Veterans

USDA Supports America’s Heroes

Preparedness and defense are critical to America’s food and agriculture sectors and to sustaining and growing rural America. That’s why the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to supporting veterans, transitioning servicemembers, military spouses, and military families as they pursue meaningful careers in agriculture, conservation, rural development, and public service.

Whether returning home, transitioning to civilian life, or beginning a new career, USDA helps connect the military community with the tools, training, and opportunities needed to succeed.

USDA Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison

The USDA Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison (MVAL) leads national outreach efforts to support active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve personnel, veterans of all eras, military spouses, and military families in pursuing employment, education, entrepreneurship, and internship opportunities in agriculture with a particular emphasis on beginning farmer and rancher programs.

The MVAL advances veteran advocacy and coordinates specialized agricultural training, technical assistance, and resource navigation across USDA and the broader agricultural community. Through collaboration with other federal agencies, state and local governments, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, private-sector partners, and faith-based organizations, the MVAL connects veterans with career resources that build the foundational knowledge and experience in agriculture operations. These efforts empower military-connected individuals to continue serving America through meaningful careers that strengthen our food system, conserve natural resources, and support rural communities.

Contact USDA’s MVAL

Veterans@usda.gov

USDA Military Spouse and Veterans Employment Program

The Military Spouse and Veterans Employment Program (MVP) serves as USDA’s central resource for veterans, transitioning servicemembers, military spouses, and military families seeking careers in agriculture and public service.

The MVP connects military-connected individuals with employment opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, training, and career development resources across USDA and the broader agricultural community. Through partnerships with federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and private sector partners, the MVP helps individuals successfully transition into civilian careers and explore opportunities in agriculture, conservation, food systems, science, technology, and public service.

Contact USDA’s MVP

VeteranHiring@usda.gov
MilitarySpouses@usda.gov

Apply now to be included in the USDA MVP Candidate Database

How USDA Supports the Military Community

Employment. Education. Entrepreneurship. Internships. Apprenticeships.

USDA offers career pathways and resources designed to help military-connected individuals continue serving America through meaningful careers that strengthen our food system, conserve natural resources, and support rural communities.

Employment

USDA Wants to Hire America’s Heroes

Explore rewarding career opportunities across USDA mission areas and agencies, with support navigating the federal hiring process and identifying positions aligned with your skills and interests.

USDA prioritizes hiring veterans because we know that you bring a wide range of experiences and strong work ethic that USDA wants and needs across the Department.

USDA has a wide range of employment opportunities. Military experiences can directly translate to USDA jobs in areas such as:

Criminal Justice
Soil Conservation
Contracting and Procurement
Information Technology
Food Inspection and Public Health
Fire Fighting
Finance
Economics

USDA’s careers in agriculture are open to National Guard members and Reservists as well as active duty transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses. In fact, last year USDA hired 185 National Guard and Reserve members. The MVAL regularly shares USDA opportunities with the National Guard and Reserves through the Yellow Ribbon Program. See these examples of Army Reservists who have transitioned their military experience to civilian jobs at the USDA.

Are you ready for another challenge? Please contact the USDA's MVP at VeteranHiring@usda.gov or MilitarySpouses@usda.gov to see how your skills can be best applied. The USDA Point of Contact can tell you more about special hiring authorities for veterans and your family members, veterans’ preference, and how you can align your skills with USDA Mission Areas and Staff Offices.

In addition, you may check out job opportunities at USAJobs.

Hands-On Job Training for Veterans

On-the-job training is a great way to learn skills and see if a job at USDA or in agribusiness would be a good fit for you.

In collaboration with the Department of Labor, USDA has two national-level apprenticeships where you can earn wages while gaining experience.

Agricultural Commodity Graders is a 12-month training program through USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, starting at GS-5/7
Wildland Firefighters is a 3,000 hour on-the-job learning program through USDA’s Forest Service, available positions include GS-3, 4/5, and 5

Information about these apprenticeships and other Department of Labor apprenticeships can be found on the Department of Labor’s website.

Education

Colleges Want to Train America's Heroes

Ag experts are in high demand.

According to a recent Purdue University study, there are thousands of jobs in agriculture and agribusiness that remain unfilled because there aren’t enough graduates with expertise in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, or the environment. Job opportunities in these areas are expected to grow. Veterans can fill this need by considering a bachelor’s degree or higher in one of the following areas:

Plant Science
Food Science
Sustainable Biomaterials
Water Resources Science and Engineering
Precision Agriculture
Veterinary Medicine

You can also consider getting a certificate or gain education through working on a student farm. Many U.S. institutions and organizations offer certificates in sustainable agriculture. These can be earned faster than a college degree and can provide you with the deeper understanding needed to go out and start or grow an operation.

Student farms are another way to receive hands-on training and learn a variety of agriculture practices first-hand. Through these opportunities you can learn a variety of farming techniques and learn from others in the business. USDA’s National Agricultural Library lists a variety of available college programs, certificate programs, and student farms.

