Doing a 180.

Your military service is coming to an end and honestly, like Ricky Bobby, you are not at allsure what to do with your hands. Can they go in your pockets, now?

Is it possible to have a French tip manicure Monday through Friday? Can you dare to talkon a cell phone while you walk?

Well yes, yes you can.

But maybe you would like to get them dirty with opportunity. In that case, the Departmentof Defense has developed the DoD Skillbridge Program that may help you figure out whatyou want to do with your hands.

This initiative allows retiring and transitioning service members to spend their last 180days of active duty partnering with a civilian organization to gain insight, hone skills, andbuild their career network.

The program is meant to assist with career readiness while also allowing individuals to reacclimatizeto the civilian workforce. You may be wondering what that means and why is itimportant?

After all, you are an exemplary professional. You know when to show up, what to wear andhow to be prepared to complete any task in an efficient manner.

But do you know how to talk to Sally in accounting about her fluffy house goblin (a.k.a. hercat) named Geoffrey?

Can you make small talk about the weather as you pour your morning cup of coffee? Andbeyond that, can you accurately describe your skillset to a hiring manager in a way that isimpactful?

If you’re feeling less confident, don’t fret.

This is why organizations have stepped up and opted to be a part of this process because these skills are imperative, as you transition into a civilian workforce with people who appreciate your military service even though they can’t always understand it. There are 438 Authorized Skillbridge Organizations spanning a large variety of industries.

Pretty cool right? If you took your hand out of your pocket to raise your hand for thisopportunity, there are a few things to know.

First, you must have 180 days or less of active duty service to qualify to start the program.

Second, as with much of life in the military, your commander must approve your entranceinto the program.

Third, you will continue to receive military pay and benefits. Be aware participation in theprogram can end at any time if the mission dictates.

For a complete overview of the program, please visit, DoD Skillbridge.

DoD SkillBridge. (n.d.). Retrieved October 07, 2020, https://dodskillbridge.usalearning.gov/.

Andrea Rathbun

U S A R M Y

Andrea served in the US Army from 2003-2007 as a medic. She deployed as part of the 506th, under the 101st in 2005, returning in 2006. During this deployment, she was one of two female members of a security team. They conducted convey security, recovery, and QRF missions. Upon leaving the military she married her wonderful husband and have spent 13 years as a military spouse. Their household contains two wonderful daughters, three crazy dogs, and two fairly odd frogs.