ALCOAST 235/20 - JUN 2020 CLARIFICATION ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SKILLBRIDGE PROGRAM

R 160913 JUN 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01521//
ALCOAST 235/20
COMDTNOTE 1521
SUBJ: CLARIFICATION ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SKILLBRIDGE PROGRAM
A. Section 1143(e) of Title 10, United States Code
B. Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST M1000.8 (series)
C. Military Civil and Dependent Affairs, COMDTINST M1700.1 (series)
1. This ALCOAST provides specific information regarding eligibility for
participation in the Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge Voluntary
Employment Skills Training Program. The DoD SkillBridge initiative connects
civilian businesses and companies with available training or internship
opportunities that offer a high probability of employment with military
members who are separating.
2. The employment skills training provisions contained within REF (A) are
not applicable to Coast Guard, and Coast Guard commands may not authorize
the long-term absence of a Coast Guard member for purposes of participating
in the program.
3. Commands may still consider requests by members to partake in job-training
type programs but must do so within the confines of existing law and policy
contained in REF (B) regarding authorized absences. CG members and eligible
spouses remain eligible to receive skills training under 14 USC 504(7)
"as may be necessary or desirable for the good of the service." This includes,
for example, participation in funded advanced education programs, training
with industry groups agreed upon through mutual training agreements, and
other programs from which the Coast Guard derives a benefit from the member’s
participation. Members may also continue to pursue job training opportunities
in their off-duty times if approved in accordance with REF (C).
4. Commands cannot approve participation in a SkillBridge program if, in
doing so, they are excusing a member from reporting for duty in a manner that
is not permitted under REF (B).
5. Although Coast Guard members are not authorized to participate in the
DoD SkillBridge Program, there are a number of programs available to members
who are separating or retiring. I encourage you to reach out to your
transition manager at your Regional Work-Life office.
6. Point of contact is Mr. Rodney Whaley, USCG Transition Assistance Program
Manager, (202) 475-5158, or via e-mail at Rodney.B.Whaley@USCG.mil.
7. RADM Dana L. Thomas, Director, Health, Safety, and Work-Life, sends.
8. Internet release is authorized.