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BlueWater is a veteran friendly company supporting information technology and mission support services throughout the DoD. We are proud to be an employer of choice for many veterans and a DoD SkillBridge partner.
BlueWater’s SkillBridge Program
The DOD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience with a BlueWater internship during the last 180 days of service. SkillBridge connects service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.
Service members can be granted up to 180 days of permissive
duty to focus solely on training full-time with approved industry
partners after unit commander (first O-4/Field Grade commander
in chain of command) provides written authorization and approval.
For additional information or to start the process please contact
Mr. Scott Penland, spenland@bwfed.com
The testimonials below illustrate inspiring stories of military veterans who successfully transitioned to civilian careers with BlueWater’s help. These testimonials highlight the valuable support and guidance we provide to veterans as they navigate the challenging job market. BlueWater is honored to play a part in these professional journeys and is dedicated to continuing our mission of supporting and empowering military veterans as they embark on their post-service careers.
SkillBridge Testimonials
BlueWater Federal Solutions provided me with a Skillbridge opportunity to help establish a connection between them, as an industry partner and myself as a transitioning service member. The Skillbridge representative was very helpful and attentive to my needs before and during my internship. This provided a 180-day timeline for me to show my worth to the company. I was mentored, led and guided throughout the process. Ultimately, I was offered and accepted full time employment. BlueWater Federal Solutions is an amazing company to work for who recognized the need to provide opportunities for growth and increased responsibility.
Donald Keff Brown
My internship experience with Blue Water Federal through the DoD SkillBridge Program can only be described as winning the lottery. The leadership and staff were professional and welcoming with a balanced approach to my transition from the military into the civilian marketplace. I was tremendously fortunate to work alongside the individual I would eventually replace upon his retirement. The positive attitude and atmosphere encouraged my full incorporation into a working, productive team. I wish every individual leaving the military was afforded the same opportunity I received. Thank you, Scott and BWF!
Taylor Davis
BlueWater Federal Solutions is a military friendly organization, that gave me the
opportunity to get my foot in the door which is the opportunity all transitioning service
members need. Mr. Penland was extremely attentive and flexible with my timeline which was
shorter than the initial requirement.
During my stint as an intern, Mr. Penland and Mr. Rieger did an exceptional job ensuring, I
understood the organization and the contracting process in addition to allowing for ample time
on ground in an area that matched my skillset. I am humbled to have the chance to continue to
work with BlueWater Federal Solutions.
Alicia Bryant
I can't thank BlueWater Federal Solutions enough for the incredible SkillBridge internship opportunity they provided me as a transitioning service member. With over 20 years of military service, I had some concerns about entering the civilian workforce, but with BlueWater's support and the attentive guidance from their SkillBridge representative, I had a seamless transition into the Recruiting department where I felt truly valued and mentored. BlueWater Federal Solutions truly stands out as a company that cares about their intern's success and recognizes the importance of fostering professional development.
Thomas Rich
The amazing team at BlueWater Federal Solutions has been nothing short of amazing. Since my first day with the program, BlueWater has strived in every way to help me transition after 21 years of service. They allowed me to use my current skillsets while at the same time, building a set of news ones within the Defense Industry. No question was ever too small, and they have gone above and beyond to answer any question I had related and unrelated to SkillBridge. Their flexibility and understanding for me to attend mandatory VA appointments is a testament to their understanding and pride of service and being part of a team. I was afraid to transition out of the military but now I feel as prepared as ever and know I have a team behind me.
Shaun Gingerella
General Questions
Interested service members can apply or ask questions about participation by contacting their installation SkillBridge point of contact; depending on the Service and installation, the SkillBridge POC may be in the transition assistance office, education office, or other installation support office.
Service members must be able to complete the program within their last 180 days of military service, and it is strongly recommended that service members complete as much of their Service's transition program as possible prior to starting a SkillBridge program to ensure that they are well informed of all of their post-Service options prior to entering this program. Approval authority rests with the first field grade commander authorized to impose non-judicial punishment under Article 15 of the UCMJ in the service member's chain of command. Such commanders may approve or disapprove participation by a service member based upon unit mission requirements.
The SkillBridge Program is intended to be a training program for service members about to be released from Active Duty. Service members may participate in a SkillBridge opportunity no earlier than 180 days prior to release from Active Duty, and all of their final out-processing, terminal leave, and permissive leave must also occur during that same 180-day period. Each Service can institute their own restrictions within that timeframe. Members should contact their installation's SkillBridge point of contact for more details.
The interested service member must gain approval from her/his unit Commander. Specifically, the service member must seek approval from the first commander in his or her chain of command in the pay grade of O-4 or above.
Yes. Members are authorized to participate at locations and installations other than where they are currently assigned; however, the member is responsible for his/her own travel to and from home installation, even if recalled by a unit commander for duty, as well as final out-processing requirements. Be aware that each Service may establish its own rules on this subject. Service members must contact their installation SkillBridge point of contact for details about Service specific requirements.
The Military Departments may make barracks or other similar lodging facilities available to service members participating in a SkillBridge opportunity without charge. Current guidance in DODI 1322.29 provides that the "Military Departments will not spend DOD appropriations for JTEST-AI (SkillBridge) programs". This provision does not prohibit Military Departments from making such lodging space available. Installation commanders may authorize otherwise unoccupied barracks, on a space available basis, without charge to any service members participating in SkillBridge opportunities while on permissive TDY outside of their geographic home area.
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