CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — June 2, 2021. Mavendog took its first step into the Department of Defense SkillBridge program this year to further enhance the military side of its talent strategy. Veterans are a big part of the Mavendog consultant-recruiting model. Whether the Veteran has just left the Military; has been out for a while; or is still serving through the Guard or Reserve, he or she is a natural fit with the Mavendog culture. Through the SkillBridge program, Mavendog can further honor that commitment.

The SkillsBridge program provides Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard Service members (including military spouses) with the opportunity to successfully transition into the civilian workforce. Service members have the chance to be released from duty up to six months before their date of separation. They serve in a fellowship arrangement, receiving on-the-job training and work opportunities with a civilian company and industry of their choosing. As described in the SkillsBridge program overview, “When mission permits, [Unit] Commanders who support SkillBridge participation are helping their personnel transition more seamlessly from service to a civilian career.” For Mavendog, the firm benefits by gaining earlier access to the extensive experience, skills, and unmatched work ethic that a Service member traditionally brings to the firm and its flex project delivery model.

[A Unit Commander does have authority to recall a Service member from the SkillBridge program if necessary. After all, they haven’t separated or retired yet.]

For its first experience with the SkillsBridge program, Mavendog is honored to have been chosen by Lt Col Don Land, who is retiring from his 23 years of service in the Air Force (Spring 2022). Lt Col Land chose Mavendog because of its specialization in project and program leadership and management consulting, as well as its military mission and small, entrepreneurial culture.

Lt Col Land entered the Air Force as a ROTC distinguished Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and has since acquired his Master’s degree in Quality Systems Management. He has also completed several Air Force Masters equivalent programs such as Air Command and Staff College, Air War College, and attended the Army’s Command and General Staff College out of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He has completed the Air Force Cyber Professional Program, the Advanced Communication’s Officer Training course, and the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Cyber 300 program. He has served as a Cyber Operations Officer and has overseen multiple IT initiatives, including legacy maintenance as well as new technology rollouts. Recently he was responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Air Force’s $6 billion network.

“Mavendog is a great match for this program, “ says Lt Col Land. “With their growing reach in project management, a flex delivery model, and exciting technology programs, they provide extraordinary access to sample project management in a compressed window. This is due to the multiple projects it supports across multiple companies. Participating in this fellowship enables me to get a vast amount of experience and exposure that might otherwise take several years.”

Lt Col Land will be supporting one of our Mavendog client teams this Fall (2021).

If you are a Service member nearing retirement, are interested in the SkillsBridge program, and are interested in working with Mavendog, please contact us. Mavendog also encourages you to discuss with the respective Educational Offices and Counselors of your Unit.

Mavendog, LLC is a project leadership firm headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. We are a team of specialized, flex delivery leaders who help clients evaluate, plan, and drive project wins. Our services span Strategic Portfolio Development, Program Leadership, and Project & Change Delivery. We provide expertise for large program initiatives, as well as tactical support for short-term and part-time project needs.