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Gain civilian work experience during your last 180 days of service—while keeping your military pay. The complete guide to eligibility, 2024 policy changes, top companies, and how to land your dream job.
9,200+ positions • 6,300+ companies • All branches eligible
Available positions
Partner companies
Maximum days
Job offer rate required
Key Benefit: Continue receiving full military pay, BAH, and benefits while gaining civilian work experience.
Major updates to protect service members and improve program outcomes
Companies must be established for at least 3 years to become SkillBridge partners.
Partners must demonstrate 75%+ of participants receive job offers. DoD goal is 85%.
Training must be at least 50% synchronous (live person-led). No fully asynchronous programs.
New partner applications only accepted Oct-Dec (Fall) and Feb-Apr (Spring).
DoD SkillBridge is a program that enables service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during their last 180 days of active duty service.
The program creates a bridge between military service and civilian employment. While you're still technically on active duty receiving your full pay and benefits, you work with a civilian employer gaining the experience and connections needed to land a job after separation.
“SkillBridge provides an invaluable opportunity to work and learn in the civilian sector. Service members can explore potential career paths while still serving.”
— Department of Defense
Who can participate in SkillBridge?
You must be within 180 days of your separation or retirement date.
Must have served at least 180 continuous days on active duty.
Requires approval from an O-4 or above in your chain of command.
Enlisted, warrant officers, and commissioned officers can all participate.
Must be separating with an honorable characterization of service.
Transition Assistance Program completion strongly recommended (service-dependent).
Benefits that make SkillBridge the best transition program available
Continue receiving full base pay, BAH, and all military benefits throughout your internship.
Gain hands-on civilian work experience before you even separate from the military.
Programs must now show 75%+ of participants receive job offers. Many companies use SkillBridge as their hiring pipeline.
Many programs include industry certifications and professional training at no cost to you.
Participate at locations beyond your duty station. You cover relocation costs.
Bridge the gap between military and civilian careers without unemployment.
Step-by-step guide to getting into the program
Confirm you're within 180 days of separation and have served 180+ continuous days on active duty. Talk to your career counselor.
Visit skillbridge.osd.mil to browse 9,000+ positions from 6,300+ partner companies. Filter by industry, location, and program type.
Tailor your resume for civilian employers. Translate military experience, remove jargon, and highlight transferable skills.
Apply directly to partner companies. Some have competitive selection processes. Apply to multiple programs.
Once accepted, work with your chain of command to get approval from an O-4 or above. Complete required TAP components.
Start your SkillBridge program while receiving military pay. Focus on learning, networking, and earning that job offer.
SkillBridge partners span every major industry
| Industry | Partners | Avg Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| 💻Information Technology | 1,500+ | $85,000 - $150,000 |
| 🏭Manufacturing | 800+ | $55,000 - $95,000 |
| 🏥Healthcare | 600+ | $50,000 - $120,000 |
| 🚚Logistics & Supply Chain | 500+ | $55,000 - $100,000 |
| 🔧Construction & Trades | 400+ | $50,000 - $90,000 |
| 📈Financial Services | 350+ | $65,000 - $130,000 |
| 🏛️Federal Government | 200+ | $55,000 - $120,000 |
| ✈️Aerospace & Defense | 300+ | $70,000 - $140,000 |
Understanding the difference between these transition programs
| Aspect | SkillBridge | CSP (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 180 days | Varies by service (30-180 days) |
| Pay | Full military pay + benefits | Full military pay + benefits |
| Location | Can relocate (self-funded) | Usually local to installation |
| Approval | O-4 or above required | Command-dependent |
| Program Type | Company internships | Training, apprenticeships, OJT |
| Job Guarantee | 75% outcome required | Varies by program |
Major employers actively recruiting through SkillBridge
| Company | Programs | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | AWS, Operations, Logistics | Nationwide + Remote |
| Microsoft | MSSA (Software & Cloud) | Multiple locations + Remote |
| IT Support, Cloud Engineering | Various US locations | |
| Salesforce | Vetforce Program | Remote-friendly |
| IBM | SkillsBuild, Cybersecurity | Nationwide |
| Company | Programs | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Lockheed Martin | Engineering, IT, Program Management | Nationwide |
| Boeing | Manufacturing, Engineering | WA, SC, AZ, MO |
| Raytheon | Engineering, Cybersecurity | Multiple states |
| Northrop Grumman | Technical roles | Nationwide |
| General Dynamics | IT, Engineering, Shipbuilding | Various |
| Company | Programs | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| CVS Health | Pharmacy Tech, Management | Nationwide |
| HCA Healthcare | Clinical, Administrative | 20+ states |
| UnitedHealth Group | IT, Operations, Clinical | Multiple + Remote |
| Kaiser Permanente | Various healthcare roles | CA, OR, WA, CO |
| Company | Programs | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| FedEx | Operations, Management | Nationwide |
| UPS | Driver, Operations, Management | Nationwide |
| Caterpillar | Technician, Engineering | IL, TX, various |
| John Deere | Manufacturing, Tech | Midwest primarily |
| Company | Programs | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| JPMorgan Chase | Technology, Operations | Major cities + Remote |
| USAA | IT, Claims, Member Services | TX, AZ, CO + Remote |
| Bank of America | Various business roles | Nationwide |
| Fidelity | Financial services, IT | Multiple locations |
6,300+ partner companies — Search the full list at skillbridge.osd.mil
Each service has unique policies and approval processes
When to start and what to do at each stage
Real talk about your internship experience
You'll work regular civilian hours (typically 40/week) at your host company. You're treated as an employee for practical purposes—attending meetings, completing projects, and learning the company culture. The key difference: you're still on military pay.
