SkillBridge

PHOTO: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

The DoW SkillBridge program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service.

DoW SkillBridge connects transitioning service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences. - You can read more about it here: DoW SkillBridge Program - Program Overview Page

Robert "Matt" Stitzel

Program Manager, Mettle Ops

Matt Stitzel served seven years in the U.S. Army, earning the rank of Captain. He began his career as an Infantry Officer at Fort Benning and Fort Campbell before transitioning into Human Resources roles at Fort Jackson and Michigan’s Great Lakes Recruiting Battalion. His leadership assignments included serving as a Heavy Weapons Company Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, Battalion S1, and S3 OIC. Throughout his service, he earned Airborne Wings, Air Assault Wings, the Pathfinder Badge, and the Expert Infantryman’s Badge.

During his SkillBridge internship with Mettle Ops, Matt Stitzel served as the Assistant Program Manager for the Proteus Program, overseeing procurement activities and supporting scope, schedule, and budget management. This experience allowed him to effectively translate the leadership, organizational expertise, and operational skills developed during his Army career into a defense contracting environment. Following the internship, he advanced into his current role as Program Manager for both the Slat Delta and Accessories Box Programs.

Matt notes that Mettle Ops distinguishes itself through a clear and purpose-driven mission, providing superior equipment to warfighters to support mission success. Leadership at Mettle Ops, exemplified by Katie and Mark, cultivates a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and shared commitment that aligns closely with the values of the military community. He strongly recommends Mettle Ops to transitioning service members and other professionals, emphasizing the company’s strong sense of purpose and the meaningful impact employees are empowered to make each day.

David Downing

Contracts Manager, Mettle Ops

I served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force from 2003 to 2023, retiring as a Master Sergeant. I began as a Munitions Systems Specialist before retraining as a Contracting Specialist in 2009. Throughout my contracting career, I managed multi-million-dollar government contracts across commodities, services, construction, and architecture & engineering. I supervised teams of up to 60 personnel, led training programs developing new contracting professionals, and served as Flight Superintendent. My experience spans FAR/DFARS compliance, contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and strategic procurement supporting critical Air Force missions worldwide.

As I approached retirement, I sought SkillBridge opportunities in the Detroit area that would leverage my contracting expertise. Discovering Mettle Ops felt like finding the perfect fit—a defense contractor that valued both mission and people. I was selected for their SkillBridge program and interned from February to May 2023. The experience provided invaluable transition support, allowing me to apply my government contracting knowledge in the private sector while learning Mettle Ops' unique operations. The program's hands-on approach prepared me exceptionally well, leading to my full-time hiring as Contracts Manager upon completing the internship.

Mettle Ops embodies everything I valued during my military service: dedication to the Warfighter, strong camaraderie, and a genuine family atmosphere. As Contracts Manager, I oversee all contractual and legal actions, and I'm consistently impressed by leadership's commitment to both mission excellence and employee development. The company's multi-certification capability demonstrates their commitment to quality, while their culture reflects authentic care for team members. I'm proud to contribute to critical defense programs and excited to continue growing with an organization that truly supports those who serve.

Phillip Henke

Program Manager, Mettle Ops

My last job in the Army was as a Cyber Operations Team Leader. In this position, I led a 48-person team that focused primarily on conducting offensive cyber operations against strategic level targets. Before that, I served as the Deputy Director of Future Operations Planning on the 2nd Infantry Division staff in Korea. This job required me to lead operational planning teams to solve a variety of problems. The best skill I learned in this position was peer and servant leadership. As an Infantry officer, I served in a variety of leadership positions culminating with command of an Infantry Rifle Company at Fort Benning, GA in the 198th Training Brigade. I retired in 2024 as a Major after 22 years of service (5 years enlisted, 17 years as a commissioned officer).

The DoD SkillBridge program was a great way for me to find my post Army career. I interviewed with several companies in the Detroit Metro and landed several offers for a SkillBridge internship, all with a high likelihood of full-time employment at the end of the internship. I chose Mettle Ops because it was a small company, and had a mission focused on serving the Warfighter. The SkillBridge program is a great way to transition from the military into the private sector. At Mettle Ops, I immediately started working as a member of several cross-functional teams on programs that directly impacted our Warfighters. The time flew by and before I knew it, I was a full-time employee leading a small team focused on expanding Mettle Ops business in ground, air, and sea domains.

