Those unsure of their path after serving in the military can now look in several new directions.

New features are being added to the Transition Readiness Program, which helps Marines prepare for life beyond their military careers. The changes to TRP, also known as the Transition Assistance Program, are part of a comprehensive update for all branches of service. Separating Marines must complete earlier counseling and pre-planning for their transition due to the new federal regulations generated by the Veterans to Work Act.

One of the biggest program changes since the act took effect last month is the requirement of preliminary planning.

“The pre-work is designed for Marines to prepare for the classes and have them more engaged in their transition out of the service,” said Jeffrey Esposito, TRP manager, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Before taking their classes, Marines must view three webinars concerning the manner in which they manage related issues. One webinar features tips handling family concerns while transitioning from service.

Esposito said transitioning Marines can now tailor their seminar to their individual goals. The program offers four different pathways for people to choose, depending on their aspirations. Those in transition can decide to gain

help with college or university applications, studying at vocational schools, entering the civilian workforce or starting their own business.

However, Marines nearing an end to their military service won’t need to make these decisions alone.

“The Marine Corps must now also provide a military occupational specialty crosswalk and a gap analysis for each person transitioning,” Esposito said. “This helps service members see which civilian jobs their MOS correlates to and convert it to knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position. It shows them how much work must be done, if any, to be competitive.”

The act also requires Marines to sign up for a Department of Veterans Affairs eBenefits account online and provides class time in which VA representatives help manage the accounts.

Before the act, representatives only had time to speak about benefits and entitlements each person in transition could receive. Now, they’ll be standing by during class as people manage their own VA eBenefits online account.

“Instead of bringing forms to us, we can get it all electronically transferred to our office,” said Louis Brown, the VA’s Honolulu Region Office outreach coordinator. “It’s a win-win for everyone. It’s faster, and they won’t have come down to our offices.”

Brown estimates 20 to 30 percent of people who needed help with minor VA paperwork are now able to manage their online accounts after receiving his direct help with eBenefits.

“The biggest thing now is having everything accessible from computer and inputted straight from veterans,” Brown said. “If there are any errors in applications, we can get answers to those questions right there in the class. Marines are really enthusiastic about filing paperwork properly. It’s helping the Department of Defense and the VA, and also cuts down wait times.”

After classes, transitioning service members are given follow-up assignments to further their future goals. These include workshops about applying for federal positions or starting a small business, completing projects like internships and more.

While initial changes to the TRP are in effect, Esposito said more changes are ahead for the program. Ultimately, he said training in the transition process would be a part of every step in a Marine’s career.

“It will begin when a Marine arrives at their first duty station,” Esposito said. “They will receive incremental transition training until they separate or retire. Those changes are tentatively scheduled to commence in fiscal year 2014.”

Whichever path Marines who are completing these transitions decide to take, the changes to the program are designed to assist them in finding them in finding their best path.