The enactment of HB 6900 would result in significant changes to how the SkillBridge program operates within the Department of Defense. Specifically, it mandates the Secretary concerned to annually circulate information about the SkillBridge program to active-duty military members, along with an engagement plan to inform potential employers about the program. This requirement for regular outreach and public awareness campaigns aims at creating a more informed ecosystem for both service members seeking civilian careers and employers looking to hire them.
Summary
House Bill 6900, known as the Continuing to Serve Act, aims to enhance the SkillBridge program, which facilitates the transition of military personnel to civilian employment. The bill specifically seeks to clarify the scope of the SkillBridge program by including both private and public employers, as well as non-profit organizations under the program's umbrella. A crucial aspect of the legislation is its emphasis on broadening the types of employers that can participate in hiring transitioning service members, which is intended to increase employment opportunities for these individuals as they leave the military.
Contention
Though the bill is largely supportive of enhancing employment opportunities for veterans, it could also ignite discussions around the fiduciary responsibilities of the Department of Defense in managing the program. Some stakeholders may express concerns over the effectiveness of public awareness campaigns and whether they will genuinely lead to increased hiring or if they will merely inflate employer participation metrics without ensuring tangible employment outcomes for service members transitioning to civilian life.