My favorite part of working at Mettle Ops is this people. Everyone at Mettle Ops is dedicated to our mission of “Warfighter’s Serving Warfighter’s” and work exceptionally hard to meet their needs. I also love how easy it is to coordinate, collaborate, and bounce ideas off everyone, regardless of their role. The culture at Mettle Ops is unique and rare to find in the public or private sector. I feel truly blessed to have found Mettle Ops and joined a company where I can continue to serve the Warfighter.

Rory McRae

Business Development Manager, Mettle Ops

As an HC-130J Combat Systems Officer (CSO), I plan, coordinate, and execute complex tactical missions across combat and humanitarian rescue scenarios. Responsibilities include Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR); helicopter, tilt-rotor, and fixed-wing air-to-air refueling (HAAR/TAAR/FWAAR); personnel and equipment airdrops; NVG low-level navigation; infil/exfil operations; ISR; and command and control (C2). As the U.S. Air Force’s dedicated fixed-wing rescue asset, the HC-130J operates alongside HH-60G/W helicopters, Guardian Angel teams, and A-10s to conduct time-sensitive rescue missions worldwide—guided by the creed, “That Others May Live”, we operate to ensure that US and coalition partners make it home to their families no matter the cost.

I completed a six-month SkillBridge with Mettle Ops from September 2024 to March 2025. I came in under the role of Project Administrator, but quickly realized my talents, contacts, and past experiences aligned with Business Development. Mettle Ops leadership encouraged the pivot to the alternate role and constantly provided the support and training necessary to fulfill the responsibilities. SkillBridge allowed me to seamlessly transition into the civilian sector, set up my family in a new living location, and gain the professional work experience necessary to excel in the private sector.

Mettle Ops is a company driven by culture and ethos and an unwavering dedication to the Warfighter. As a woman-owned, service-disabled small business, Mettle Ops consistently delivers innovative solutions and shows how a small company can be an absolute powerhouse in the defense industry while competing right alongside larger defense Primes. There is a reverence for family values, a constant emphasis on professional development & growth, and an unhindered dedication to fellow small businesses, employees, and their families. Mettle Ops defines the American Dream and showcases its talents in a relentless pursuit of grit and resilience.

Jonathan Moses

Procurement Specialist, Mettle Ops

I served 7.5 years in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Sergeant (E-5) and was selected for promotion to Staff Sergeant (E-6). As an Aviation Supply Specialist, I conducted and supervised warehouse and aviation supply operations critical to aircraft readiness. I worked extensively in deployed support, managing the shipment and receipt of parts for deployed aviation squadrons—because aircraft don’t fly without supply. In 2021, I had the privilege of completing my first and only deployment with the North African Response Force (formerly Special MAGTF), where the missions executed and exposure to diverse cultures abroad left a lasting, life-changing impact.

I started my SkillBridge internship with Mettle Ops in July of 2025, and I was placed into purchasing and proposal development roles. During this time, I supported procurement efforts for multiple programs, including one-off parts for GVSC and purchasing support for the Proteus team. I also helped identify vendors and execute purchases that contributed to the startup of Mettle Ops’ drone production initiative, code-named Celestus. This experience provided valuable insight into defense contracting, supply chain operations, and small business growth.

Mettle Ops is filled with some of the most incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work with. From fellow veterans who supported my transition out of the military to experienced small business leaders who continuously push me to grow, the culture truly feels like family. The team showed exceptional flexibility and understanding during my relocation from Fort Worth, Texas. Transitioning out of the military was challenging, but Mettle Ops helped restore my sense of purpose. Warfighters serving warfighters is not just a motto—it’s lived every day.

Jimmy Kammann

Senior Program Manager, Mettle Ops

I entered the Skill Bridge program in July 2023 after completing seven deployments over eight years in the U.S. Navy, and like many service members, I expected the transition to the civilian sector to be overwhelming.

Instead, my transition into Mettle Ops was seamless, and my time here has truly been a privilege. The culture is exceptional, and under the inspiring leadership of Katie Bigelow—alongside an executive team that genuinely motivates you to raise your standard—my professional and personal growth has exceeded every expectation.

Through Skill Bridge, I have been able to translate my military leadership experience into hands-on program management within a defense manufacturing environment, strengthening my expertise in DoD contract execution, cost control, and cross-functional coordination.

While I may no longer serve in uniform, I take great pride in knowing that I still serve those who serve.

"Rember that what you do not yet know is more important than what you already know" - Jordan Peterson.

"Warighters Serving Warfighters is not just a motto- it's lived every day."