Military Members

Looking for your next step after your military service? You are in the right place.

Military Members

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 opportunities such as 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 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. These industry partners 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.

Medical

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 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.

Truck Drivers

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 and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 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 words in the "Keyword Search" block of the SkillBridge Locations page such as: "Trucking", "CDL", or "Driver", you can find SkillBridge partners that can potentially 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.

You may be eligible to participate in SkillBridge if you:

  • Have 180 days of service or fewer remaining prior to your date of discharge and you have at least 180 continuous days of active service
  • Obtain approval from your unit commander, and
  • Agree that participation in SkillBridge can be terminated at any time by the Service if mission requirements dictate.

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 U.S. Department of Labor guidance, 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.

Read what service members have to say about the SkillBridge Program. Download the SkillBridge Program Brochure.

Updated: March 31, 2023