ANNISTON , AL — A milestone has been reached at Anniston Army Depot as Spc. Brenden Bryson became the first Soldier to complete an internship at the installation through the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, a transition initiative designed to help service members prepare for civilian careers.
Bryson, an information technology specialist and Georgia native, began the Army’s Transition Assistance Program in October 2024 while stationed in Germany. During that time, he discovered SkillBridge, which allows service members to gain hands-on experience with industry partners during the final months of their military service.
After learning about the program, Bryson pursued an opportunity to return closer to home while gaining experience in the information technology field. He reached out to his sister, a materials engineer at Anniston Army Depot, to determine whether the program was available at the installation. Initially, it was not.
Despite limited information, Bryson continued his search and used an Army-wide help desk system to connect with the depot’s Directorate of Information Management (DOIM). Once depot leadership became aware of his interest, officials worked to establish a SkillBridge opportunity.
“We did not originally have DOIM listed for SkillBridge opportunities, but we were quickly able to create one that allowed Spc. Bryson to participate,” said Reginald McFadden, Anniston Army Depot’s SkillBridge manager.
One year after first discovering the program, Bryson arrived at the depot to begin his internship. He was assigned to DOIM, aligning with both his military occupational specialty and his planned career path in information technology. The experience allowed him to gain exposure to systems and tools not currently used by the Army but common in the civilian workforce.
Bryson said the opportunity has supported his transition from active duty and helped build skills that will strengthen his employment prospects after separation from the military.
Col. Charles Moore, commander of Anniston Army Depot, said the installation is encouraged by service members choosing the depot as a partner through SkillBridge.
“I’m excited to have servicemembers take advantage of SkillBridge as they transition from active service, and even more excited that they have chosen ANAD as the organization to partner with,” Moore said.
The SkillBridge Program supports workforce development initiatives across Army depots and arsenals by providing trained talent and supporting succession planning and knowledge transfer. According to installation leaders, the program benefits both transitioning service members and organizations seeking skilled workers.
McFadden noted the program helps prepare service members for civilian employment while strengthening connections between the military and industry.
“It helps prepare them for life after the uniform and builds a stronger bridge between the military and industry,” he said.
Officials say the partnership provides organizations with access to trained personnel who bring leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills developed through military service, while also helping service members build experience for post-military careers.
