Secretary Rollins Launches USDA Initiative to Recruit Veterans, Transitioning Service Members, and Military Spouses

(Washington, D.C., July 29, 2026) - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiative to recruit veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses into mission-critical careers that protect America's food supply, strengthen rural communities, and defend the nation's agricultural security.

The initiative combines two major efforts to expand opportunities for military-affiliated talent at USDA: an expanded partnership with the U.S. Department of War's (DoW) SkillBridge Program and the launch of USDA's 100 Hires in 100 Days initiative, a department-wide effort to accelerate the hiring of veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses across the Department.

"America's service members have spent their careers protecting our nation, and USDA is proud to offer them a new mission after they leave the military: protecting American agriculture," said Secretary Rollins. "Agricultural Security is National Security. The leadership, discipline, and technical expertise our veterans and spouses bring will strengthen our food supply, safeguard critical infrastructure, support our farmers and ranchers, and defend the systems that keep America strong. Whether through SkillBridge or our new 100 Hires in 100 Days initiative, we are recruiting America's finest to continue serving the American people."

"These initiatives are among many of USDA's efforts to recruit, retain and advocate for veterans in agriculture that we have had the pleasure of working alongside Secretary Rollins and her staff on," said Tab Bartley, USDA Veteran Employee Organization (VEO) president. "The USDA VEO is currently the largest and longest standing veteran employee organization in the federal government which is a testament to USDA's partnership with the veteran community. The work we are doing together recognizes the value and unique skillsets veterans bring, not only to the department, but more importantly to the American people."

"Military spouses face frequent relocations that have a big impact on their ability to secure and build meaningful careers," said Emily Kelley, president of USDA's Military Spouse Association. "With a 20 percent unemployment rate, efforts like USDA's partnership with the Department of War can lead real, meaningful change for military families. I'm grateful for Secretary Rollins' leadership on this key issue."

Every year, approximately 200,000 members of the U.S. Armed Forces transition from active-duty service into civilian careers. Their leadership, operational experience, and commitment to mission make them uniquely qualified to help USDA address evolving threats, strengthen agricultural resilience, and advance the Department's mission of serving farmers, ranchers, foresters, and rural communities.

Two New Pathways to Continue Serving America

America's military veterans don't stop serving when they leave active duty. Through this initiative, USDA is creating multiple pathways for military-affiliated talent to continue serving the American people while helping protect the nation's food supply, critical infrastructure, forests, and agricultural innovation.

Expanding USDA's SkillBridge Partnership

USDA is expanding its partnership with the Department of War's SkillBridge Program, which allows eligible active-duty service members to spend up to their final 180 days of military service gaining valuable civilian work experience while continuing to receive full military pay and benefits.

Through SkillBridge, USDA is actively recruiting transitioning service members with experience in:

• Cybersecurity
• Data and Artificial Intelligence
• Application Development
• Budget and Financial Management
• Acquisitions and Contracting
• Forest Service and Wildland Fire Management
• Geospatial Analysis and other mission-critical disciplines

SkillBridge opportunities are currently available within approximately 75 miles of USDA's major employment hubs in Fort Collins, Colorado; Indianapolis, Indiana; Kansas City, Missouri; Raleigh, North Carolina; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Washington, D.C.

Eligible applicants can express interest through the USDA SkillBridge website. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, allowing service members to begin opportunities that align with their military transition timeline.

Launching USDA's "100 Hires in 100 Days" Initiative

Secretary Rollins also announced USDA's 100 Hires in 100 Days initiative, a department-wide effort to recruit veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses into USDA careers.

The initiative encourages hiring managers across USDA to take advantage of existing veteran hiring authorities and non-competitive hiring flexibilities to quickly connect highly qualified military-affiliated candidates with mission-critical positions across the Department.

In addition to opportunities posted on USAJobs, interested applicants can join USDA's Military Spouse and Veteran Employment Program (MVP) Candidate Database, allowing hiring managers across the Department to identify qualified candidates for positions that may be filled through non-competitive hiring authorities.

Together, these efforts strengthen USDA's workforce while creating meaningful opportunities for veterans and military families to continue serving their country in new ways.

Protecting American Agriculture Starts with Great People

Veterans bring mission-focused leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to public service that directly supports USDA's work to strengthen agricultural security and resilience. From defending cybersecurity systems and modernizing digital services to supporting wildfire response, protecting animal health, advancing conservation, and delivering critical services to producers, veterans play an essential role in helping USDA meet the challenges facing American agriculture today and into the future.

Service members interested in continuing their service through USDA can learn more about SkillBridge opportunities, the Military Spouse and Veteran Employment Program, and current career opportunities by visiting https://www.usda.gov/skillbridge and https://www.usda.gov/veterans.

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