DoD SkillBridge Program

Informational Guide & Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the DoD SkillBridge Program?

The Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge program is an opportunity for active-duty service members to gain valuable civilian work experience during their last 180 days of military service. Through SkillBridge, service members can participate in internships, apprenticeships, and industry training with approved organizations — all while continuing to receive their full military pay and benefits. The program is designed to help service members build their resumes, develop civilian job skills, and make a smoother transition into the civilian workforce.

General SkillBridge Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the DoD SkillBridge program, a service member must meet the following general requirements:

• Be an active-duty service member within 180 days of their separation or retirement date.
• Have completed at least 180 continuous days of active-duty service.
• Obtain written approval from their unit commander (the first O-4/Field Grade commander in their chain of command authorized to impose non-judicial punishment under Article 15 of the UCMJ).
• Agree that participation may be terminated at any time if military mission requirements dictate.
• Be a U.S. citizen on active duty in the Armed Forces.
• It is strongly recommended (and may be required by your service branch) that all mandatory components of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) be completed prior to starting SkillBridge.

All ranks — enlisted, warrant officer, and commissioned officer — are eligible to apply. Approval is always mission-dependent, and individual service branches may have additional requirements. Service members of the National Guard and Reserves may also be eligible; check with your local Education or Transition Office for guidance.

Key Facts About SkillBridge

Program Duration	Up to 180 days (6 months), depending on commander approval and host organization
Military Pay & Benefits	Service members continue to receive their full military salary, allowances, and benefits throughout the program. The DoD covers all compensation.
Compensation from Host	Service members are NOT eligible for wages, compensation, or other benefits from the host organization. The program is funded entirely by the DoD.
GI Bill	Troopster does NOT require service members to use their GI Bill benefits to participate. Some other SkillBridge providers may require this — Troopster does not.
Duty Status	Participants are on Permissive TDY status, allowing them to train full-time with the host organization.
Employment After	SkillBridge participation does not guarantee employment. However, it provides valuable experience, networking, and portfolio materials to support your civilian career search.

SkillBridge with Troopster

Troopster is an approved DoD SkillBridge host organization dedicated to supporting deployed service members. As a SkillBridge participant with Troopster, you will be fully integrated into our team and treated as a member of our staff. Below is what you can expect from your SkillBridge experience with us.

Program Length

E-6 and Below	E-7 and Above
Up to 6 Months (180 Days)	Up to 3 Months (90 Days)

What to Expect

SkillBridge participants at Troopster will onboard and be held to the same standards and expectations as any Troopster employee or staff member. This includes:

• A dedicated Troopster email account and username for all organizational platforms.
• Access to all team communication and collaboration tools (Slack, Confluence, etc.).
• Required attendance at all scheduled team meetings and organizational events.
• Active involvement in day-to-day team operations and initiatives.
• Clearly defined roles and tasks aligned with your assigned position and training plan.
• Mentorship and guidance from Troopster leadership throughout your internship.
• Upon completion, full documentation of your participation, contributions, and professional development during your time with Troopster. This includes performance evaluations, project deliverables, and portfolio-ready materials to support your civilian career transition.

  Important: Expectations & Accountability

Troopster takes its role as a SkillBridge host organization seriously, and we expect the same level of commitment from our participants. SkillBridge participants are expected to meet all requirements outlined during onboarding, including attendance, task completion, professionalism, and adherence to the Troopster Privacy and Honor Policy. Failure to meet these requirements may result in the cancellation of your SkillBridge agreement with Troopster and notification to your command.

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Frequently Asked Questions

General SkillBridge Questions

Q: Who is eligible for SkillBridge?

Any active-duty service member of any rank who is within their last 180 days of military service, has completed at least 180 continuous days on active duty, and has received approval from their unit commander. Select members of the National Guard and Reserves may also be eligible.

Q: Will I still get paid during SkillBridge?

Yes. You will continue to receive your full military salary, allowances, and all military benefits throughout your SkillBridge participation. The DoD covers all of your compensation — you will not receive wages from the host organization.

Q: Do I need my commander’s approval?

Yes. Written authorization from the first O-4/Field Grade commander in your chain of command is required. Approval is always mission-dependent, and your commander may approve or deny participation based on unit mission requirements.

Q: Do I need to complete TAP before starting SkillBridge?

It is strongly recommended, and your service branch may require it. Completing TAP ensures you are fully informed about all post-service options before beginning the program.

Q: Can I be removed from SkillBridge?

Yes. Your military service can terminate your participation at any time if mission requirements dictate. Additionally, the host organization may end your participation if expectations and requirements are not met.

Q: Does SkillBridge guarantee me a job?

No. SkillBridge is a training and career development program. While it provides valuable experience and networking opportunities, completion of the program does not guarantee employment with the host organization or any other employer.

Q: Will I need to use my GI Bill?

Not with Troopster. Troopster does not require participants to use their GI Bill benefits. However, be aware that some other SkillBridge providers may require GI Bill usage to cover training costs.

SkillBridge with Troopster Questions

Q: How long is the SkillBridge program with Troopster?

The program is up to 6 months (180 days) for service members who are E-6 and below, and up to 3 months (90 days) for service members who are E-7 and above.

Q: What will I be doing at Troopster?

You will be assigned roles and tasks related to your position, which may include marketing, partnerships, operations, event coordination, or other organizational functions depending on your training plan. You’ll participate as a fully integrated member of the Troopster team.

Q: Will I be treated like an employee?

Yes. SkillBridge participants at Troopster onboard and operate under the same expectations as any Troopster employee or staff member. You will receive a Troopster email account and username, be expected to attend team meetings, and be actively involved in organizational operations.

Q: What happens if I don’t meet the requirements?

Troopster takes accountability seriously. Failure to meet the requirements outlined during onboarding — including attendance, task completion, professionalism, and adherence to the Privacy and Honor Policy — may result in the cancellation of your SkillBridge agreement with Troopster and notification to your command.

Q: Will I receive documentation of my participation?

Yes. Upon completion of the program, Troopster can provide full documentation of your participation, including performance evaluations, project deliverables, and portfolio-ready materials to support your civilian career transition.

Q: Is the program remote, in-person, or hybrid?

Troopster’s SkillBridge program operates on a hybrid model that combines remote collaboration, virtual meetings, and on-site participation where applicable.

Q: How do I apply for SkillBridge with Troopster?

Start by completing the Troopster SkillBridge Intake Form. From there, our team will guide you through the onboarding process and help coordinate with your command. We recommend beginning the process 9–12 months before your separation date to allow adequate time for command approval.

How to Get Started

If you’re interested in SkillBridge with Troopster, here’s how to begin:

1. Begin planning early — ideally 9–12 months before your separation date.
2. Speak with your chain of command and local Transition Assistance Office about SkillBridge eligibility and approval.
3. Complete the Troopster SkillBridge Intake Form with your personal information and required documents.
4. Our team will reach out to confirm receipt and begin coordinating your onboarding.
5. Approximately 30 days before your start date, we’ll follow up for your CO Approval Letter and additional required information.

Questions? Reach out to us anytime at troopster@troopster.com. We’re here to support you throughout the process and we look forward to potentially welcoming you to the Troopster team!

Troopster Donation Corps. | www.troopster.org

Approved DoD SkillBridge Host Organization