Military Benefits

DoDI 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 DOD 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. Check out this resources page.

No. SkillBridge eligibility is defined as a program for active-duty service members within 180 days of being discharged or released from active duty.

The interested service member must gain approval from his or her unit commander. Specifically, the service member must seek approval from the first commander in his or her chain of command in the pay grade of O-4 or above.

The DOD SkillBridge program is for active-duty service members and select groups of the National Guard and the Reserves within 180-days of their separation date. Through this program, the DOD will continue to provide the service members with their salary, allowances, and benefits while they are in training with authorized DOD SkillBridge partner organizations.

Some DOD SkillBridge partners may offer skills training and employment opportunities for military spouses and veterans as well as transitioning service members. The DOD encourages spouses and veterans to connect directly with the industry partner POC for more information regarding potential opportunities.

Military spouses can explore the SkillBridge locations page and search for the keyword "spouse" to see SkillBridge partners that have indicated a desire to assist military spouses. For additional career assistance, spouses can also contact the SECO Spouse Career Center by calling Military OneSource at 800-342-9647.

Veterans no longer on active duty can find additional assistance by going to the U.S. Department of Labor VETS program office. See the Post-Service Employment and Career Planning on the SkillBridge website.

Yes. However, each service may implement its own rules and guidelines regarding eligibility of active-duty Guard (including Title 32) and Reserve members. Guard and Reserve members should contact their local Education and/or Transition Office for more information.

It is strongly recommended that service members complete as much of their service\'s transition program as possible prior to starting a SkillBridge program to ensure that they are well informed of all 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. Check out some additional resources.

Yes. All ranks of military personnel are eligible. Command approval must be granted prior to participation for all service members. See service specific guidance for any restrictions.

Yes. The SkillBridge program recognizes that onboarding activities allow SkillBridge participants to learn about an organization and prepare them to be productive and successful in a civilian career.

Yes. The assigned unit/command retains responsibility of the service member while they participate in a SkillBridge program. In some instances, SkillBridge program managers may be able to assist units/commands in monitoring service members. However, program managers cannot replace or assume the administrative, ethical, or legal responsibilities of the service member's commander.

The decision to grant or adjust the time taken to participate in a SkillBridge program remains with the service member's chain of command, and ultimately with the unit commander authorized to approve participation in SkillBridge.

DOD SkillBridge programs provide eligible service members with job training and career development opportunities to acquire employment skills, knowledge, and/or abilities to assist service members with job opportunities in the civilian sector. DOD SkillBridge industry partners' training programs must offer a high probability of post-service employment with the industry partner or other employers in a field related to the opportunity. However, DOD SkillBridge participants are not entitled to a job with the specific industry partner as a result of completing the DOD SkillBridge program.

No. The DOD encourages service members to participate in the SkillBridge Program and other career skills opportunities; however, participation is optional.

No. Commanding officers maintain final approval of service member participation in a SkillBridge program. Approval authority rests with the first field grade commander who is authorized to impose non-judicial punishment under Article 15 of the UCMJ in the service member's chain of command. This authority may not be delegated.

The SkillBridge locations on this site lists and provides brief descriptions about currently approved SkillBridge opportunities; installation-level SkillBridge offices also have information about specific opportunities. Some industry partners list more information about SkillBridge opportunities on their website.

Service member participation in the SkillBridge program with civilian industry partners and employers is authorized, however, some restrictions and guidelines apply. Most commands have an associated "ethics" briefing that members must attend prior to participating in a SkillBridge program. See SkillBridge Program Participant Ethics Brief in Resources for more detailed ethics information on issues such as pay, allowances, and gifts. Service members with questions or concerns pertaining to ethics must promptly contact their command chain, legal office, or the installation SkillBridge point of contact.

Service members should contact their installation SkillBridge point of contact for details about service and command-specific guidance about the SkillBridge approval process. If unavailable, service members can also submit a question through this Contact Us link.

Yes. Service-specific SkillBridge instructions are available on this Resources page.

No. It is expected that service members will expend all leave prior to (or during) the SkillBridge program. Service members should also expend their house hunting/Permissive TDY prior to starting a SkillBridge program.