Courtesy of the U.S. Navy
Provided for the 2017 Transition Magazine
Service members who are either not ready to transition or do not meet Career Readiness Standards (CRS) receive what is called a warm handover. A warm handover is essentially a referral to a federal agency such as the Department Veteran Affairs (VA) or the Department of Labor (DOL), which have established partnerships with the military services in providing transition support.
Guidance on warm handovers was released by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense to the military services and their Reserve Components on April 18, 2016. This guidance memorandum specifically addressed the necessity of warm handovers to those service members identified as “at risk” due to the nature of their discharge. Service members who receive less than honorable discharges are more at risk for suicide and face increased challenges transitioning to civilian life.
Current DoD policy states that these service members are to receive warm handovers to the DOL, whereas the nature of their discharge would prevent them from receiving VA benefits. Service members can access resources through the DOL sponsored Career One Stops (www.careeronestop.org) and VA Vet Centers (www.vetcenter.va.gov). Warm handovers should be provided to any transitioning service member who requires additional assistance with employment, transportation and housing.