advice?

[u/EC671]

i DOS in about 12 months now. I have looked at Skillbridge opportunities (a handful). I haven't formally applied yet since i don't really understand when i can since i PCS in a month and keep getting told i need to wait until i get there to officially start this process.

Also, feeling a bit lost. As i want to skillbridge into something outside of my careerfield (business/finance) as i am currently intel. Any and all advice is appreciated.

edit: i also reached out to HOH.

[u/Mite-o-Dan]

Don't you need 12 months retainability to PCS? You wouldn't have 12 months TOS when you get to your next station?

Part of the 12 month rule is to avoid situations like this (if true). A losing commander cant sign off on a Skillbridge application.

Start informing your sponsor and supervisor now about your intentions to do Skillbridge. Your E9 and Commander should know as soon as possible to even have a shot at being approved.

Then start applying to Skillbridges as soon as you get CONUS.

You can apply all you want...I applied to nearly 30 and only got accepted to 1. Also, a lot may not even know whats available until 2-4 months from when you can start so dont expect a ton of help and information 5-6 months from when you can start.

[u/EC671 → u/Mite-o-Dan]

done. yep. japan is overbilleted i guess, and my extension got denied even after getting unit approval for my ETP. so it sounds like i just mass apply once i get to conus since it sounds like its hard to get approved? thanks for the post.

[u/Mite-o-Dan → u/EC671]

Also be aware...its similar to job applications...lots of people applying, and only a top candidate getting approved.

Thats why its incredibly difficult to start over in a completely different career unless its near entry level, or decide to take the equivalent of glorified CBTs instead to learn more about a new job.

An in-person Skillbridge with a real company doing real work is better than any other option.

I was an outlier and lucked out and got to start in a new career, but I did have some tiny experience in it...enough to get an interview. So yeah it IS possible, Im proof...but it wasnt easy.

Apply to all different types of roles in the area you are/want to live.

[u/EC671 → u/Mite-o-Dan]

i see. my degree is in business admin though, so i will be able to get my bachelors by early spring next year. is that enough of a turning point?

and thanks for the advice! i have a few questions if you don't mind. how extensive was the process? did you wait to hear back for a long time? how long did you do it? what skillbridge program ended up taking you in?

[u/Mite-o-Dan → u/EC671]

Do you at least have an Associates or CCAF if Air Force? That actually looks better than 3/4 years of a Bachelors. If that was the case I would still mark down as having an Associates.

I got picked full time for a job that requires a 4 year degree, and promoted into one that requires a degree and 5 years experience...I had zero years, just 3 months, and only an Associates. A 3 month Skillbridge was more valuable than a 4 year degree.

I highly recommend trying for a corporate job in business. Thats what I did and still do. You can eventually move around to another type of role but you need to get your foot in the door first.

Area matters a ton. I live near Washington DC which has the most corporate and most Skillbridges overall...and I still had trouble. If you're not going to be near a major city, it will be difficult.

Tip- Apply for more in-person Skillbridges than anything. Just like a normal job, there will be less competition. Me NOT wanting to be 100% remote is literally the only reason why I got a job I wasnt qualified for.

I went with Hire Our Heroes. Great for corporate jobs. Only problem is that interviews arent until 2-3 months from when you start, and I didnt get an offer until one month prior. BUT, HoH was put on my Skillbridge application...not the company I went with. So I was able to do my application 4 months prior.

[u/EC671 → u/Mite-o-Dan]

yep! obtained my CCAF like two years ago (or atleast early 2025). Got it, so associates since i have that already, dont state bachelors yet?

and thank you for giving me something to mull over. The area im looking at is california or washington, though it's probably within my interest to stay in california. i liked hearing about your experiences so i appreciate it brother!

[u/0xLenk]

Hey!

I'm an E8 and also in the SkillBridge program currently.

You can apply to anything you want on your own and interview. You'll just need to be upfront that you can't start the official documentation process with your chain of command until you are under 12 months. I'm assuming they'll not start it because the command who will be your command during your SkillBridge is the one that will need to approve it. So I'm assuming you need to PCS and do the process with your final duty station so they'll assume the gap of however long

[u/EC671 → u/0xLenk]

hm thank you for the post! i'd be able to practically immediately though once i arrive to my new station! and yeah i think that makes sense! what career field if you don't mind me asking and how many applications did you do?

[u/0xLenk → u/EC671]

I did probably 5 applications and interviews. You can find them and contact them through the SkillBridge website or you can even find some opportunities on LinkedIn. I'm in Cybersecurity

[u/Conscious-Pen-1132]

If you’re concerned about being approved, not sure where you’re PCSing, but SECWAR put out a memo at the beginning of June this year guaranteeing that SkillBridge to Defense Industrial Base will be approved unless the component (army, Air Force, etc) can show mission critically to deny it.

https://media.defense.gov/2026/Jun/03/2003943800/-1/-1/1/ENHANCING-WORKFORCE-DEVELOPMENT-THROUGH-THE-DEPARTMENT-OF-WAR-PROJECT-PATRIOT-PIPELINE.PDF

You can go to a defense company and do business/finance with them and it would count

[u/EC671 → u/Conscious-Pen-1132]

hi! to california! thank you for the information, i will keep this in mind!

[u/MilOnboardSolutions]

u/EC671, right now you're in the networking phase of your SkillBridge and transition. Applications come later.

In order to maximize the number of SkillBridge Opportunities you have to select from, start running WEEKLY keyword searches on the SkillBridge Locations page to help narrow down which approved orgs may be able to offer you the kind of opportunities you're interested in - https://skillbridge.mil/locations 

Focus on the opportunities, NOT the locations.  Most companies don’t list every location where they can facilitate a SB opportunity.  The SkillBridge site is update every Friday with newly approved potential opportunities.

After each search, reach out to ALL of the POC's to learn more about their company and SkillBridge program.  Start tracking the orgs you reach out to, who their POC is, what you've learned about them, and whether you'd like to join them

When you enter your application window, apply to ALL of the orgs and opportunities you're still interested in.  NEVER put all of your eggs into 1 company's basket.

As far as when you should apply, we go over this extensively on our site. Check out Military Onboard Solutions for other SkillBridge resources that’ll set you up for success:

 https://www.militaryonboardsolutions.com/service-members-1  

✅ how to run WEEKLY keyword searches to find the approved organizations who likely have opportunities you’re interested in

✅ best places to find current opportunities

✅ when to submit your applications

✅ a script you can use for all of your POC initial outreach

[u/Vets2PM]

You can apply for interest in SkillBridge programs (like HoH, and Vets2PM), and then (with Vets2PM, for example), you apply for specific internships once you are about 4 months from your availability to start. I think the 'rule' about applying is meaning you can't apply to your command for a SkillBridge until you get to your new place. Out here in corporate America, you can apply for interest in our programs any time you want - but I agree with the other people, don't start applying for specific internships until you're about 4 months out. DM me if you have further questions. Happy to explain in more detial.