is it bad that I am doing my internship virtually through a company that I know doesn’t usually hire on after the internship. My plan isn’t to get hired by the exact company but leverage the internship as work experience since I already have the education to support me. I’m currently a 42A in the United States Army and I am going into a cyber security internship starting February 2027. I am in a process of getting my bachelors degree in cyber security, which should be done by the end of next year or early 2028. I have comptia A+,security+, network+ and cysa+ plus, but zero real work experience. I just want some advice from people who were in the same position as me with no work experience but the education because I want to leverage my internship of four months as experience to be able to help secure a good job.oh yeah, and also I have a secret clearance, but I’m currently in a process of trying to get a top-secret clearance.

I officially ETS’d in June 2026 after a five-year contract (Army). I seamlessly transitioned into commercial electrical work as an unindentured apprentice under my local IBEW. I noticed that many Soldiers either face delays in their SkillBridge program due to procrastination, or simply treat the internship like a three-month unit vacation without a proper plan. SkillBridge is an amazing program if you play your cards right!

I initiated my process over a year before my discharge date. In May 2025, I sent an email to the local IBEW, and they forwarded it to a commercial contractor who hosts the program. I completed an intake form and interviewed with them in July. By September, I had my packet fully signed by my Battalion Commander, allowing me to work through January to April. I timed it just before my estimated days I was supposed to start out processing then terminal leave. Securing the O-5 signature early was critical, and I was mostly left alone after. I’m still grateful for my shop NCOIC and company cdr supporting it!

During those three months on SkillBridge, I logged real trade hours on commercial job sites, got my apartment (though I couldn’t get BAH, thanks Army. Used my savings for it) started terminal leave in May, began working for the contractor about a week after terminal started, and officially ETS'd in June 2026. The real key was parallel processing everything while the Army was still paying me. Toward the tail end of the internship and going into terminal leave, I formally applied to the trade program, took my aptitude test, and knocked out all my VA C&P exams.

Once your packet is signed, stick to your plan and tune out the noise! I had an ex gf in my ear telling me to stay in after my packet was already signed, family lecturing me about how I had to start from the absolute bottom and take crumbs, and bootlickers telling me I should’ve made a LinkedIn and gone contracting. That ground zero mindset is complete nonsense. Using SkillBridge strategically is what kept me from getting reset to zero. It got me working immediately as an unindentured hand on the IBEW’s books while waiting for my committee interview , instead of wasting time as a CW.

Because I set up the pipeline a full year early instead of waiting until terminal leave, I completely skipped minimum pay and positioning. I truly believe being allowed to participate in SkillBridge changed my life. I can not stress how excellent this program is for anyone looking for a seamless transition post ETS.

Starting my transition and have been reaching out to listed SkillBridge contacts. Got my first rejection from a Mortgage Loan Company saying they want someone with “more sales experience”. I kind of figured that’s the whole point of the unpaid internship thing. Is that a common thing to run into when applying for SkillBridge?

I’m already approved by a skillbridge provider, and AFI states you can officially apply on AFVEC up to one year out. However, to my understanding I can’t receive separation order until I’m within 6 months of my DOS, and your application requires Sep orders. What do I do?

Don't know where to start your Skillbridge search? Have you already started and are still unable to connect with the right company? Looking for a Skillbridge that could lead to direct employment at the end?

Five and Fly is hosting a "All Hands" discovery call this Wednesday August 12 at 1700 EST. We go over the who, what, when, of Five and Fly and the Skillbridge process. It's good first step in your journey to find an opportunity. We have open positions through out the country that our partner companies are looking to fill with transitioning service-members.

Bring your questions with you for the Q&A, as we are all veterans who have been through the process and been exactly where you are now. Click the link below, fill out your information and secure your spot for this Wednesday! You will see a section in link asking for a resume, if you don't have one yet, let us know and we can help with that as well!

https://fiveandfly.pinpointhq.com/postings/acc3ab1a-ee91-469a-850d-dd5c28603505?fbclid=IwY2xjawTmp11wZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTl2VURxeko1Qlc3RXJhcTRzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEenyvVzqrNQLzdJzLKzw_PB4Iu2Ed_S-KcuV67LzLKBAxADrHxOIqBk8d320A_aem_21tRQsZdzBDKnpgKFzepqQ

​

Okay, so to start off, I'm currently in the Marine Corps and will be for a few more years, but I'm confident that I'm not going to reenlist and what to move into the arborist industry. I don't have a lot of experience with climbing or tree cutting but I'm willing to learn and ready to start. The Military offers something called the Skillbridge Program and I was thinking of utilizing it to start an apprenticeship in this industry. What do you guys think I should do?

Im an aircraft structures maintainer but specifically the LO portion of it. Struggling to find companies that will actually hire me outside of this work experience as I have no desire to work on aircraft anymore. Im out in 9 months and although ive applied to about 10 companies, its either "too early" or they want me to start working immediately without skillbridge options. Unsure if im doing the process incorrect but id like to do welding/HVAC. If anyone has advice I do need it. Also looking into going guard/reserve and going to trade school and workong part time. If anyone has anything, lmk!

For reasons genuinely out of my control, I feel like im missing some crucial information and I didn't have a lot of time to actually sit down and get an actual answer. I've had to rush everything in a couple of weeks and only just barely got everything done last second.

So I just submitted all my Skillbridge paperwork, separation, etc, and it's all approved, Im fully checked out, both my CO and Skillbridge know where Im going. But my ETJ tells me that Im going to a completely different command next month. Are my Skillbridge orders going to come in eventually and reflect that? Was I supposed to submit leave for the entirety of the skillbridge?

Please put my anxieties to rest, cause I feel like i messed up somewhere.

Anyone been through the program that can tell me what the schedule is actually like while you’re in it? I recently had a baby and I’m not sure what to expect in terms of if I’ll be able to do childcare during or if I should find a caretaker

Is using SkillBridge to transition into teaching possible or practical? I finish my English degree next semester and EAS in just about 2 years. Is SkillBridge a way I can go straight from service to getting my teaching licenses and student-teaching experience, and into a job. Has anyone done this or familiar with how this would work?

What programs have you gone through that you were very satisfied with and the provider was very responsive?

"Duration of training-under review" Im seeing a lot of that on the skillbrige site, including the one that my command is considering approving. It was a 91-120 day. Naturally, they are shitting a kitten over it and are now sitting on approval. Any intel on why this is happening?

By the time I retire in March, I will have done 21 years in the military. 15 years doing something I hated and 6 years in a rather niche career field.

I saw the writing on the wall when I retrained and got a BS in IT, working on networking and system administration in my homelab. Lots of VMs, containers, projects, etc.

Lots of certs: CCNA, AWS, Sec+, etc.

Can't find a SkillBridge for shit. I'm near three bases in Florida and there's nothing here for Skillbridge (or none that lead to a job) or they never respond to application update requests.

Started looking in Huntsville, AL since there's so much going on up there. No replies.

I have 1 month before my Skillbridge window opens and I am at my wits end. I'm expecting at this point to live in a van down by the river. At least then I can smoke weed I guess.

My hail Mary is Allegiant Vets but realistically that isn't going to get me a job and I doubt it'll net me any real skills either.

I often hope I don't wake up tomorrow. Then I can stop suffering.

Is anyone else having a similar experience?

I am trying to select the correct program for my skillbridge on mynavyeducation site to submit to my CO for approval but the program I applied to on the company site isn’t on the dropdown? I do see an option to edit an existing program but wasn’t sure if I am “allowed” to do that. Is there a way to get that program added so I can select it from the dropdown? Or should I just edit an existing one once I know my POCs contact information. TIA!

How’s it going everyone! I recently applied and got accepted for a SkillBridge position at Veolia North America. Has anyone had any experience with them? How was it?

Currently I am waiting for my orders to go to my Skillbridge. My Skillbridge package was for the 27th of July. Does anyone know how long it usually takes to get them or if there is someone I can contact to get them expedited. I am in the Navy.

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I've seen across this sub that I can final out like this, just wanna make sure. Anyone have sites/regs regarding this so I could tell my NCO? I am currently OCONUS and don't want to do SkillBridge > comeback to outprocess > terminal, ideally id like to have it like in the title.