Gain Education through Experience

USDA works with a number of interagency and nonprofit partners to bring education and training opportunities to veterans.

Farm training and apprenticeships equip veterans with the right tools and skills to gain experience and qualifications needed to participate in USDA programs.

ATTRA is one organization that provides sustainable farming internships and apprenticeships. Their Armed to Farm program is for military veterans and provides trainings from conference presentations to two-day workshops to week-long training events.
Farmer Veteran Coalition is an organization that provides direct assistance to veterans in their beginning years of farming or ranching.

Extension programs are where USDA works with universities to provide non-formal education and learning activities directly to ag producers, small business owners, consumers and families throughout the country.

More than 100 Land-Grant Colleges and Universities provide a network of professional educators, trained volunteers, and local offices who can address your local priority needs, extend resources, and provide education of business operations and technologies.

Want to learn more? Contact us at veterans@usda.gov.

Entrepreneurship

The Agriculture Community and Rural America Rely on Veterans

Track I > From Farm to Fork – Veterans in Agriculture and Agribusiness
Track II > Opportunities for Veterans in Rural Business

From Farm to Fork – Veterans in Agriculture and Agribusiness

As a veteran, you may find it challenging to determine what to do after military service, and to figure out how your experience can transfer to other career fields. USDA wants you to know that your experience and skillset can immediately and directly transfer to the field of agriculture. New and Beginning Farmers are veterans who are part of the community of beginning farmers and are therefore eligible for programs to help start – and continue – a career in farming.

Access to Capital, Land and More – USDA can help veterans transition into farming, ranching, and other agricultural opportunities by connecting you with financial, educational and training resources, and business planning support. These resources include:

USDA’s Discovery Tool can help you identify which programs might be right for you.

Get Started! A Guide to USDA Resources for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers | Natural Resources Conservation Service

Opportunities for Veterans in Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

USDA supports veterans involved in urban agriculture and innovative production. Urban agriculture includes the cultivating, processing, and distributing of agricultural products in urban and suburban areas. Community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic facilities, and vertical production are all examples of urban agriculture. Tribal communities and small towns may also be included.

Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) – OUAIP coordinates with agencies and stakeholders to support and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices. The office directly manages:

USDA Resources

Urban Agriculture at a Glance provides an overview of USDA-wide assistance, including resources for veteran producers, community organizations, school groups, non-profits, organizations and collaborative partnerships that are focused on food system issues.

For information on how we can help urban producers start, expand and improve their operations, including conservation, disaster assistance, crop insurance, and safety-net programs, visit farmers.gov/urban.

Visit usda.gov/urban for additional information and sign up for updates on urban agriculture and innovative production.

USDA Highlights

Douglas County, Oregon and Source One Serenity, a non-profit group working to empower veterans, has a lot to celebrate. With their Composting and Food Waste Reduction vermicompost project, the organization is working to divert hundreds of tons of food waste utilizing their newly developed worm farm. Maintained by veterans, the social enterprise supports those living with post-traumatic stress disorder by providing both economic and therapeutic opportunities. Funding that is raised from the sale of the final product, worm castings, are used to sustain the healing outdoor experiences Source One Serenity regularly provides veterans. The castings make their way to local farmers and gardeners while the Veteran Affairs Medical Center, food bank, and other businesses can sustainably dispose uneaten food and byproducts. Creating job opportunities, assisting veterans, and regenerating the soil; this project is fostering a circular economy that works for people and the planet. To learn more about their story, visit “Worm Farm Aims to Recycle while Helping Veterans”.

Established in 1987, Alpha Omega Veterans Services (AOVS) has helped thousands of veterans rejoin society, engage in healthy independent living, and secure placement into permanent housing. In 2018 AOVS began an urban farm in Memphis, TN to provide rehabilitative job training to veterans while providing fresh produce to food insecure communities in the area. With Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production funding, AOVS is expanding their operation and local partnerships, replicating their growing model at a new, second farm site and partnering with Thistle & Bee Enterprises to strengthen and expand programming within both organizations by installing apiaries at each farm. By the end of their UAIP project, AOVS hopes to increase their urban farm’s production by 50% to better meet the needs of the communities served by the program.

Opportunities for Veterans in Rural Business

For those veterans who are from rural America and chose to return home after service, or for those who choose to move to a rural area, USDA wants to help you sustain and strengthen your communities.

Rural Business – USDA offers support to entrepreneurial veterans who want to strengthen and develop your rural communities through starting or growing a business. To do this, USDA wants to empower trained leaders like you who know and love your local communities. USDA’s Rural Development is here to help with more than 40 loan, grant, and technical assistance programs that you can use to get started. These programs include support to:

Purchase and develop land and facilities
Purchase equipment and supplies
Refinance for job expansion
Finance for energy efficiency improvements

Get help with your business plan by visiting your local Veterans Business Outreach Center.

