Recently 42 Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Oceana staff members took part in transition training through Oceana’s Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) to help prepare them for life after military service.
 
The training, in conjunction with the Sailor 360 program, focused on some of the often-overlooked transitional programs offered to service members, with an emphasis on the DOD SkillBridge program.  SkillBridge, according to its website, is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of military service prior to separation. SkillBridge connects service members with industry partners and real-world job experiences that are designed to facilitate service members' transition to civilian careers upon separation from their military service.
 
Service members are eligible to participate in SkillBridge if they have 180 days of service or fewer remaining before their separation date and at least 180 continuous days of active service.  The programs vary in their duration, so service members might have an opportunity to participate.
Kathy Taylor, an Oceana FFCS education service facilitator, is ready to help a transitioning service member.

”We can’t help you unless you allow us to…we are right up the street,” Taylor said.

Navy Veteran Jessica Dennison, an aviation electrician second class, recently used the SkillBridge program as she transitioned from her role as a production supervisor onboard the USS Eisenhower (CVN 69).  Dennison stated that SkillBridge is “one of the best things” the military is providing to service members.

Service members who use SkillBridge should understand that it is not a commitment to any specific career path.  Using any of the industry partners associated with the program should improve a service member’s resume, and help ease the task of transitioning back into the civilian sector.

If you are one of those service members who finds this hesitancy to be a contributing factor, the transition track might be more appealing first step.  The transition track is a two-day workshop associated with the Transition Assistance Program (TAP).  It included information for education, employment, entrepreneurship, and vocational options and is valued at more than $1,000.  You can take it separately from the three-day TAPS course and it is also available to non-transitioning service members and family members can attend on a space-available basis.