Navigating the Transition: How WBI is Leveraging the SkillBridge Program to Bring Innovation to the Air Force
The transition from military to civilian life is a significant journey, often fraught with challenges and uncertainties. However, programs like the Department of Defense’s (DoD) SkillBridge initiative are helping Airmen make this transition smoother by providing them with valuable apprenticeships prior to their separation from the service. This program is not just a gateway to civilian employment; it’s a powerful tool for both the Air Force and industry partners to innovate and collaborate.
The SkillBridge program provides transitioning service members with real-world training and work experience in high-demand fields during the end of their service. SkillBridge helps service members secure meaningful employment while benefiting companies with skilled, dedicated personnel at no additional cost. The program has proven effective in bridging the gap between military and civilian careers, offering a structured pathway for veterans to continue contributing to innovation and national security.
The statistics for retried military showcase the need for programs like SkillBridge.
Challenges Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life - Veterans are Uniquely Positioned for Innovation
55% of veterans report difficulty in translating their military skills to civilian job qualifications. This challenge can delay employment or lead to underemployment.
About 43% of veterans leave their first civilian job within a year, often due to mismatched expectations, lack of fulfillment, or workplace culture shock.
Nearly 44% of veterans report feeling isolated after leaving the military. This can stem from losing the camaraderie of military life and struggling to find similar connections in civilian communities.
Veterans are 45% more likely to start their own businesses compared to their civilian counterparts.
Approximately 1 in 10 small businesses in the U.S. is veteran-owned, many of which contribute directly or indirectly to military innovation.
Veterans with technical backgrounds, particularly those who served in roles involving intelligence, engineering, and technology, often move into R&D positions within both governmental and private sector research institutions.
Veterans contribute to the tech startup ecosystem, particularly in sectors like artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity, all of which have significant military applications. Veteran-founded startups often leverage their founders’ military experience to address specific defense needs, thereby driving innovation in military capabilities.
As a registered SkillBridge partner, Wright Brothers Institute is capitalizing on the benefits of veteran innovators like Bon Strout and Josh Kibe.
Josh Kibe’s Pioneering Experience with SkillBridge
Recently retired Airman Josh Kibe was the first in his detached unit to explore and experience the SkillBridge program. Josh’s journey began well before his last 180 days of active duty. Proactively researching the program and participating companies, Josh took the initiative to write a compelling justification letter to his commander. He meticulously crafted a checklist of items required to participate, beyond the usual retirement documentation, and ensured that his SkillBridge end date aligned perfectly with his 20 years of service.
Josh’s foresight and planning paid off. He leveraged the program to transition into a WBI project manager role for the 88th Air Base Wing’s strategic planning efforts. His ability to manage complex projects was honed during his military career, and SkillBridge allowed him to apply these skills in a civilian context, building trust and delivering results.
Bon Strout’s “Different Kind of Fight”
Bon Strout, another retired Airman and SkillBridge alumnus, describes the return on investment for the Air Force through SkillBridge as a “different kind of fight.” For Bon, the program wasn’t just about finding a new job; it was about using his military knowledge and training to build new skills and acclimate to life outside the Air Force. Bon’s experience as a facilitator for the 88th Air Base Wing’s strategic planning workshops demonstrated the immediate value of his insider knowledge and Air Force experience. His ability to instantly connect with attendees led to more efficient workshops and better outcomes.
Now serving as the Innovation Project Manager at the Wright Brothers Institute’s (WBI) Proving Grounds Prototyping facility, Bon is passionate about bringing concepts to life that improve military capability. He knows that innovative ideas can significantly enhance the lives of Airmen globally, and his work is a testament to the long-standing relationships developed by WBI, between the Air Force and industry partners.
The Role of Wright Brothers Institute
Wright Brothers Institute has long been a connector between the Air Force and industry partners, playing a pivotal role in bridging gaps and fostering innovation. Both Josh and Bon became facilitators and project managers who could generate immediate trust with Air Force customers, thanks to their military backgrounds and successful on-boarding, made possible by SkillBridge.
For companies like WBI, the benefits of participating in SkillBridge are equally impressive. By implementing a specific training plan that align with his skills, WBI was able to leverage Josh’s support for three months at no additional cost, with Bon’s tenure extending a bit longer. The program’s maximum timeframe is six months, offering companies a unique opportunity to benefit from highly skilled veterans who are eager to apply their expertise in a new environment.
A Proactive Approach to Transition
Airmen interested in SkillBridge need to be proactive, as Josh’s experience shows. The program is heavily advertised throughout the Air Force, but it requires careful planning and initiative. Josh’s successful transition was facilitated by his early research and the steps he took to align his SkillBridge participation with his military service.
Bon and Josh both cite SkillBridge as a critical mechanism for onboarding to civilian life. Their WBI mentor, Matt Sunday, provided them with immediate reassurance and guidance, helping them understand the new demands of working in the civilian sector. The program allowed them time to assimilate to a new way of working and doing business, ultimately improving their quality of life during the transition.
Conclusion
The SkillBridge program is more than just a stepping stone for transitioning Airmen; it’s a vital link between military expertise and civilian innovation. For veterans like Josh Kibe and Bon Strout, it has provided an opportunity to not only continue contributing to military capabilities but also to bring their unique skills and perspectives to the civilian workforce. As more Airmen take advantage of this program, the collaboration between the Air Force and industry partners will continue to grow, driving innovation and strengthening the bonds between these two essential sectors.