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.

Employment. Education. Entrepreneurship. Internships.

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.

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 Team

VeteranHiring@usda.gov
MilitarySpouses@usda.gov

Internships for Veterans and Military Members

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

What is the 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)

What is 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.

How USDA Supports the Military Community

Employment

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.

Education, Training and Career Development

Access agricultural training, technical guidance, mentorship, nonprofit partner programs, and professional development opportunities designed to support long-term career growth.

Apprenticeships and Internships

Gain valuable civilian work experience through apprenticeship and internship opportunities that help build skills and create pathways into agriculture and public service careers.

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.

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.