Empowering Veterans Through SkillBridge
Morgan 6’s (M6) legacy is rooted in the spirit of innovation and the valor of military service. Our team’s dedication to excellence is not just about advancing technology and services for our customers but also about bringing the skills and values Veterans have to civilian life. Our participation in the DoD SkillBridge program, which offers transitioning service members the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the civilian workforce, is one way we help to bridge the gap between military service and private sector careers.
Because M6 was founded by a former U.S. Army Special Forces Officer, we know that by hiring Veterans, we’re not just hiring employees; we’re embracing leaders who bring discipline, teamwork, and unparalleled dedication to our team and to our customers. Veterans are uniquely equipped with leadership skills, adaptability, and a mission-focused approach, qualities that are indispensable in government contracting. At M6, Veterans like Paul Thompson and Mike Arnone, who joined us through the SkillBridge program, have leveraged their military expertise to enhance our dynamic capabilities.
Paul and Mike’s journeys from the military to M6 highlight the transformative power of the SkillBridge program and are a testimony to the seamless integration of military skills into our workforce. Their transition stories showcase how military skills can be translated into successful civilian careers.
To further understand the impact, we talked with Paul and Mike about their experience:
How did you learn about SkillBridge?
Paul: I learned about SkillsBridge and the Career Skills Program when I was working on my transition from the Army; however, I wish I had learned about it much earlier in the process so I could plan my timeline more accurately. It’s a program service members and their leadership need to be familiar with to truly serve their troops.
Mike: I learned about SkillBridge through a coworker as I was winding down my time in the Army. It’s mentioned briefly during pre-separation briefings, but the best way to learn about SkillBridge is by checking out the SkillBridge website or better yet, by talking to someone who’s been through the program.
Why should someone else consider SkillBridge?
Paul: The SkillsBridge and CSP program provides a leg up for service members in their transition process by allowing them to intern with a company. By gaining this experience before applying for a job, they get that extra line in their resume that says they’ve done something in the civilian sector and can thrive outside of the military. With a high turnover rate amongst veterans on their first job outside the military, this program lowers the employer’s risk that the service member may not be ready for civilian employment, which makes them more attractive to the hiring team.
Mike: SkillBridge is a great way to learn a little bit about what life is like outside of the uniform, and to explore an opportunity that you want to learn more about. For some people, it might mean going outside of their comfort zone to see if a particular line of work that they’ve never experienced before might be a good fit. For others, SkillBridge is a great way to get a foot in the door in a highly-competitive hiring marketplace. Knowing you’ve chosen a great field of work and a great company to intern with does wonders for any pre-separation anxiety one may be experiencing.
What motivated you to join the SkillBridge program and M6?
Paul: I was looking to get started right away into my civilian role and this program allowed me to jump in while still allowing me the time to complete transition requirements – the best of both worlds.
Mike: Once I decided I wanted to do a SkillBridge, I was immediately drawn to M6. I’ve known a few members of the company for many years, and when they offered me an opportunity, I jumped at it. I knew it would be a great place to work, with a great company culture and a warriors-first mindset that I could relate to.
What skills have you brought from the military to M6?
Paul: Truly too many to mention here, but to attempt to name a few: planning, leadership & management, staff organization and communication, project management, critical thinking skills, complex problem solving, strategic thinking and campaign planning and execution, relationship management, … so many relatable skills transfer over, it’s just how to communicate them into civilian terms.
Mike: As an Army officer that spent the last seven years of my career working in the highest levels of the Department of Defense and the State Department, I think my written and verbal communication skills, leadership, planning, and team building translate well to Morgan 6. I also think my ability to think and write in the language of policy is a skill that will give Morgan 6 a competitive advantage.
What challenges did you face during the transition, and how did M6 help?
Paul: I found that finding a purpose outside of corporate profit and loss statements became a concern, but after working on projects of true importance at M6 I found a place where I continue to contribute to issues of global importance. Our work makes a difference and causes an impact at the national security level. I end each day thinking how we have built a network that is pushing the envelope in ways comparable to what I was doing with my work in the military – which is incredibly satisfying in a post-military career.
Mike: Scheduling a constant stream of mandatory separation briefings, medical appointments, and outprocessing requirements was challenging. Morgan 6, as a company owned and operated by veterans who have been there before, made it easy. They were understanding of my requirements, and never asked twice when I let them know which engagements I needed to schedule around. They granted me the flexibility to do everything necessary to wrap up my career, while also giving me the space to learn and grow with the M6 team.
How has joining M6 impacted your career?
Paul: I believe I’ve found a home at M6 where I’m allowed to create a vision for where I want to go individually as well as corporately. I’m allowed to express my creative ambitions within a structure that encourages new ideas and modern ways of doing things. My work here has really given me a functional purpose in a post-military life.
Mike: When I began my transition out of the Army, I knew generally what I wanted to do, but I wasn’t sure. In my experience, most Veterans find themselves in the same position, where the desire to continue enjoyable, fulfilling employment is there, but you just aren’t quite sure how to make the jump. Finding a new home with M6 set my mind at ease. I know I’ll be able to grow and learn with M6, contribute to the company in meaningful ways, and continue to work in an interesting, rewarding, and challenging environment with like-minded professionals. The M6 values are my values, and we want the same things for ourselves, for our company, and for our country.
We’re proud of our partnership with SkillBridge. It’s more than a commitment; it’s a strategic alignment with our core values and mission and it’s a great way to ensure the talent our military has nurtured has a solid future.
For Veterans interested in growing within the Federal Service industry, Morgan 6 offers opportunities to continue serving our nation, but in a new capacity with roles in IT, Business Development, Special Operations Liaisons, and more. If you’re interested in applying to the program, visit https://skillbridge.osd.mil/. If you’re interested in working with M6, please visit our careers page.