My success story
I officially ETS’d in June 2026 after a five-year contract (Army). I seamlessly transitioned into commercial electrical work as an unindentured apprentice under my local IBEW. I noticed that many Soldiers either face delays in their SkillBridge program due to procrastination, or simply treat the internship like a three-month unit vacation without a proper plan. SkillBridge is an amazing program if you play your cards right!
I initiated my process over a year before my discharge date. In May 2025, I sent an email to the local IBEW, and they forwarded it to a commercial contractor who hosts the program. I completed an intake form and interviewed with them in July. By September, I had my packet fully signed by my Battalion Commander, allowing me to work through January to April. I timed it just before my estimated days I was supposed to start out processing then terminal leave. Securing the O-5 signature early was critical, and I was mostly left alone after. I’m still grateful for my shop NCOIC and company cdr supporting it!
During those three months on SkillBridge, I logged real trade hours on commercial job sites, got my apartment (though I couldn’t get BAH, thanks Army. Used my savings for it) started terminal leave in May, began working for the contractor about a week after terminal started, and officially ETS'd in June 2026. The real key was parallel processing everything while the Army was still paying me. Toward the tail end of the internship and going into terminal leave, I formally applied to the trade program, took my aptitude test, and knocked out all my VA C&P exams.
Once your packet is signed, stick to your plan and tune out the noise! I had an ex gf in my ear telling me to stay in after my packet was already signed, family lecturing me about how I had to start from the absolute bottom and take crumbs, and bootlickers telling me I should’ve made a LinkedIn and gone contracting. That ground zero mindset is complete nonsense. Using SkillBridge strategically is what kept me from getting reset to zero. It got me working immediately as an unindentured hand on the IBEW’s books while waiting for my committee interview , instead of wasting time as a CW.
Because I set up the pipeline a full year early instead of waiting until terminal leave, I completely skipped minimum pay and positioning. I truly believe being allowed to participate in SkillBridge changed my life. I can not stress how excellent this program is for anyone looking for a seamless transition post ETS.