Strengthening America’s Defense Industrial Base
Military Talent. Union Skills. National Readiness.
America’s national and economic security depends on a strong, resilient, and highly skilled Defense Industrial Base. That workforce includes the people who build, maintain, repair, modernize, and support our nation’s ships, military installations, manufacturing facilities, energy systems, transportation networks, critical infrastructure, and defense supply chains.
Task Force Movement brings together military leaders, labor unions, employers, industry associations, veteran and military service organizations, education and training providers, and government partners to connect military talent with the workforce needs of America. We recognize union-based skilled-trades apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs as proven pathways to good-paying, family-sustaining careers. These earn-while-you-learn models combine structured classroom education, hands-on training, nationally recognized credentials, strong wages and benefits, and opportunities for lifelong career advancement.
Through this work, Task Force Movement supports the military-connected community while helping build the skilled workforce that strengthens America’s industrial capacity, critical infrastructure, economic security, and national defense.
Build Your Future. Help Build and Defend America.
BuildFreedom.US connects workers with skilled-trades jobs, registered apprenticeships, training opportunities, and career information across the Defense Industrial Base. Its featured career areas include electrical work, welding, machining, shipbuilding, HVAC, pipefitting, mechanical work, and other occupations essential to America’s industrial and defense readiness.
Union-Based Veteran Career Pathways
Helmets to Hardhats
Helmets to Hardhats connects transitioning active-duty service members, Veterans, National Guard members, and Reservists with training and career opportunities in the union construction trades. Participants can explore registered apprenticeships that allow them to earn a paycheck while developing the skills needed for a lasting civilian career.
IUEC Veterans Assistance Program
The International Union of Elevator Constructors Veterans Assistance Program supports IUEC Veterans and their families by connecting them with education and GI Bill resources, accredited Veteran service organizations, mental-health and wellness resources, career support, information about benefits, and other local and national services. The IUEC-VAP also works with programs such as Helmets to Hardhats to help transitioning service members pursue careers in the elevator construction industry.
IBEW/NECA Veteran’s Electrical Entry Program
The Veteran’s Electrical Entry Program—VEEP—provides transitioning service members and recently separated Veterans with a pathway into the electrical industry. Participants receive pre-apprenticeship training, technical preparation, mentorship, and a direct-entry pathway into participating IBEW/NECA registered apprenticeship programs. The United Association Veterans in Piping Program—UA VIP—provides transitioning active-duty service.
UA Veterans in Piping
members with career training in areas such as welding, HVACR, and fire suppression. The program prepares participants to transition from military service into United Association apprenticeship and employment opportunities in the piping trades.
United Brotherhood of Carpenters Military Veterans Program
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters Military Veterans Program—UBC MVP—offers specialized training for transitioning service members pursuing careers as carpenters and industrial mechanics or millwrights. The program provides an accelerated pathway into UBC apprenticeship opportunities and helps Veterans apply their military experience to essential construction and industrial careers.
From Military Service to America’s Skilled Workforce Transitioning service members and Veterans bring discipline, leadership, teamwork, technical experience, safety awareness, and a commitment to mission success. Task Force Movement works to ensure those qualities are recognized and connected to respected careers that strengthen working
families, American industry, and national security.
JOIN TASK FORCE MOVEMENT FOR DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE & SKILLED TRADES
If you are an industry stakeholders inclusive to Employers and Associations, VSO’s Academic and Vocational Training Institutions, State and Federal governing bodies, and Armed Forces, join our team through the appropriate link below.
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Employers and Associations in the cybersecurity industry
VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
VSOs and MSOs are welcome and encouraged to join
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
State and Federal governing bodies and the Armed Forces
EDUCATION PARTNERS
Academic and Vocational Training Institutions for the cybersecurity industry
FOUNDATIONS
Non-VSO/MSO Non-Profit Organizations
QUESTIONS?
Not sure which category your organization falls into?
RESOURCES
Check out relevant resources provided by the White House, US Department of Labor, Commerce, and FedVTE