CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Far East District (USACE FED) integrated the Department of War’s SkillBridge program in 2025 to provide transitioning service members with professional development and civilian career opportunities.
Since its integration, the district has hosted more than 20 active-duty participants providing them firsthand experience within USACE along with insight into both engineering and non-engineering career fields.
Recently, FED welcomed former intern and military officer, Joel Padilla, now a project manager in the Central Area Branch.
“The program gave me the opportunity to build professional relationships, apply my military management experience in a civilian environment, and ultimately helped me return to FED as a permanent team member,” Padilla said.
Working within the district reinforced Padilla’s experience in project and construction management, where collaboration across disciplines is essential.
“Working with multidisciplinary teams and subject matter experts across engineering, construction and contracting helped me better understand how to effectively communicate requirements, coordinate priorities, manage expectations and support successful project execution,” Padilla said.
Established in 2011 by the Department of War as a pilot program, SkillBridge has grown to include more than 50,000 participants across the U.S. Armed Forces. The program allows service members to gain civilian work experience through internships, apprenticeships and hands-on training during their final months of service.
“This program offers an unrivaled opportunity for service members exiting the military to work in a professional civilian environment. Serving at the Far East District is comparable to work at a large construction firm. You do not need to be an engineer to serve in the district – it takes a team,” said Lt. Col. Robert B. Howell, deputy commander, USACE FED.
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, an estimated 200,000 service members leave active duty each year. Many service members possess valuable skills and experience from military service but may find it difficult to translate those skills into civilian employment opportunities.
“Industries need problem solvers and teambuilders that are accountable for their actions. Our military is full of folks like this. Transitions are difficult, change inevitable, but employing our veterans is a safe bet,” Howell said.
At FED, the program connects participants with USACE and industry professionals, provides exposure to construction sites and operations, and offers insight into district processes and stakeholder coordination.
“The SkillBridge program helps service members gain civilian work experience and potentially earn credit, making them more competitive when job hunting,” said Stacey Young, Workforce Management Office Chief, USACE FED.
To participate, service members must have at least 180 days remaining before separation and coordinate through their chain of command and Transition Assistance Program office. Service members of all rankings are eligible, however, each branch has restrictions.
“Interns must truly want to be here. Serving in USACE is a tremendous honor and responsibility in any capacity,” Howell said.
For more than 65 years, USACE FED has delivered quality engineering and construction projects across the Indo-Pacific region. Integrating SkillBridge into recruitment efforts helps the district strengthen its workforce while providing transitioning service members with hands-on civilian experience.
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved in helping my family and me return to FED. The support and mentorship throughout the SkillBridge process made a significant impact on my transition, and I look forward to a long and fruitful future with the Far East District,” Padilla said.
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