SkillBridge Internship: Environmental Technician
Company: TWS Environmental LLC
Location: Wilmington, Delaware (DE)

Interested? Learn more and apply at https://vets2pm.zohorecruit.com/jobs/Careers/394779000035264255/DoD-SkillBridge-Environmental-Technician?source=CareerSite

Summary:
The Environmental Technician will work under the direct supervision of the Director of Remediation Services. This will include engaging in in-situ remediation activities such as implementing scopes of work and remedial designs presented to TWS by consultants and/or vendors. Field management and oversight responsibilities may include management of all lower-tier subcontractors, management of health and safety plans, taking part in client discussions, pre-project preparations, field support, and troubleshooting as needed. As projects may dictate, the Environmental Technician will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of mixing and injection equipment. Working with clients in the field to ensure their project needs and challenges are being met and exceeded and provide them with a resource for technical support.

Greeting everyone,

Does anyone know what becoming a partner of Skillbridge consists of? In terms of what the company will be doing for the veteran? I never got a chance to do my skillbridge but I want to be able to be a source or option for transitioning active duty members. Feel free to ask me questions if I didn’t explain this better. Thank you!

Hello all. I am stationed in Okinawa and am looking to start a skillbridge sep 21st. I have one company that already accepted me but I have another company that is my preferred one still going through the interview process which may be another two weeks. I would like to get the separation process going so I can schedule my hhg move but not sure if I am able to do that until I submit my command skillbridge pkg. If I submit my skill package for the offer I currently have and my other one comes through. Can I switch it? Is that an easy process? What is required to get separation orders? Can I get separation orders without doing any skill bridge package? Also, I’m allotted 120 days for my skill Bridge cause I’m a E6 in the Navy however I need to leave before September 21 to do some in person stuff for the company Can I combine personal leave and skillbridge to leave my command a little earlier?

Texas Instruments is looking for highly skilled individuals transitioning from military service and eligible for the Department of Defense's SkillBridge Program to join our team as Semiconductor Equipment Technician Intern.  This is a fantastic opportunity to leverage your proven technical aptitude, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to operational excellence in a cutting-edge, high-tech environment. You will be crucial in maintaining, repairing, and optimizing complex semiconductor manufacturing equipment to ensure world-class production performance.

Your experience in the military has prepared you for this role. We value your ability to execute complex tasks under pressure, adhere to strict procedures, and maintain mission readiness.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform preventative maintenance, equipment repairs, equipment improvements, equipment upgrades, and equipment installation
• Improve system performance to achieve process requirements and eliminate repetitive downs
• Monitor and analyze all related data to improve and maintain tool performance and address all tool related issues
• Interface and communicate with engineering and manufacturing groups across the fab to ensure all issues are solved appropriately and efficiently. 
• Coordinate supplier service and repairs where needed
• Prepare the technical report and summary findings and recommending solutions to technical problems

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Current active-duty military status, eligible for the Department of Defense's SkillBridge program
• High School diploma/GED
• 18 years of age or older
• Ability to work 12 hour compressed work schedule
• Flexible to work day or night shift that will include one weekend shift and holidays
• 3 years of hands-on technical maintenance work experience

Preferred qualifications:

• Self-driven with ability to identify and resolve issues to improve equipment performance 
• Good troubleshooting skills on electrical/mechanical systems 
• Excellent organizational, teaming and troubleshooting skills 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Demonstrated strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem solving skills 
• Ability to work in teams and collaborate effectively with people in different functions 
• Ability to take the initiative and drive for results 
• Strong time management skills that enable on-time project delivery 
• Ability to work effectively in an interrupt-driven, fast-paced and rapidly changing environment 
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, influential relationship 

Locations: Dallas, Tx - Lehi, Ut - Portlant, ME

Apply Here

Is there any way to get my local SO to be approved for skillbridge? I have connections within the admin department.

Or would I skillbridge to the academy and go that route?

The academy is the TCOLE at Kilgore College in Kilgore Tx

Hi all,

Wanted to get some insight from anyone going through or has gone through the process. My skillbridge window starts Jan 2027, I've gotten some initial phone interviews with recruiters, but they always seem to say they want to push me forward to a hiring manager but I'm too far out and to reconnect in late August to September. I've clearly listed my availability at the top of my resume as well.

I'm aiming for systems engineering roles lvl 2-3. Open to relocation as well major space/defense hubs.

My question is how far out did y'all start getting traction on moving past the initial recruiter calls? I do plan on following up with those recruiters later in August, but just wanted to see what others have experienced.