Cleared Jobs and Veteran Resources for Government Contracting

Veterans have significant advantages in government contracting -- active security clearances, mission-oriented experience, and understanding of federal operations. Key pathways include the SkillBridge program (civilian work experience during last 180 days of service), SDVOSB set-aside contracts (3% federal goal), and the natural fit between military expertise and defense contractor needs. An active security clearance alone can increase earning potential by 10% to 20%.

Transitioning from Military to Government Contracting

The defense contracting industry is one of the most natural career paths for transitioning service members. Your military experience translates directly to many contractor roles -- program management, logistics, cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, training and simulation, maintenance, and technical operations all map closely to military specialties.

Start planning your transition 12 to 18 months before separation:

• Protect your clearance: This is your single most valuable asset for GovCon employment. Begin job searching while still on active duty so your clearance remains active. Once your clearance goes inactive, you have 24 months before it lapses entirely.
• Translate your experience: Rewrite your military roles using civilian terminology. "Company Commander" becomes "operations manager overseeing 150+ personnel and $10M+ budget." Quantify results wherever possible.
• Leverage Transition Assistance Program (TAP): Attend TAP workshops for resume building, interview preparation, and understanding civilian workplace expectations.
• Network early: Attend industry days, AFCEA events, and veteran-focused hiring events. The GovCon community values relationships, and many positions are filled through referrals.
• Consider certifications: Industry certifications like PMP, Security+, CISSP, or ITIL complement your military experience and demonstrate continued professional development.

Your Clearance as a Career Asset

A security clearance is one of the most valuable assets in the government contracting job market. The clearance backlog means employers strongly prefer -- and pay premiums for -- candidates who already hold active clearances, as sponsoring a new investigation can take months and represents a significant financial investment.

Salary premiums for cleared professionals:

Beyond salary premiums, cleared positions tend to offer greater job security and more rapid career advancement. Contractors working on classified programs often develop deep mission knowledge that makes them highly valued by both their employer and their government customer. For more details on clearance levels and the investigation process, see our Security Clearance Guide.

Veteran-Specific Programs and Set-Asides

SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business)

The SDVOSB program provides significant contracting advantages for businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. The federal government has a 3% contracting goal for SDVOSBs. The VA can award sole-source contracts to verified SDVOSBs up to $5 million for services and $5 million for manufacturing. Certification is managed through the SBA's VetCert program, which requires documentation of service-connected disability and business ownership.

VOSB (Veteran-Owned Small Business)

VOSB certification through VetCert is available to businesses owned by veterans regardless of disability status. While VOSB-specific set-asides are primarily used by the VA, the certification provides credibility and access to veteran-focused procurement events and mentor-protege programs.

SBA Veteran Programs

The SBA offers several resources specifically for veteran entrepreneurs:

• Boots to Business (B2B): Entrepreneurship training program offered as part of the TAP curriculum
• Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs): 22 centers nationwide providing counseling, training, and mentoring
• Mentor-Protege Program: Pairs veteran-owned businesses with experienced government contractors for guidance and joint venture opportunities

VETS-4212 Reporting

Federal contractors and subcontractors with contracts of $150,000 or more are required to file the VETS-4212 report annually. This report tracks the hiring and employment of protected veterans across four categories:

• Disabled veterans
• Recently separated veterans (within 3 years of discharge)
• Active duty wartime or campaign badge veterans
• Armed Forces service medal veterans

Reports are filed annually between August 1 and September 30 through the VETS-4212 website administered by the Department of Labor. Failure to file can result in contract suspension or debarment. As a contractor, you must maintain records of veteran hiring data and have processes to collect veteran status information from employees (on a voluntary basis).

DoD SkillBridge Program

SkillBridge is a Department of Defense program that allows active duty service members to participate in civilian work experience, internships, apprenticeships, or training programs during their last 180 days of military service. Key details:

• Who is eligible: Any service member within 180 days of separation with commander approval
• Compensation: You continue to receive full military pay and benefits -- the employer does not pay you during SkillBridge
• Duration: Up to 180 days of hands-on experience
• Employer participation: Companies must be approved SkillBridge providers. Many large defense contractors (Booz Allen Hamilton, SAIC, Leidos, Lockheed Martin, etc.) participate actively.
• Conversion rate: Many SkillBridge participants receive full-time job offers from their host company

To apply, work with your Transition Assistance Program office and chain of command. Begin the approval process 3 to 6 months before your desired start date, as commander approval and unit manning considerations can affect timing.

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions