MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- The Marine Corps announced Oct. 10, 2010, the extension of the voluntary enlisted early release program into fiscal year 2011.
According to Marine Administration Message 577/10, the extension allows the Corps to shape and sustain the target 202,000 member force within the constraints of the current budget.
According to the message, more than 30,000 Marines are eligible for early release, should their end of active service date fall within the time fame, with a few exceptions.
Marines applying for early release must not be scheduled for deployment at the time of requested early release, must be eligible for an honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge, and must have no unresolved financial or medical issues, such as undergoing post-deployment health evaluations.
Marines separated under the program are considered to have completed their active service obligation.
In addition to these cost-saving measures, the Corps is also continuing its holiday early out program, which has been in effect since 2006. Marines with an EAS date between Dec. 17, 2010, and Jan. 3, 2011, have the opportunity to be separated as early as Dec. 10, 2010.
The opportunity is limited to Marines stationed within the United States. Marines must still complete preseparation training 90 days prior to EASing.
Concerning both early release programs, only Marines who have completed six years in active duty can retain entitlement to separation pay if they are released under these guidelines. Still, Marines entitled to separation benefits will keep them if they get out early. However, to retain Tricare for themselves and their families they must re-enroll. Participants in the program are reminded that being released early under the programs may affect their separation pay.
For more information, consult MarAdmins 577/10 and 556/10 or your unit’s career planner.