SHzoom's Monthly Minute

Making History: The First-Ever DOD SkillBridge Pathway for Fleet Professionals

Volume 6 Issue 7  | This article was originally published on SHzoom 

Watch the replay and see how we are closing the #FleetGap - Live Nov. 21, 2025

A New Dawn for Military Fleet Professionals

For the first time ever, the Department of Defense (DOD) has approved a dedicated SkillBridge program for fleet professionals — a historic milestone for military service members transitioning into civilian fleet management.

Together, SHzoom, NAFA Fleet Management Association, and a coalition of industry leaders have made this vision real.

“It’s Official — It’s LIVE.”

“It’s official,” said Ingrid Cook Moravitz , CEO of SHzoom Technologies, Inc., during the latest episode of Influential Voices in Fleet: The Fleet Gap Series. “For the first time, every military branch — Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard — can now participate in the FleetGAP program. We’re very excited to see this come to life.”

This milestone represents collaboration, innovation, and advocacy from the DoD SkillBridge, NAFA, SHzoom, and partners in the public and private sectors.

Why This Matters

Historically, there has never been a dedicated program designed specifically for fleet professionals in uniform.

The FleetGAP SkillBridge Program changes that.

It creates a structured, mentored transition experience where military fleet professionals can apply their technical, logistical, and leadership expertise to civilian fleet management roles — a sector in urgent need of skilled leaders and technicians.

“When I first saw how much of the program centered on mentorship,” said Bill, “I knew it would succeed. Our members are eager to share knowledge and bring new talent into the industry.”

SHzoom CEO Ingrid Cook Moravitz with David Hayward, MBA, CAFM , Fleet Leader at ABM Industries, celebrating the official launch of the #FleetGap #SkillBridge Program — a historic collaboration opening new career pathways for military fleet professionals.

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Mentorship: The Heart of FleetGAP

One Mission. One Fleet. #FLEETGAP

FleetGAP isn’t just a training pipeline — it’s a mentorship ecosystem.

Military fleet professionals are paired with seasoned NAFA leaders who guide them through every stage of their transition.

“The ability to have someone who has made the same journey — who understands where you’re coming from — is invaluable,” said Ingrid Cook Moravitz . “That kind of support is golden. Patti Earley, CAFM , and Tom Johnson were those people for me. They took me under their wing when I knew no one.”

Removing Barriers to Access

The goal is to ensure that every participant not only gains technical knowledge but also finds a community that sustains them long after their transition. SHzoom and NAFA also announced an initiative to help ensure that military participants can attend NAFA I&E 2026, even amid federal budget constraints.

“If you’re a military fleet professional facing challenges getting to Cleveland,” Bill said, “reach out to our NAFA team. We’ll work with you to make it possible. It’s part of our mission.”

 

   NAFA CEO, Bill Schankel

One Fleet. One Mission.

NAFA’s culture of collaboration has made this possible.

From online communities to national events, the organization’s members are renowned for lifting one another up.

“Every day, hundreds of conversations happen in our online community — and almost no question goes unanswered,” Bill shared. “That spirit of support is what drives NAFA forward.”

This mindset — One Fleet, One Mission — now extends to include transitioning military professionals.

Creating Connection and Opportunity

The conversation also spotlighted the need for networking and relationship-building.

“We should host a FleetGAP Power Hour,” Ingrid suggested. “A session at NAFA I&E where transitioning military professionals can meet mentors, hiring managers, and others who’ve already made the move.” Bill agreed.

“That’s a great idea,” he said. “It’s important for these professionals to experience that community firsthand. We’ll work with our regional networks to make it happen.”

Building the Curriculum

Behind the scenes, NAFA’s Fleet Advisory Council — along with community colleges and clean-tech partners — is designing curriculum modules tailored to both technician and leadership pathways.

Each module aligns with NAFA’s CAFM program, providing participants with a head start toward certification and long-term career development.

“We can deliver foundational education,” Bill noted, “but the real impact comes from what happens in the facilities — in the depots, in the shops. That’s where mentorship makes all the difference.”

The discussion also touched on an evolving definition of “fleet.”

Industries once seen as adjacent — limo companies, pest management, landscaping, and logistics firms — are now recognizing their operations as fleet-dependent

“These industries are realizing that fleet management is mission-critical,” Ingrid shared. “That creates new job opportunities for our transitioning military professionals.”

Bill agreed.

“It’s true,” he said. “Fleet touches everything — and these collaborations will open up even more doors.”

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Looking Ahead

From mentorship and education to private-sector collaboration, FleetGAP is more than a transition tool — it’s a movement.

“This program brings together what our industry does best: share, mentor, and lift others up,” said Bill. “It’s how we build the future of fleet.”

Missed it live? Watch the replay Nov. 21, 2028! The first-ever DoD SkillBridge Fleet Program is officially LIVE — bridging the #FleetGap with one mission, one fleet.See how innovation and opportunity are redefining the future of fleet management.

👉 Replay available Nov 21, 2025. Don’t miss out.

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