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.
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