For Marines in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) and Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) programs, managing your military career effectively requires the right tools and information. This guide serves as a comprehensive Career Tool Marine, providing essential steps and resources for reenlistment, understanding satisfactory service, and planning for retirement within the Marine Corps Reserve. Whether you are looking to extend your service or transition into retirement, this article outlines the critical processes and requirements to ensure a smooth and successful journey.
Reenlistment Process for IRR & IMA Marines
Staying engaged with the Marine Corps Reserve through reenlistment is a significant career decision. To begin this process, utilize Marine Online (MOL) as your primary career tool marine interface.
Steps to Reenlist via MOL
- Access MOL: Initiate your reenlistment or extension request by logging into MOL. This online portal is your central hub for managing your Marine Corps career.
- Navigate to MyEPAR: Under the ‘Personal Info’ tab, select ‘MyEPAR’. If you’re unfamiliar with this system, refer to the provided ‘How To Create an EPAR Power Point’ for guidance.
- Submit Your Request: In the Subject dropdown menu, choose ‘Career’. Ensure you provide current phone and email contact information.
- Complete Statement of Understanding: Fill out the Statement of Understanding relevant to your component (IRR or IMA). This document outlines the processing timelines used by MCIRSA Career Planners.
- Utilize Retention Package Examples: Refer to the example retention packages to accurately complete your reenlistment or extension request. Blank retention packages are available for both IRR and IMA Marines and should be filled out following the examples provided.
It is crucial to use the correct documents for your component. IRR Marines should use IRR examples and blank packages, while IMA Marines should use IMA counterparts.
Required Documents and Information
To ensure a successful reenlistment process, gather the following necessary documents and information. These serve as essential components of your career tool marine kit for managing your reserve career:
- 360 Degree Photo in PT Gear: Required for Military Appearance and Tattoo Screening purposes. Refer to the MCIRSA Tattoo Screening document for guidelines.
- Passing PFT/CFT Scores: Ensure you have passing Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Combat Fitness Test (CFT) scores within the specified periods. For IMA, passing PFT/CFT within the last year is acceptable.
- Certified Career Retirement Credit Record (CRCR): Your CRCR must be certified via MOL within 12 months of submitting your reenlistment request.
- Certified Annual Personal Health Assessment (PHA): A current PHA is mandatory.
- Security Clearance Level (IMA Only): IMA Marines need to provide a copy of their Security Clearance level via JPAS or through their Security Manager.
All information must be submitted via MOL in EPAR, as per MARADMIN 313/13.
Understanding Satisfactory Year and CRCR Points
A key aspect of managing your reserve career is understanding how to earn a satisfactory year and accumulate Career Retirement Credit Record (CRCR) points. These are vital for retirement eligibility and represent your participation in the reserves.
Earning a Satisfactory Year
To earn a satisfactory year towards retirement as an IRR, SMCR, or IMA member, you must accrue at least 50 CRCR points per anniversary year. Importantly, 15 points are automatically earned for keeping your information updated on MOL, leaving 35 points to be earned through other activities.
CRCR Points Explained
CRCR points are a measure of your participation in the reserves. You earn one CRCR point for each day of active duty or per drill period. A drill period is defined as 4 hours of SMCR duty, with a maximum of two drills countable per day.
Additionally, Marine reservists can earn CRCR points by completing MarineNet courses. The point value for each course is determined by the study hours listed in the course syllabus.
Examples of How to Obtain Points provides further details on point accumulation methods.
Ways to Earn CRCR Points
Beyond drills and active duty, IRR members have several avenues to earn CRCR points and maintain satisfactory participation. These options expand your career tool marine capabilities for reserve management:
- Reserve Counterpart Training (RCT) Orders: IRR members can request RCT orders for up to 28 days by contacting a local Reserve unit and submitting an ePAR via MOL.
- Funeral Details: Serving on funeral details at a local SMCR unit as a ‘courtesy participant’ can earn CRCR points. Ensure a muster sheet is completed and verified with unit permission.
- Associate Duty Orders: Request ‘Associate Duty Orders’ for non-pay participation, allowing you to receive dental check-ups and PHAs.
- ADOS (Active Duty Operational Support) Orders: For longer-term opportunities, ADOS orders can extend up to one year of active duty to fill critical manpower needs within a unit, typically in administrative or clerical roles. These are also requested through the unit of service.
Order Opportunities for IRR Marines
Leveraging available order types is another effective career tool marine strategy for IRR Marines to stay active and contribute.
Reserve Counterpart Training (RCT) Orders
RCT orders offer a valuable opportunity for IRR Marines to engage with local Reserve units for up to 28 days. This allows for professional development and contribution while earning CRCR points.
Associate Duty Orders and ADOS
Associate Duty Orders and ADOS provide different avenues for IRR Marines to participate with units. Associate Duty Orders facilitate essential health and dental checks, while ADOS addresses critical manpower shortages for longer durations, offering more substantial engagement.
Retirement Planning for Marine Reservists
Planning for retirement is a crucial aspect of your Marine Corps Reserve career. Understanding the retirement process and available resources is a vital career tool marine component.
Retirement Request Process
To initiate retirement from the IRR or IMA, submit an EPAR via MOL. The MARINE ONLINE – Submit Retirement Request link will direct you to the necessary portal.
The MIRSO Retirement section is dedicated to assisting Marines through the retirement request process, ensuring a seamless transition to the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve.
Key Retirement FAQs
Q: Why is there a submission window of 14 to 5 months prior to retirement?
A: MCTFS is programmed to reject requests outside this timeframe. Requests outside this window require separate correspondence with justification.
Q: How can I request a waiver of service requirements?
A: Submit your waiver request via AA form, letter, or Naval Message with justification. Endorsements are needed for letters and AA forms. Approval depends on the needs of the Marine Corps.
Additional FAQ’s provide more detailed answers to common retirement questions.
Conclusion
Managing your career in the IRR and IMA requires proactive engagement and utilizing available resources as effective career tool marine components. From reenlisting and earning satisfactory years to planning for retirement, understanding these processes is crucial. For any further questions or assistance, the Customer Service Center is available at 800-255-5082 or [email protected]. Utilize MOL and the provided resources to navigate your Marine Corps Reserve career successfully.
