Airmen, guardians embrace Air Force Junior ROTC SkillBridge Program for internship opportunities

MAXWELL AIR FORCE

BASE, Ala. (AFNS) — The Department of Defense SkillBridge Program has established a significant partnership with Headquarters Air Force Junior ROTC, providing Air Force members with valuable internship opportunities at more than 800 AFJROTC high schools around the globe.

This collaboration offers a unique pathway for retiring service members to gain civilian work experience and successfully transition into post-military careers, including the opportunity to work as aerospace instructors in AFJROTC programs.

The DoD SkillBridge Program, launched in 2014, facilitates the transition of separating and retiring service members by enabling them to pursue internships with industry partners during their final days of military service. Recognizing the benefits of this program, AFJROTC has extended its support to airmen and guardians seeking to participate in this innovative initiative.

Through the AFJROTC SkillBridge program, retiring Department of the Air Force personnel can intern alongside experienced AFJROTC instructors who educate and train high school cadets in citizenship and life skills, promote community service, instill a sense of responsibility, and develop character, leadership, and self-discipline through education and instruction in air and space fundamentals and the services’ core values.

This collaboration creates an enriching environment that combines the experience of retiring service members with the enthusiasm and fresh perspectives of high school students. AFJROTC internships are generally 61-90 days, although this duration is flexible to meet the needs of the transitioning member and the host school.

Col. Johnny McGonigal, AFJROTC director, emphasized the significance of the SkillBridge program for retiring DAF personnel.

“By providing internships at AFJROTC units, we support airmen and guardians in their transition to meaningful civilian careers,” McGonigal said. “Their vast experience, leadership and expertise greatly benefit our cadets, while the internships provide retiring members with valuable firsthand experience of the duties and responsibilities

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