Community Development – You may choose to continue to serve as a leader in your local rural community. USDA can help you in the revival and redevelopment of your community by buying, building or improving a community facility. This support is available through USDA’s Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program and can include direct loans, grants and loan guarantees, which support large projects such as hospitals, health clinics, schools, and fire houses, or other facilities that provide an essential service to the local community. These funds can be used to purchase, construct, and/or improve these types of facilities.

Want to learn more? Contact us at veterans@usda.gov.

Internships

Internships for Veterans, Transitioning Servicemembers, and Military Spouses

There are many internship programs available for servicemembers who are separating or retiring from the military. If you are interested in bringing on a veteran or service member for an internship, please contact our USDA Military Spouse and Veterans Employment Program Manager.

Department of War SkillBridge Program

The DOW SkillBridge program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. DOW SkillBridge connects transitioning service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.

For service members, DOW SkillBridge provides an invaluable chance to work and learn in civilian career areas. For industry partners, DOW SkillBridge is an opportunity to access and leverage the world's most highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost. Service members participating in DOW SkillBridge programs continue receiving their military compensation and benefits, while industry partners provide the civilian training and work experience.

Installation and unit commanders who have members about to transition from active duty, bridge the gap between their service members' end of service and the beginning of their civilian careers with the DOW SkillBridge participation. Commanders ease this military-to-civilian transition period for their members when they permit SkillBridge participation with trusted employers.

Service members can be granted up to 180 days of permissive duty to focus solely on training full-time with approved industry partners after their chain of command, field grade commander, provides written authorization and approval. These industry partners offer real-world training and in-demand work experience while having the opportunity to evaluate the service member's suitability for future employment.

Department of War Operation Warfighter (OWF) Internship

This Federal internship program is for Service members recovering from illness or injury. Eligible servicemembers can participate in the internship as long as needed, normally 3-9 months. MVP office can connect you with OWF applicants. There is no cost to USDA for this program. Servicemembers are brought on as “Volunteers."

Once a selection is made your agency human resources staff can begin the onboarding process. An OWF Placement Form will be provided for Agency to sign, along with service member, OWF representative and service member’s command. Candidates may be brought on for full time or part time employment at end of internship utilizing veterans hiring authority eligibility (normally the 30% or more disabled and/or Schedule A hiring authority).

Veterans Affairs Non-Paid Work Experience (NPWE)

NPWE provides eligible veterans with the opportunity to obtain training and practical job experience by working in a Federal, State, or Local government agency. Eligible veterans can participate in the internship as long as needed, normally 3+ months up to 2 years.

There is no cost to USDA for this program. Servicemembers are brought on as “Volunteers”.

Once a selection is made you agency human resources staff can begin the onboarding process. Candidates may be brought on for full time or part time employment at end of internship utilizing veterans hiring authority eligibility (normally the 30% or more disabled and/or Schedule A hiring authority).

Military Spouse Career Accelerator Program (MSCAP)

Military spouses have an opportunity to jumpstart their career with 12-week paid fellowships through the Career Accelerator. The initiative places eligible spouses with employers across industries throughout the country. It’s designed to lead to long-term employment through hands-on experience, professional mentorship and tailored career support.

The Career Accelerator offers:

Hands-on experience. Work alongside host employers full time, Monday-Friday, for 12 weeks.
Personalized career coaching. Every fellow is matched with a Spouse Education and Career Opportunities career coach who provides individualized development and a tailored career plan.

Who is eligible:

Career-ready spouses of members of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force, including active, reserve and National Guard components, are eligible to apply for the fellowship program. Applicants are placed based on education level, previous work experience and host employer needs.
This fellowship program is open to military spouses in the U.S. and abroad. Fellowship opportunities are subject to host employer participation and may be more limited in overseas locations.

Apprenticeships

Hands-On Job Apprenticeship Opportunities

Access agricultural training, technical guidance, mentorship, nonprofit partner programs, and professional development opportunities designed to support long-term career growth. Gain valuable civilian work experience through apprenticeship and internship opportunities that help build skills and create pathways into agriculture and public service careers.

Gain valuable skills and experience through USDA's on-the-job training programs:

Agricultural Commodity Graders: A 12-month training program through USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, starting at GS-5/7
Wildland Firefighters: A 3,000 hour on-the-job learning program through USDA’s Forest Service, available positions include GS-3, 4/5, and 5

Information on these programs and other apprenticeships can be found on the Department of Labor’s website.

Military Spouse Support

Receive tailored resources designed to address the unique challenges of military life, including career continuity during relocations, workplace flexibility, and employment support.

Community and Culture

Join a supportive USDA network that recognizes the service, leadership, and sacrifices of military-connected individuals and families.

Forest Service

Learn more about Forest Service Veteran and Military-Related hiring.

Resources

Veterans and Transitioning Servicemembers

Military Spouses and Families

USDA has been a proud partner of the DOW Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) since 2019!

Veteran Stories

See how veterans and military-connected individuals have taken advantage of USDA programs and resources to launch careers, grow businesses, and continue serving their communities.