What SkillBridge is
DoD SkillBridge lets eligible service members train, intern, or apprentice with an authorized civilian organization during their last months of service — typically up to 180 days — while continuing to receive military pay and benefits. Your command must approve your participation.
Step by step
- Start early: talk to your transition office about 9–12 months before separation.
- Find an authorized program on the official SkillBridge site, or on LanceNest, where only confirmed authorized organizations can post SkillBridge roles.
- Apply to the organization and get a written offer describing the training.
- Request command approval through your chain of command, following your branch’s process and timelines.
- Complete your Transition Assistance Program requirements and out-processing on schedule.
Make it count
- Choose a program with a real path to a job offer.
- Ask what certifications or skills you’ll finish with.
- Treat it like a long interview — most placements are decided by performance.
Official sources and next steps
General information, not legal, financial, or official military guidance. Rules change — always confirm with the official source or your transition office. LanceNest is not affiliated with the Department of Defense, the VA, or any military branch.
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