SkillBridge Explained: How It Works and How to Prepare Before Separation

The SkillBridge program is often described as “up to 180 days,” which sounds straightforward until you actually try to plan around it. In practice, SkillBridge can be extremely valuable, but only if you understand how it really fits into your separation timeline.

This guide explains what SkillBridge is, who it tends to work best for, how long it realistically lasts, and what you should prepare before applying.

This is especially useful if you are roughly 9 to 12 months from separation and trying to decide whether SkillBridge makes sense for your situation.

For a broader view of how SkillBridge fits alongside medical, VA, and administrative tasks, it helps to review the military to civilian transition timeline and the complete separation checklist.

What SkillBridge Actually Is

SkillBridge is a Department of Defense program that allows eligible service members to participate in approved civilian training, internships, or employment programs during the final portion of active duty service.

You remain on active duty during SkillBridge and continue to receive pay and benefits. Participation requires command approval and must align with separation requirements.

The “Up to 180 Days” Reality

One of the most common sources of confusion is the “up to 180 days” language used to describe SkillBridge.

SkillBridge must take place within your final 180 days of active duty service. That same window often also includes terminal leave, permissive TDY for house or job hunting if applicable, and required out processing.

Because of this, very few people actually spend a full 180 days participating in SkillBridge itself. In practice, the length of a SkillBridge experience is usually a balance between program participation, separation requirements, and how much terminal leave you plan to take.

This is why mapping everything onto a single timeline early is critical.

Who SkillBridge Is Best Suited For

SkillBridge tends to be most helpful if you are:

• Transitioning into a new career field
• Looking to gain civilian experience before separation
• Comfortable navigating uncertainty and approvals
• Prepared to coordinate with leadership early

If you already have a firm civilian job offer that does not benefit from an internship style transition, SkillBridge may be less impactful.

Where SkillBridge Fits in the Separation Timeline

• 9 to 12 months out: research, resume updates, initial conversations
• 6 months out: applications, command approval, coordination
• Final months: SkillBridge participation if approved

SkillBridge planning overlaps heavily with medical documentation, VA preparation, and administrative deadlines.

What to Prepare Before Applying

The Department of Defense maintains official SkillBridge resources for service members, including the program brochure, eligibility guidance, and branch specific policy links. These materials are available on the official SkillBridge Resources page.

The official list of approved SkillBridge partner companies and locations is maintained by the Department of Defense at skillbridge.osd.mil. Community driven sites like Rate My SkillBridge provide firsthand feedback from service members who have completed specific programs.

In addition, you should prepare:

• A civilian focused resume
• An updated LinkedIn profile
• Clear communication with your supervisor and leadership
• A backup plan if SkillBridge is not approved

Common SkillBridge Mistakes

• Waiting too long to start planning
• Assuming approval without command buy in
• Misunderstanding how SkillBridge interacts with terminal leave
• Pausing all other transition planning while waiting for approval

Final Thoughts

SkillBridge can be an excellent opportunity when it aligns with your goals and timeline. It is not required, and it is not a guaranteed job offer.

This guide focuses on understanding and preparing for SkillBridge as part of separation. Employer selection, application strategies, and acceptance outcomes deserve their own deeper guides.

About the author: Bruce Goren is an Air Force member retiring in February 2026. As part of his transition, he participated in the SkillBridge program through AllegiantVets and later completed on-the-job training through Service2Software, which helped inform the practical guidance shared here.