What Is SkillBridge? A Modern Guide for Employers and Transitioning Service Members
Discover how the DoD SkillBridge program connects employers with transitioning military talent at no cost. Learn how it works and why Milivate makes it easier.
By Justin Dal Colletto
When military service members approach the end of their active duty, the question becomes: what comes next? For thousands each year, the answer begins with SkillBridge, a Department of Defense (DoD) program designed to bridge the gap between military service and civilian careers.
This quick guide provides a clear breakdown of SkillBridge for both employers seeking to tap into a highly skilled talent pool and service members preparing to launch their next chapter.
What Is SkillBridge?
SkillBridge is a DoD initiative that allows active-duty service members to participate in full-time civilian internships or training during the last 180 days of their military service. During this time, the military continues to pay their salary and benefits while the service member gains hands-on experience with a private sector company.
For Employers: Why Use SkillBridge?
Most companies haven’t tapped into the power of SkillBridge, often because they don’t know it exists or assume it’s a bureaucratic mess. Here’s what employers should know:
- It’s zero-cost: You don’t cover salary or benefits; the Department of Defense does.
- It’s low-risk: No obligation to hire afterwards if a bad fit, however, a 75% offer rate overall must be maintained.
- It’s a high-reward opportunity: Participants bring maturity, leadership, and a mission-first focus.
- It’s a talent pipeline: An effective way to assess fit before extending a full-time offer.
Milivate simplifies the process by providing a tech-enabled platform and program guidance to help employers become SkillBridge-approved, match with candidates, and assist with program compliance and record-keeping on one software platform.
For Transitioning Service Members: Why Participate?
Whether you’re aiming to work in tech, logistics, finance, marketing, manufacturing, or a completely new field, SkillBridge is your bridge to a successful transition. It helps you gain real-world experience in a civilian industry, build your resume before separation, find your fit with potential long-term employers, and reduce transition stress with structured career support. With SkillBridge, you can make the leap from uniform to workforce with confidence.
- Gain real-world experience in a civilian industry
- Build your resume before separation
- Find your fit with potential long-term employers
- Reduce transition stress with structured career support
Milivate partners with SkillBridge approved companies across the country that recognize the value of military talent and are eager to invest in your success.
How Long Do SkillBridge Internships Last?
SkillBridge allows for up to 180 days (approximately six months), although actual participation may vary. On average, participants intern for 3–4 months, depending on factors like:
- Time remaining on active duty
- Program start date
- Command approval
- Use of terminal leave
How Milivate Makes It Easy
We aren’t a recruiting firm… We are something different! Unlike 3rd party SkillBridge facilitators that operate like traditional staffing firms: manual, slow, limited in scale, and high-placement fees, Milivate takes a different approach. We combine:
- Silicon Valley product experience
- Years of SkillBridge program expertise
- A scalable subscription model for companies (Free for service members!)
That means we can help more service members and employers connect more efficiently, with fewer obstacles. Our platform is designed to make SkillBridge more intelligent, more intuitive, and ready for the future.
Ready to Start?
Whether you’re looking to host your first SkillBridge intern or explore your civilian career path, Milivate is here to help. Let’s take the next step together and make your transition (or your next hire) a success.
Browse SkillBridge job opportunities now or claim your free company listing.