You remain on active duty and subject to UCMJ. You'll need to maintain grooming standards (company-dependent flexibility), stay in contact with your unit, and complete any remaining military requirements. Medical/dental appointments should be scheduled around work.
Think of SkillBridge as a 180-day job interview. Companies expect you to perform like a regular employee. Show initiative, ask questions, meet deadlines, and demonstrate why they should hire you. Slacking will hurt your job offer chances.
Many programs include formal training, certifications, and mentorship. Take advantage of everything offered. AWS certifications, PMP prep, technical training—these add value to your resume and increase your worth to the company.
Most companies aim to extend offers before your SkillBridge ends. Be proactive—express interest, ask about full-time opportunities, and understand the timeline. Some offers come early; others wait until the final weeks. Don't wait to be asked.
Not every SkillBridge leads to a job offer—and that's okay. You still gained experience, certifications, and civilian work history. If the company isn't a fit, you'll separate with valuable experience that makes you more competitive elsewhere.
Treat every day like you're interviewing for your future job—because you are. Companies invest in SkillBridge to find great hires, not free labor. Your performance directly impacts your job offer chances.
Stand out to SkillBridge partner companies
Replace acronyms and military terms with civilian equivalents. "PLT SGT" becomes "Team Leader supervising 40 personnel."
Use numbers: budgets managed, people supervised, equipment maintained, missions completed, cost savings achieved.
Highlight leadership, project management, problem-solving, communication, and technical skills that apply anywhere.
Customize your resume for each SkillBridge application. Match keywords from the job description.
List military training, security clearances, and certifications. Many translate directly to civilian credentials.
Demonstrate self-motivation and ability to work independently. Civilian employers value this highly.
SkillBridge is a Department of Defense program that allows service members to gain civilian work experience through internships, apprenticeships, and training during their last 180 days of active duty. You continue receiving your military pay and benefits while gaining valuable civilian career experience with a participating company.
To be eligible, you must be an active-duty service member within 180 days of your separation date, have served at least 180 continuous days on active duty, and receive command approval from an O-4 or above. All ranks are eligible: enlisted, warrant officers, and commissioned officers. National Guard and Reserve members may also participate under service-specific rules.
Major 2024 changes include: (1) Companies must be established for 3+ years to participate, (2) 75% employment outcome requirement with 85% goal, (3) Training must be 50%+ synchronous/live, (4) Structured application periods for new partners (Fall: Oct-Dec, Spring: Feb-Apr), and (5) Army implemented rank-based participation time limits. These changes aim to protect service members from exploitative programs.
SkillBridge participation can be up to 180 days maximum. However, actual duration depends on your command approval, mission requirements, and service-specific policies. The Army recently implemented rank-based time limits that may reduce available time for senior enlisted and officers. Your commander has final authority on approved duration.
Yes! You continue to receive your full military pay, BAH, healthcare, and all military benefits throughout your SkillBridge program. The host company is not required to pay you, though some may offer additional compensation or stipends. This makes SkillBridge essentially a paid internship funded by the DoD.
While not guaranteed, SkillBridge programs must now demonstrate a 75% or higher employment outcome rate (goal is 85%). Many companies specifically use SkillBridge as their veteran hiring pipeline. Your chances are excellent if you perform well, but nothing is contractually guaranteed.
Yes, many SkillBridge programs offer remote opportunities, especially in IT, cybersecurity, and professional services. Remote programs expanded significantly post-COVID. You can search for remote positions on the SkillBridge website. However, training must still be 50%+ synchronous (live instruction).
SkillBridge is a specific DoD program focused on company internships with employment outcome requirements. Career Skills Programs (CSP) is a broader category that includes SkillBridge, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and vocational programs. All SkillBridge programs are CSPs, but not all CSPs are SkillBridge.
Yes. Commanders can deny or limit SkillBridge participation based on mission requirements. You remain your unit's responsibility throughout participation. However, DoD policy encourages commanders to approve requests when mission allows. If denied, ask for specific reasons and whether a shorter duration might be approved.
TAP (Transition Assistance Program) completion is strongly recommended and may be required by your service or command. The DoD states "Services and/or commands may require that all mandatory components of TAP are complete" before SkillBridge participation. Check with your transition office for specific requirements.
The core SkillBridge program is for active-duty service members only. However, some SkillBridge partner companies independently offer opportunities to military spouses. You can search the SkillBridge website for partners that indicate spouse eligibility, or contact Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 for spouse-specific programs.
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