Service members participating in the Air Force Career Skills Program (SkillBridge), a crucial initiative for career transition, must be aware of ethical guidelines concerning gifts and benefits from industry partners. Understanding these rules, as outlined in Air Force Instructions (AFI), is essential to maintain integrity and ensure program compliance.
Generally, accepting gifts from SkillBridge industry partners is restricted. However, exceptions exist under specific conditions. A SkillBridge provider, at their discretion, may subsidize or reimburse costs for subsistence, lodging, and travel from the home station to the program location. This is permissible only if such subsidies are offered uniformly to all participants, regardless of military affiliation. This policy must be clearly stated in the SkillBridge application by the provider.
Consider these examples to clarify the policy:
Example 1: Internship with Equal Benefits
Imagine an Air Force service member engages in a SkillBridge internship with Company X while on permissive Temporary Duty (TDY). This internship also includes civilians. If Company X offers to cover airfare, lodging, and meals for all interns, including the service member, then the service member is permitted to accept this offer. The key is that the benefit extends to all participants, not just military personnel.
Example 2: Interview Travel Expenses – Unequal Treatment
Near the completion of a SkillBridge internship, an Air Force participant receives an interview invitation at Company X headquarters in another state. Company X offers to pay for interview travel expenses for the service member. However, civilian interns are not offered the same benefit for interview travel. In this scenario, the Air Force service member cannot accept the travel expense reimbursement from Company X. This is because the benefit is not offered equally to all internship participants.
Before accepting any gifts or benefits, service members and their Chain of Command must consult with their servicing Legal Office to discuss the specifics of the offer and ensure compliance with ethical standards and Air Force regulations. Further detailed information can be found in resources such as the SkillBridge Program Participant Ethics Brief and other materials available on the Resources. Adherence to these guidelines ensures the integrity of the Air Force Career Skills Program and the ethical conduct of its participants during their career transition.
