If for any reason, a Federal Agency partner is unable to provide appropriate oversight of Service members participating in DOD SkillBridge, the Federal Agency partner is responsible for providing immediate notification to the Service member and their military leadership (the officer who approved the Service member's participation in SkillBridge).
The respective military leaders will determine the Service members' duty requirements and location for the period when the Federal Agency is unable to provide appropriate SkillBridge oversight. In accordance with current Department of Defense policy, the Service member's SkillBridge approval authority retains sole discretion concerning Service member continued participation.
Existing industry partners in good standing that have an active or extended MOU, listed on the DOD SkillBridge Authorized Organizations page with MOU expiration dates during this calendar year 2023; are automatically extended through 1 Jun 2024.
DOD SkillBridge has resumed New Partner Application Process Information Sessions. If you have questions or need assistance with the DOD SkillBridge program, please contact us. Interested, prospective partner organizations can also review the "Get Started" information on the Industry Partner/Employers page to review information regarding the application and the guidelines for submitting thorough Training Plans. You may also view a previous information session at the following link: View.
SkillBridge is an excellent opportunity as you plan for your life after the military. SkillBridge matches civilian opportunities to your job training and work experience at the end of your military duty. In addition to taking advantage of resources like Tuition Assistance and the GI Bill program, you can enhance your marketability and career prospects by participating in a SkillBridge opportunity.
Any rank, enlisted or officer, may apply for SkillBridge. SkillBridge permits you to use up to the last 180 days of service to train and learn with an industry partner. During SkillBridge participation you continue to receive military compensation and you are covered by your military benefits. Release for SkillBridge is always mission-dependent, however, and your unit commander must authorize participation prior to entering into any agreement with interested industry employment partners.
There are many industry partners with opportunities in a variety of fields, such as energy, information technology, manufacturing, retail, transportation, civil service and more, who have developed SkillBridge programs for service members because they value your expertise, dedication, and service.
Go to the SkillBridge Locations Map to learn about existing opportunities.
You may be eligible to participate in SkillBridge if you:
Go to the SkillBridge Locations Map to learn about existing opportunities.
Note: As published in the joint ethics regulations of the Department of Defense and as outlined in the Fact Sheet #71, Service members participating in a SkillBridge program are participating in a Capstone training experience at the end of the military career and are NOT eligible for wages or other benefits from industry partners since the program is supported by the Department of Defense which will continue to cover the salaries and benefits of the participating members.
NOTICE FOR ALL MILITARY MEMBERS INTERESTED IN COMMERCIAL DRIVING OPPORTUNITIES:
Historic challenges in the country's supply chain system and commercial truck driver shortages are creating many opportunities for meaningful and gainful employment.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have extensive opportunities for military members completing their service to earn their Commercial Driver's License, including unique opportunities for veterans under 21 years of age. The talents and experiences attained during their time in military service make veterans ideal candidates for these roles.
By typing key terms in the "Keyword Search" block of the SkillBridge Locations page (e.g., "Trucking," "CDL," or "Driver") you can find SkillBridge partners that can assist you in becoming a commercial truck driver.
Military members can also get assistance earning a CDL while still on active duty by visiting their service's Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) page, linked here on the DOD COOL page.
To learn more about federal resources that can help service members and veterans pursue a career in the trucking industry, view this Fact Sheet from the Department of Labor (DOL).
NOTICE FOR ALL MILITARY MEMBERS IN HEALTH CARE OCCUPATIONS:
In these unprecedented times, experienced military health care providers are essential to ensuring public health.
The "Hire Veterans Health Heroes Act of 2021" was signed November 2021, with the goal of identifying and referring former military health care professionals from the Armed Services for employment in open positions with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
While they are not specifically listed on the SkillBridge site, there are a wide array of VA health professions opportunities across the country that can put your professional training and skills to work immediately helping your fellow veterans and surrounding communities. Learn more at the VA careers page.
By typing "Medical provider" in the "Search" block of the SkillBridge Location Page, you can find potential SkillBridge partners that can assist you in using your skills as a health care provider in the civilian sector.
Program partners include employers in all career fields such as Amazon, John Deere, Lockheed Martin, UnitedHealth Group, and the U.S. Veterans Administration—and hundreds more!
Learn more about this exciting opportunity!