SIXGEN Gives Back - DoD Skillbridge
BY ALBERTO RODRIGUEZ
The DoD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for separating service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships. SIXGEN is a proud Skillbridge provider. Given that many of our employees are veterans, SIXGEN aims to give back to our veteran communities by providing a flexible yet rewarding Skillbridge opportunity.
Any rank, enlisted or officer, may apply for SkillBridge. SkillBridge permits service members to use up to the last 180 days of Service to train and learn with SIXGEN (this does not include transition leave or “final out” days). During the program, service members continue to receive their military compensation and remain covered by their military benefits. It is normally considered a “Permission TDY” opportunity. Authorization for SkillBridge is always mission-dependent and your unit Commander must authorize participation prior to entering into any agreement with interested industry employment partners. The approving authority may vary depending on the branch of service and unit commander structure.
If you’d like to learn more about the program, see our FAQs below.
Who are we?
SIXGEN provides world-class teams of cyber operators and security engineers to defeat global threats and solve complex challenges. Our team members support our Nation’s intelligence community and warfighters, as well as government, commercial and high-net worth clients. We respond to emerging and ongoing threats by deploying industry-leading experts to assess, develop, and implement innovative techniques and technologies to overcome or outpace adversaries. We place highest importance on National mission, security, customer requirements, and the goals of our SIXGEN employees.
What can I expect to do as a Skillbridge participant?
Given the nature of our business model, candidates can expect to have exposure in Red Teaming, Penetration Testing, Computer Network Operations (CNO) Development, IT Operations, Project Management, and Software Engineering. Skillbridge participants should have familiarity with Cloud computing, Penetration Testing, C2 frameworks, programming, Windows, Linux, Networking and Network protocols. As a candidate, you will be working alongside expert Operators and Engineers. Participants will develop and refine their offensive and defensive security experience through mentorship, experience, and training.
Progress will be measured on a monthly basis by the participants ability to complete and work through progressively more complex tasks. SIXGEN highly encourages training by using both our in-house solutions and allowing our participants the time, mentorship, and freedom to obtain technical certificates.
How long are your Skillbridge cycles?
Since our training pipeline is packed with many different opportunities year round, we are able to offer a flexible Skillbridge timeline. Unlike other Skillbridge opportunities that have fixed start and end time, we have the ability to shape your timeline to best support your transitioning requirements. We require participants to have at least 90 days of Skillbridge time to ensure adequate training and mentorship takes place.
SIXGEN's Skillbridge timeline summary:
Lets tie everything together! Below is our usual timeline of events for all Skillbridge candidates.
3 months prior to Skillbridge eligibility - Initial Interview with SIXGEN. This interview will focus on technical ability, cultural complement, and timeline fit. At this stage, we want to ensure candidates have a foundational technical background and will embody our company values.
2 Months prior to starting Skillbridge - Check-in to ensure SIXGEN and the candidate are projecting approval from service member command.
Chain of Command Approval - Once the service member receives approval from the chain of command, that approval notice is provided to SIXGEN to include the approved Start and End dates. SIXGEN now begins onboarding procedures.
Day 1 of Skillbridge - Skillbridge service member receives equipment and begins a life outside of uniform.
Midway through Skillbridge - Skillbridge service members speak with SIXGEN recruiters to not only see active job postings by SIXGEN but also gain insightful tips and tricks on how to interview and be competitive on the job hunt.
At the end of Skillbridge - Skillbridge service members turn in or ship their equipment to SIXGEN HQ and the service member returns to their command. This could mean the beginning of clearing the installation, using leave, or starting their civilian career.
At SIXGEN, we host Skillbridge candidates to ensure they have the tools and support they need to land on their feet in the private sector. Whether there is an opportunity here at SIXGEN or somewhere else, our mission is to ensure our candidates are successful when they take off their uniform.
If you’re interested in a Skillbridge opportunity with us, please contact us at skillbridgeinfo@sixgen.io.
For additional resources, check out the official Skillbridge site or reach out to your chain of command/installation TAP managers.