SkillBridge Program

What is SkillBridge?

SkillBridge is an opportunity for Service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through job training, employment skills training, apprenticeship, and internship opportunities during the last 180 days of military service prior to release from active duty. DoW SkillBridge connects service members with industry providers 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 DoW 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 DoWI 1322.29.

What are the eligibility requirements for service members?

DoWI 1322.29 lists general eligibility requirements as -

• Service members may participate within 180 days of being discharged or released from active duty and service members must have served 180 continuous days on active duty.
• Approval authority rests with the first field grade commander authorized to impose non-judicial punishment under Article 15 of the UCMJ in the service member's chain of command.
• Such commanders may approve or disapprove participation by a service member based upon unit mission requirements.

It is strongly recommended that service members complete mandatory components of the DoW Transition Assistance Program (TAP) prior to starting a SkillBridge program to ensure that they are well informed of their post-service options prior to entering this program. Services and/or commands may require that all mandatory components of TAP are complete before participating in SkillBridge. In addition, service members will need to make a plan for final out-processing, terminal leave, and permissive leave. Each service and/or command provides specific guidance.

At what time in a service member's service, is he or she permitted to participate in a SkillBridge opportunity?

SkillBridge is intended to be a training program for service members about to be released from active duty. Service members may participate in a SkillBridge opportunity no earlier than 180 days prior to release from active duty.

For Frequently Asked Questions please visit: DoW SkillBridge Program - Frequently Asked Questions Page

When applying, please upload the additional information for your *(SURF-Air Force), (ERB/ORB-Army), (ESR-Navy), (Marines-Career Planner), (CGBI-Coast Guard) and Annual Evaluation performance reports along with your Assignment Details (duty location, job title(s), duties and dates) under Attachments.