Now why is my post "misinformed"? Greymatters and I are saying the same thing, albeit slightly differently.
The objective of the VRP states:
The objective of the VRP is not to provide training or education in a new career field, if, at the time of release, a former member already has transferable skills to the civilian workforce while in keeping with the former member's medical limitations.
If you tear that apart, it says that if the member's medical limitations don't permit employment which uses the member's existing transferable skills, then the VRP will provide training or education in a new career field.
I've done four SCAN seminars, as well as preparation for a medical release which, fortunately, did not come to be. I've also helped out several subordinates and peers as they prepared for medical releases. I know what the benefits are. If you already have skills which can be carried forward into a civilian field, and your medical employment limitations do not preclude you from using those skills or working in that occupation, then the VRP will bring you to a licence, certification or diploma level in that field and send you on your merry way.
Conversely, if you cannot carry the skills forward to gainful employment on civvie street due to MELs, then the VRP will start you at square one in a new vocation which will fit with your MELs.
Steve-O-, you have nothing to worry about. If the only transferable skills you have are putting artillery shells onto a piece of real estate, but can no longer do so because you are blind (for example), then the VRP is going to provide new skills in a new vocation/occupation which takes into account your MELs. Similarly, if you have transferable skills such as being an electrician, but are missing both hands and have prostheses, you will still be able to take training/education to gain new skills as you won't be able to use the skills you have. The restriction comes into play when you are still able to employ skills you have already acquired, and are still medically able to work in that field. If you've already got computer skills up the wazoo, and you lose your hearing, the VRP is not going to pay for you to become a cook because the transferable skills you have are still able to be employed after release - I'm sure there are lots of deaf network administrators who have done quite well for themselves.