TRANSITIONVA program
DoD SkillBridge Program
Allows service members of all ranks in the last 180 days of service to train, intern, or apprentice with one of more than 3,000 public and private organizations at no cost to the employer, gaining civilian work experience while still receiving military pay and benefits.
Available to servicemembers within 180 days of separation with command approval
Step-by-step guide
What you get
Civilian job training, an internship, or an apprenticeship during your last 180 days of service.
What VA says SkillBridge looks for
- At least 180 continuous days on active dutyVA lists this as one of three conditions for Service members of all ranks.
- The program fits in your final 180 daysThe program has to be completed within your final 180 days of military service.
- Approval from your chain of commandYour chain of command has to approve it. Each military service may add its own rules, such as physical fitness standards, character of discharge, or finishing the Transition Assistance Program.
Source: VA Outreach and Transition Services: SkillBridge (opens in new tab)
Where do you want to train?
- With any approved organization
SkillBridge is a Defense Department program for transitioning Service members. VA says it offers employment training, internships, and apprenticeships at more than 3,000 public and private organizations.
Source: VA Outreach and Transition Services: SkillBridge (opens in new tab)
- With VA as the employer
VA has SkillBridge openings for civilian careers in its own offices and programs. VA says it currently offers them in claims processing and health care, and posts more over time.
- An open VA SkillBridge spotThe three conditions on the VA page, plus a VA opening in a field such as claims processing or health care.
Source: VA Outreach and Transition Services: SkillBridge (opens in new tab)
What to gather, and what it shows VA
| Document | What it shows | How VA gets it | Have it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Record of your active duty time Your service record showing your continuous days on active duty. | At least 180 continuous days on active duty | Your unit or personnel office holds it. | |
| Separation or retirement date The record that sets the date your service ends. | That the program fits inside your final 180 days | Your unit or personnel office issues it. | Yes |
| Chain of command approval Approval from your chain of command for the SkillBridge program. | That your command approved the program | Ask your chain of command. Your service sets how the request is made. | |
| TAP progress, if your service asks A record that you have started or finished the Transition Assistance Program. | A service rule some branches add | Your installation TAP office keeps it. |
SkillBridge approval comes from your chain of command. These records go to your command or the employer, not to BeneVets.
Steps, in order
- Count back from your last day
The program has to fit in your final 180 days of service, after at least 180 continuous days on active duty.
Source: VA Outreach and Transition Services: SkillBridge (opens in new tab)
- Check your service rules
Ask your service what else it requires, such as fitness standards, character of discharge, or finishing TAP.
Source: VA Outreach and Transition Services: SkillBridge (opens in new tab)
- Start TAP
TAP starts no later than one year before separation. A service may require finishing TAP before SkillBridge, so start it early. Your installation TAP manager can connect you with a VA Benefits Advisor.
Source: VA Outreach and Transition Services: frequently asked questions (opens in new tab); VA Outreach and Transition Services: SkillBridge (opens in new tab)
- Find a spot, including at VA
Find an organization offering SkillBridge. VA says it offers SkillBridge openings in claims processing and health care, and posts more over time.
Source: VA Outreach and Transition Services: SkillBridge (opens in new tab)
- Get chain of command approval
Ask your chain of command to approve the program before you commit to a start date.
Source: VA Outreach and Transition Services: SkillBridge (opens in new tab)
- Get free help with VA claims
SkillBridge is a Defense Department program, but the VA claims you may file before you leave can have free help. Free help: an accredited VSO can file this with you. Find one near you in the BeneVets VSO directory at Find an accredited VSO near you.
Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab)
Good to know
SkillBridge belongs to the Defense Department. VA takes part as one of the organizations offering spots.
Source: VA Outreach and Transition Services: SkillBridge (opens in new tab)
Each military service may have other requirements, both for active duty members and for members of the National Guard or Reserves. Check with your service before you plan around a start date.
Source: VA Outreach and Transition Services: SkillBridge (opens in new tab)
BeneVets is informational and is not an accredited representative. Free help: an accredited VSO can work through VA benefits with you at no cost. Find an accredited VSO near you
Sources checked October 8, 2026: VA Outreach and Transition Services: SkillBridge (opens in new tab), VA Outreach and Transition Services: frequently asked questions (opens in new tab), VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab)