DOD SkillBridge Program

DOD SkillBridge gives an opportunity for retiring and transitioning service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of military service prior to release from Active Duty.

SkillBridge connects service members with industry partners and real-world job experiences that are designed to aid the service member in finding meaningful and gainful employment after discharge. The duration of a SkillBridge program must not be more than 180 days and must occur during a participating service member's last 180 days on active duty in accordance with guidance described in DOD Instruction 1322.29.

The DOD covers military pay and benefits during a service member's time in a SkillBridge program, providing an invaluable experience for the service member and the Industry Partner.

Go to the SkillBridge Locations Map to learn about existing opportunities. Note: When searching by location on the SkillBridge Locations Map for opportunities in Alaska please make sure to search by "Alaska" or by "AK" due to the search tool being case sensitive.

Military Members

Retiring and transitioning service members interested in participating in SkillBridge should contact their installation SkillBridge point of contact; the SkillBridge POC may be in the transition assistance office, education office, or other installation support office. Additional information about how to start the process and your services specific guidance for applying to SkillBridge may be found in the Resources page of the SkillBridge website and the SkillBridge Program Brochure.

NOTE: Each of the Services have differing application requirements and processes.

Employers

Employers interested in learning more about SkillBridge, including how to participate, please refer to the Industry Partners / Employers page of the SkillBridge website and the SkillBridge Partner Brochure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Answers to SkillBridge FAQs can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page of the SkillBridge website.

Contact Us

For employers who would like assistance in creating a DOD SkillBridge training plan and with their overall application, please contact James McKoy , the Local Veterans' Employment Representative (LVER). For general SkillBridge questions, please contact Nakita Mongar, the Statewide Veteran Coordinator.