Project Patriot Pipeline

Defense Industrial Base (DIB) SkillBridge opportunities

A June 3, 2026 DoW policy — Project Patriot Pipeline — created a DIB-focused SkillBridge path for eligible servicemembers to train with employers supporting national defense work. Qualifying participation may use up to the full 180-day SkillBridge window, subject to service readiness standards and the servicemember’s commander authorizing participation.

Browse DIB opportunities

Policy reviewed September 1, 2026 · Career PCS explanation

How Project Patriot Pipeline changed DIB SkillBridge

Through Project Patriot Pipeline, the policy identifies Defense Industrial Base participation as a mission-priority use of DoW SkillBridge and describes an expanded opportunity for eligible servicemembers to use the full 180 days. It does not replace service readiness rules or commander approval.

Read the June 3, 2026 DoW policy notice

What it does not guarantee

A DIB mark is not a promise of eligibility, commander authorization, acceptance, employment, clearance, or a job offer. Employers and military services still make their own decisions under the applicable SkillBridge rules.

Seven Defense Industrial Base workforce areas

DIB opportunities can span technical, operational, and skilled-trade work across these broad workforce areas.

Aerospace & Aviation
Cybersecurity & IT
Engineering & Systems Development
Electronics & Microelectronics
Manufacturing & Skilled Trades
Shipbuilding & Maritime
Weapons, Munitions & Missile Defense

What “Marked DIB” means

Career PCS shows this label only when the DoW directory record we checked carried a confirmed DIB mark. Our marks cover the portion of the DoW directory we have confirmed, not the entire directory. An unmarked listing may still relate to defense work; we do not infer the answer when the directory value is unknown.

For the authoritative complete directory, use the DoW SkillBridge locations directory and select its mission filter for Defense Industrial Base results.

Career PCS last checked its mission snapshot on Oct 10, 2026.

How to find qualifying opportunities

1. Start with current listings. Use the Career PCS map’s DIB filter when it is available, and compare it with the complete DoW directory.
2. Confirm the program and timing. Ask the employer whether the opportunity is open, what work it includes, and whether its dates fit your transition window.
3. Use your service’s approval process. Your chain of command decides whether participation is authorized.