usmc-mccs.org/marine-family-support/transition-readiness/skillbridge TRS does NOT have to be completed prior to attending. Please do NOT attempt to start an application without first attending the SkillBridge Information Session!
2. Do I have enough time to go to a SkillBridge?
Although many factors affect your timeline, don’t assume you can’t just because your EAS is approaching. Some programs are relatively short and may still fit your plans. Register for a SkillBridge Information Session so you can learn about the timeline and about resources you may have post-EAS.
3. Why is the SkillBridge Information Session mandatory?
The policy states you must receive “SkillBridge counseling” prior to enrolling in a program. We can’t meet with individuals 1:1 to provide that counseling in a timely fashion, but the class meets the requirement. You will receive a stamped checklist showing you attended. It’s the single best place to get all the information you need to understand the entire process.
4. I went to the information session, but I lost my checklist. Can you send me another one?
No, sorry, you’ll need to go to another class. Due to the fluid nature of SkillBridge the policies and/or procedures change frequently. We don’t distribute the checklist outside of class. The date on your checklist lets us know how to process your application based on the policy at the time you attended.
5. I went to the information session but heard there is a new process.
It is very possible that something has changed since you last attended. We remind you in class to go again if it has been more than two months since you last went. If you can’t make it to another class, email us your checklist so we can review the date. We may be able to grandfather you into an old process. We’ll do our very best to accommodate your request, but remember it is ultimately YOUR responsibility to submit a package that is accurate, complete, and turned with enough time to be approved.
6. I’m ready to apply to a program but I need to have TRS done first, right?
Not necessarily. There are many steps to the enrollment process (with the program) and the application process (with your command and the SkillBridge office) so attend the information session and we’ll explain the TRS requirements. NONE of the TRS process needs to be completed to attend an information session. In fact, you should attend as soon as you are interested in SkillBridge; the sooner the better!
7. I sent an email but there has been no response.
Review your notes from class; make sure you’re spelling the email address correctly. Email us from the website, just like we showed you. We require 5 BUSINESS days (that’s five working days; consider holidays) to reply to you. We promise that we are trying to get back to you ASAP. There is a possibility your phone carrier and/or attachments are blocking your email. Try emailing us from a civilian PC without any attachments to test your email capability as needed. Please do not use your phone or try to send alternative formats of documents (txt, Google docs, etc.) Send us only PDF documents from your PERSONAL email address. The Research Library at the John A. Lejeune Education Center and the MCAS New River libraries both have scanners and staff who will assist you as needed.
8. I can’t download the application.
You need to click “Download Instructions” BEFORE clicking the download button. Remember, don’t try to download the application from .gov or .mil computers. Do NOT Google the forms to pull them from a random website and do not use another installation’s forms. Use ONLY the forms on our website or go to the Research Library at the John A. Lejeune Education Center or the MCAS New River Library for assistance.
9. Can someone review my package before I turn it in?
No, sorry. During the SkillBridge Information session you took pictures of a completed SkillBridge application so you can do this on your own. You were also provided samples of an acceptance letter and training plan so you can also review those at any time as needed.
10. My program starts soon, can I drop it off or come by to get a signature?
No. We process applications in the order they are received via email. This is a fair way to review/process them and ensure we have an electronic record of your submission. You can go to the Research Library at the John A. Lejeune Education Center or the MCAS New River Library for assistance with scanning your package.
11. Why do I have to use my personal email?
Often security/firewalls, etc. block .gov and .mil emails especially when attachments are involved, and some phone carriers send our responses to your junk/spam folders. Using personal email ensures we have more capability to contact you AND you’ll have access to all communication from us even after you depart for your program.
12. How do I complete the electronic part of the application?
Via the Navy College Management Information System (NCMIS) also known as the MyEducation (MyEd) portal. You may already be familiar with this site if you have used Tuition Assistance (TA) before. You do not need a password to access it and we’ll provide you with the instructions to use it WHEN you have reached a specific point in the application process. Do NOT create a NCMIS record for SkillBridge until we tell you to! Very specific instructions will be sent to you based on your application package and date of submission. Do NOT create/change/cancel a NCMIS record without communicating or receiving instructions from us.
13. Do I need an approval letter signed by my CO?
It depends. We now use NCMIS (the MyEd website) to process the part of your application that the CO will digitally sign. We don’t use the manual letter anymore, but your command may still require it as part of their internal routing process. Your command may also require additional forms to processed. Make sure you understand your command’s routing and SkillBridge policies prior to applying to avoid delays.
14. I need to make a correction in NCMIS.
Do NOT cancel or edit your NCMIS record without contacting us first. We need to know what changes are being made in case they require our action. If you make a change without telling us, there is a good chance it will not be processed which means it cannot be routed to your CO for signature. Do NOT create/change/cancel a NCMIS record without communicating or receiving instructions from us.
15. I put my application in NCMIS, and it says it is pending the SkillBridge Coordinator’s approval.
The SBPC processes NCMIS applications on Tues and Thur. If it has been more than 5 working days since the Tues or Thur after you received the go ahead to create your NCMIS record, email us and let us know. We do NOT process your NCMIS application until we receive your 1320/1 that has been signed by your 1st and 2nd reviewers within your command. Do NOT create/change/cancel a NCMIS record without communicating or receiving instructions from us.
16. How/when will my CO get my digital NCMIS application to approve?
When you submit your NCMIS record, the system will route it to the SBPC. The SBPC will approve it on the following Tues or Thur then the system will route it to your CO using the email you entered in your record. That email MUST be a work email of the BN/Squadron CO (or minimum of O4). This CANNOT be delegated to a lower rank. Attempts to use non-permissible personnel as approving officials are subject to UCMJ policy.
17. Why do I need a congratulations email? All I need is CO approval, right?
NO. The FINAL step in the process is for you to get the congratulations email. Without it, you do not have the proper documentation that must be uploaded into your Outbound Interview (OBI) in MOL. The final email also provides you with important check-out information directly from RPAC. Your command should wait to process any PTAD until they see your congratulations email.
18. I can use terminal leave to go to SkillBridge, right?
NO. You must be placed in a PTAD status while attending your program. Terminal leave CANNOT be used to extend your program or attend it outside of your window of eligibility. You can choose to ‘sell back’ terminal leave or use it after your program ends. You do not use terminal leave before SkillBridge. We’ll walk you through this during the information session. You will leave class with a complete understanding of how and when you can go to a SkillBridge program
19. I want to attend a program through a family member or friend that has their own business. Is that possible?
Maybe. Marines are only permitted to attend DoD approved programs. We show you how to find them during the information session. The process for an employer to become a DoD approved SkillBridge program is lengthy and involved. Most organizations will not go through the process for just one student. Service members are not to be involved with assisting or coordinating the DoD approval process for the employer/program. If an organization wants to become a SkillBridge, they can email us directly and we’ll ensure they get the information they need to complete the process with the DoD.
