SkillBridge TTP Article #1: Research/Prep/Apply

Hello all! Tony Aponte here and welcome to the FIRST edition of the AllegiantVets "#SkillBridge TTP" publishing. These articles aim to help provide relevant Tactics, Techniques and Procedures to anyone impacted by the DoD SkillBridge program. This includes the #applicants , #commanders , current SkillBridge #partners , future SkillBridge partners, etc. We're always looking for #feedback , so don't be shy!

**Oh, the disclaimer requirement: This is not an official product or service of the DoD SkillBridge program, program office or any other official source. The article written below is strictly the opinion/knowledge of the staff at AllegiantVets and should always be weighed against official sources of information.

The Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge program allows active duty service members to participate in civilian job training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of their service. This can help service members transition to civilian life by gaining valuable skills and experience in their chosen field.

SkillBridge is an optional program that is formally authorized and has oversight from the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). Via Congressional allowance, OSD has formalized this program, allowing service members to utilize UP TO the last 180 days of their active duty service commitment to aid in their transition to the civilian sector. Remember, SkillBridge is a privilege, not a right. Approval authority for your application is left to your unit Commander as he/she is the only person who can realistically weigh the risk of unit mission continuation/success with unfilled unit billets.

A current common #misconception is that SkillBridge guarantees the participant a job. This is not the case at all. Whether you are interning for a company or going through an education type program, job security is solely YOUR responsibility. A SkillBridge partner may have resources and partnerships to help you out, however, it's on you to work your resume and prepare for job applications/interviews.

The guide below is not numbered because some of the steps can be rearranged according to what you may have already completed.

Research the program. Before applying to the DoD SkillBridge program, it is important to learn about the program's guidelines and requirements. You can find this information on the DoD SkillBridge website, or by contacting your local Transition Assistance Program (#TAP) office. Of note, there are 2 types of SkillBridges: (unpaid) Internships and Employee Skills Training (EST, or simply education based). Keep this in mind as you consider your transition and what you feel you need based on your skillset and learning abilities.

The DoD SkillBridge website (linked below) is always maturing. Make sure you surf around to all of the links and understand where specific information lives. There are resources available for you as the applicant, for Commands/Installations, prospective SkillBridge partners, command application processes, etc.

For #Army CSP (SkillBridge) command guidance, reference the following:

For #AirForce and #SpaceForce SkillBridge guidance, reference the following:

For #Navy guidance, reference the following link to NAVADMIN 160/22(check local guidance for updates to this document):

For #MarineCorps guidance, reference the following link to NAVMC 1700.2 (check local guidance for updates to this document):

Follow these next steps to help guide you through the remaining process:

• Identify potential training opportunities. Once you have a good understanding of the program, you can start looking for training opportunities that align with your interests and career goals. The DoD SkillBridge website has a searchable database of approved training providers and you can also reach out to local industry associations and companies.

If you're having issues with looking up specific organizations on the

SkillBridge site, check out this YT video outlining how to do that (like and

subscribe please!!):

• Inform your leadership. Keep your direct supervisor up to date on your wishes to utilize SkillBridge. The cost to your unit is an unfilled billet, as they will not be allowed to gain a new member because you are simply on a permissive TDY/TAD status during SkillBridge (even you out-process prior to starting). Keeping your leadership apprised will only help gain approval in the future as THEY can plan adjustments in personnel duties appropriately to support their ongoing mission requirements.
• Map out a basic timeline. As you conduct your research and gain an understanding on what SkillBridge duration you may get approved, start putting things down onto a generic timeline. This helps you and your leadership visualize any milestones you need to meet and impacts to the unit itself upon your departure. Below is linked a sample timeline that anyone can copy and modify to fit your needs.

• Talk to your Base Education office/SkillBridge rep. After doing a little bit of self-research, it's time to formally get the process rolling forward. For ALL branches, this starts with speaking to your local SkillBridge representative, typically attached to you base education office. They will be able to provide you with your local command requirements/process to continue to move forward.
• Transition Assistance Program. If you haven't yet completed TAP/TRS, then sign up to get that done. All branches require you to be TAP/TRS CAPSTONE completed since the intent of SkillBridge is to have you separate from active duty service. TAP/TRS is also a CONGRESSIONAL mandate.
• Submit your application. After you have identified a training opportunity that you would like to participate in, you will need to submit an application to the DoD SkillBridge program. The application process will vary depending on the provider, but generally you will need to submit a resume, cover letter, and other supporting documents.
• Obtain Command Approval. Your command must approve your participation in the Skillbridge program, therefore you need to seek your supervisor's support and sign off.
• Complete the training. Once your application is approved, you can begin your training. You will be able to continue to receive military pay and benefits during the training, and you will also be able to use your remaining leave days if needed.
• Evaluate the results. When your training is completed, take the time to evaluate the results, how this opportunity helped you and how it will help you move forward.

By following these steps, service members can take advantage of the DoD SkillBridge program to gain valuable skills and experience that can help them transition to civilian life. It is important to note that the program's regulations, requirements and approvals may change over time, so you should always check the DoD SkillBridge website for the most up-to-date information.

Please feel free to reach out to AllegiantVets anytime should you have any questions about the application process or our DoD SkillBridge program. You can also reach out directly to myself, Tony Aponte or Misty Wilder Barba anytime and we'd be happy to help connect the dots for you.

Tailwinds All!!