The DoW SkillBridge program is an opportunity for military service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180-days of service. SkillBridge links service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences. For industry partners, SkillBridge is an opportunity to access and leverage the world’s most highly-trained and motivated workforce at no cost. SkillBridge can help military service members connect their end-of-service with the beginning of a civilian career.

If you have the desire to continue to serve your nation in unique ways after separation from the military but aren’t familiar with an agency work environment, and have the drive to receive a first-rate experience in civil service to advance your future career within the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) – then Yes. NGA is seeking highly-qualified individuals to help provide support for its multitude of missions and roles of which it’s charged.

From Imagery Analysts to Data Surveyors, IT & Cyber Engineers to Network Security Professionals, and many occupations in between will be considered. While applying for SkillBridge with NGA, you’ll have the opportunity to express your background experiences, education, training and certifications, and career knowledge to ensure a proper alignment onto a select team. 

Due to the nature of content a member can be exposed to, only individuals retaining an adjudicated Top Secret clearance will be accepted into the NGA SkillBridge program, along with a counter-intelligence (CI) polygraph exam prior to arriving or within 30-days of arrival to NGA facilities. If these criteria cannot be met/passed, the member will return to their previous duty station.

Supervisors and managers of accepted applicants will tailor training and enhance the member’s understanding of their field to which they’re assigned. Additionally, real-world, unclassified or classified mission experience and understanding of the inter-departmental functions of the Intelligence Community will be garnered.

A main benefit of NGA is having the world-leading National Geospatial College (NGC) on premises, equipped with providing all employees opportunities to advance their skillset and progress their careers, through in-residence or virtual classes.

Please visit the Skillbridge website  for additional guidance on whether you may or may not meet the eligibility requirements for the program.  

SkillBridge participation is intended for the remaining 180-days of a members’ contract of service. Other service-specific separation requirements are expected to be met prior to beginning a SkillBridge program. Commander’s approval for attendance is required. Members must expect to receive a “General” or “Honorable” discharge rating.  If applicable, medical evaluation boards should be completed or are expected to be completed by the member’s contract end-of-service.

If you are interested in applying to the SkillBridge Program, consult your military service education or transition assistance office for guidance pertaining to eligibility requirements and application submission. Interested members may also visit the DOW website  . Also, members should become familiar with the requirements outlined in DODI 1322.29 . 

Note: Members should become familiar with their specific service’s policies regarding Career Skills and Transition Programs as each branch of service has its own specific application process.

For question abouts the NGA SkillBridge program:

Email: SkillBridge@nga.mil
Phone: 571-557-1888

For additional SkillBridge assistance that isn’t readily identified here, please use the DOW Contact Us  webpage for support.

Below is a full list of current NGA “Hard to Fill” Work Roles:

Source Career Services: Geodetic Surveyor, Human Geography Linguist (Language TBD), Maritime Analyst, Bathymetrist

Acquisitions Career Services: Systems Engineer, IT Operations Analyst, IT Operations Engineer, Cybersecurity Service Provider, Cybersecurity Engineer, Cybersecurity Management Officer

Data and Visualization Career Services: Ops Research Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Data Steward, Analytic Methodologist, Data Engineer

Inspector General Career Services: IT Auditor, Forensic Data Analyst

Security and Facilities Career Services: Counterintelligence Officer, Counterintelligence Analyst, Facilities Engineer, Emergency Management Officer, 

Updated as of February 2026