THE DOD SKILLBRIDGE PROGRAM: EMPOWERING SERVICE MEMBERS TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR CIVILIAN LIFE BEFORE IT STARTS

When the time comes, the military looks to make active-duty life and civilian life easier for its service members. Because of all the hard work, dedication, and courage these men and women display daily, they are only fitting to receive exclusive benefits to help them succeed. One of the ways the military attempts to do this is through the Department of Defense's (DOD) Skillbridge Program. The DOD designed the program to allow active-duty service members to obtain real-world work experience during their final 180 days. Let us explore the Skillbridge Program and what it entails for military members.

What is the DOD Skillbridge Program?

The DOD Skillbridge Program was first implemented in 2011. It is an extensive program designed to allow active-duty service members on the brink of finishing their military stint various opportunities to explore possible civilian career interests. In addition to the valuable experience they receive, they can network and build connections.

The program bridges the gap between service members and the private and public sectors, providing relevant internship experience, a chance to enhance their resumes, and ultimately allowing them to get ahead in transitioning into civilian life. The program also allows service members to dictate their futures in terms of the career paths they are interested in. They aren't forced into learning about a profession that they wouldn't want to do upon completion of their service.

Lastly, those who enroll in the Skillbridge Program are still deemed active-duty service members. Because of this, they are still paid and receive all of their military service benefits. This is crucial, as switching careers is usually associated with financial challenges. Setting the program up this way allows members to focus on their upcoming transition out of the military.

What is the Significance of the DOD Skillbridge Program?

The DOD Skillbridge Program is essential for many reasons. The first is that it directs attention to and looks to improve service members' transition from military life to civilian life. By receiving real-world experience relevant to their interests and civilian careers, they will be better equipped to land a job and navigate civilian life more easily.

In addition, many active-duty members struggle to find a meaningful profession upon leaving the military. The Army Skillbridge Program partners them with employers who appreciate and can utilize the unique skillset and experience service members bring.

Another outlook on the significance of the Skillbridge Program is that it is of great value to employers because they are given access to top talent in the military. These service members are disciplined, reliable, hard-working, and highly trained. Above all else, they are motivated to step into the next part of their lives. Each respective party benefits from the program, as service members receive employment opportunities they may not have received otherwise, while employers have access to the cream of the crop in the military to fill vacant or necessary roles.

Lastly, this program gives service members hope. Specifically, they won't be stranded after serving their country. Because of how challenging post-military life can be, this program allows service members to live their second life in a sense, having access to jobs and employers of interest. The Skillbridge program is the ultimate commitment to the well-being of those who serve, even after military life.

Recent Changes to the Skillbridge Program

The Dod has made various changes to the Skillbridge Program to improve its efficiency, effectiveness, and accessibility. One of the primary changes is the addition of partnerships and affiliations it has. The DOD has goals of having more diverse employers to expand the range of opportunities at their disposal, allowing for a broader range of potential career paths. Also, they have tried to streamline the process of applying for and participating in Skillbridge Programs. Lastly, there has been an influx of remote and hybrid opportunities to offer flexibility to service members who wish to participate.

Conclusion

The DOD Skillbridge Program is a fantastic initiative from which all military members can benefit. Conversations have always concerned service members' readiness to transition to civilian life. Specifically, it addresses the concern for service members to land meaningful civilian jobs. Having been around for 13 years, it has become an integral part of the military that is extremely useful for service members and employers connected to the Skillbridge Programs. Offering the benefits that it does, Skillbridge should grow and expand to provide service members with the best life possible after serving.

Sources:

• DOD Skillbridge Program, Accessed 2024.

https://skillbridge.osd.mil/program-overview.htm.