What is Marine For Life?

Marine For Life is a transition assistance program that helps Marines and their families get settled back in the community when they leave active duty. The program taps into the network of Marine veterans and Marine-friendly businesses, organizations and individuals that are willing to lend a hand to a Marine who has served honorably. The Marine For Life program demonstrates that “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” is not a slogan, but truly part of the Marine Corps ethos.

What services are provided by Marine For Life?

Services provided include networking and assistance with employment, education, housing, childcare, veterans’ benefits, and other support services needed to make a smooth transition back to the community.

Is there any cost to use the program?

All services provided by Marine For Life are free.

Who can use the program?

Any active duty or reserve Marine under current contract can log in and use the resources available through the website. The priority for personal assistance from a Hometown Link goes to Marines in their transition period, which extends from 180 days before to 90 days after their end of active service date.

What is a Hometown Link?

A Hometown Link is a reserve Marine assigned in his/her hometown to assist Marines returning to that area. The Hometown Link puts together a network of former Marines and Marine-friendly business, organizations and individuals who are willing to help Marines make a smooth transition. The Hometown Link will work with the Marine to find out what assistance is needed and then put the Marine in touch with members of the network who can provide that assistance. Click on the Contact link, select a region and then choose from the list of Hometown Links in that region.

How many Hometown Links are there?

When the program reaches full operational capability, sometime during Fiscal Year 2005, there will be 110 Hometown Links. Some major metropolitan areas such as New York City and Los Angeles will have more than one Hometown Link assigned.

What about the areas not covered by a Hometown Link?

Some Hometown Links cover areas up to 100 miles in any direction. For those areas not covered by a Hometown Link, the program has formed a partnership with the Marine Corps League and recruited veteran volunteers to provide assistance. Also, the National Network Resource listing includes companies with multiple locations around the country.

What is a Marine-Friendly Employer?

A Marine-Friendly Employer is an individual, business or organization with a favorable impression of the Marine Corps and Marines, that is willing to offer employment opportunities to qualified transitioning Marines. Being Marine-Friendly implies an appreciation for the character and work ethic generally embodied in Marines and, all things being equal, an inclination to place high value on these attributes when making hiring decisions.

© www.youngmarines.com