I don't know who needs to hear this in the US Army chain of command, but "Any rank, enlisted or officer, may apply for SkillBridge. SkillBridge permits you to use up to the last 180 days of service to train and learn with an industry partner." (https://lnkd.in/e5c43869)
I understand that acceptance into the program is mission-dependent, but it is not limited to first-term personnel. If you are someone in the chain of command, and stating that your policy is that only initial enlistees or first-term officers can utilize the program, I would like to know where on the chain of command chart you outrank the Secretary of Defense or DOD policy. If you're a general officer making this your installation/division policy, you need to seriously pull your head out of your fourth point of contact. (I'm looking at you 4th Infantry Division, U.S. Army.)
If you are a brigade, battalion, or company-level commander, Command Sergeant Major, or First Sergeant, and you are not seriously having conversations with the individuals in your formation who are close to ETS or retirement about what their plans are, you are not leading effectively or taking care of these Soldiers.
Soldiers a year from retirement should not be going on 9-month, or more, rotations to Korea or Europe and coming home with only five to six months left before they leave the military. Units that deem these individuals as "mission essential" have not done effective mission planning or personnel forecasting. Serious conversations need to be had with U.S. Army Soldier For Life about how badly you are screwing over the Soldiers in your command when you do this.
Do better than this, #leaders. If you don't, I hope you only get three months to plan for your next career before you get out, and that you get an incurable case of sand fleas in an uncomfortable location.
#takecareofyourpeople #veteranshelpingveterans #militarytransition
It's fantastic to see companies like Trane recognizing the skills and dedication of military service members and providing opportunities for them to transition into civilian careers. Congratulations to the 200 graduates for their hard work and commitment, and kudos to Trane for their support of the HVAC community and veterans alike!