Congress set up a Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) with the VA, as part of overall COVID-19 funding relief programs. However, despite the ability to have over 17,000 veterans, only 3,400 veterans have joined the program, and 700 have graduated. But only 70 have actually received employment. Congress remains perplexed on why the program is lacking in success, given the amount of post-pandemic unemployment for veterans. “This committee worked closely with VA to develop [the program] and set the funding based off of anticipated veteran demand for the program,” said Rep. Mike Levin, D-Calif., chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s economic opportunity panel.

“What we have found is that students who have a certificate who haven’t participated do intend to use the program, but the timing may have not been right for them to start,” Ricardo Da Silva, an education program integration officer for the VA said. “They’re weighing their options during the pandemic to make a decision about whether or not to return to retraining or to the job market.”

With December 11 as the cutoff for the program, there’s time still for veterans to take advantage of the training program. With some stutter steps in the first eight months of the program, VA leaders are motivated to make the program a good fit for applicants. And there are a lot of good programs available for military members and veterans – especially in cybersecurity. The key is to get your applications in multiple places to increase your odds of finding a good fit.

Layoffs Impacting the Cleared Industry

Averitt Express Inc

People say that the trucking industry is hiring for truck drivers, even offering major bonuses. Despite an aging and shrinking workforce, Averitt Express Inc has plans to lay off more than 60 employees in Indiana. Changes in contracts are the driver behind this reduction in force, according to the company. Job changes will happen by the end of February. Distribution services impact the logistics of the defense industrial base on the regular.

Hiring impacting the Cleared Industry

Radiance Technologies

Radiance Technologies has plans to create 100 full-time jobs in their Ohio site. As part of a $900,000 expansion from the Ohio Tax Credit Authority and incoming new DoD contracts, the defense contractor has growth planned in the future that includes engineering, data science, finance, and other technology jobs.

“Radiance is proud to be a part of this community and excited to invest and expand our local operations,” said Rita Hill, executive vice president for Radiance’s national security sector. “As an employee-owned company, we believe strongly in taking ownership and investing back into the communities we call home. We look forward to continuing our growth trajectory here, as we provide innovation and R&D support to our Wright-Patterson Air Force Base customers’ mission.”

Radiance has over 280 employees in the Beavercreek region, despite its headquarters in Alabama. The tax credit program requires operations to stick around in the Ohio region for at least 12 years.

“Radiance Technologies continues to leverage the benefits of the Dayton region’s defense ecosystem‚” said Julie Sullivan, the Dayton Development Coalition’s executive vice president for regional development. “The close proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, combined with a highly skilled local workforce, have created the perfect climate for Radiance to grow their presence in the region and expand their work with the Air Force.”


Cleared Employer at Work: Microsoft

Are you ready to take on big challenges? Learn more about more about joining Microsoft’s community and explore careers with impact. If you’re a transitioning military service member, explore Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA).


Opportunity to Watch

At the Singapore Airshow this month, the largest in Southeast Asia, Boeing will showcase its portfolio of commercial, defense, and support services by highlighting advanced systems and capabilities focused on safe and sustainable aerospace. Boeing’s presence at the show will include its newest fuel-efficient widebody jet, the 777X, along with the company’s offerings in maritime patrol aircraft, advanced fighters and trainers, and autonomous systems.

“We are looking forward to gathering with our industry colleagues in Singapore, in support of the recovery of aviation in the Southeast Asia region, as it provides us an opportunity to engage with customers, government officials, partners, suppliers, media and other stakeholders from the region,” said Alex Feldman, president of Boeing Southeast Asia. “We will highlight our investment in, and commitment to, technology, innovation and sustainability, building the foundation for the long-term growth of the aerospace industry.”

During the show, a Boeing 777X flight test airplane will make its Asia debut, demonstrating aerial maneuvers that showcase its new carbon-fiber composite wing and quiet GE9X engines, which contribute to the airplane family’s leading environmental performance. Based on the most successful twin-aisle airplane ever, the 777, and with advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner family, the 777-9 will be the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, delivering 10% better fuel use, emissions and operating costs than the competition.

Boeing’s exhibit at the show will also highlight the F-15, P-8 Poseidon, T-7A Advanced Pilot Training System, as well as autonomous technology including the Boeing Airpower Teaming System, which is the company’s first uncrewed system to be designed and developed in Australia. Designed to provide a transformational capability for global defense customers, it is the company’s largest investment in a new uncrewed aircraft program outside the United States. This purpose-built aircraft can be missionized to suit country-specific needs.

The United States Department of Defense corral is expected to display the KC-46A Pegasus, P-8A Poseidon, and C-17 Globemaster III.

Additionally, Boeing will highlight its growing digital ecosystem of services, including integrated flight operations, a data-driven supply chain, e-commerce, predictive maintenance, digitally enabled MROs and competency-based training for commercial and defense customers. Showcased service offerings use digital innovation to reduce fuel use and support sustainability targets for customers utilizing all airplane platforms.

Boeing will also focus on measures to deliver a safer, more efficient and sustainable air transportation system for the future with an emphasis on the Confident Travel Initiative, a Boeing led effort to provide passengers and crew a safe, healthy and efficient travel experience and deliver that information to governments and the general public.

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Jillian Hamilton has worked in a variety of Program Management roles for multiple Federal Government contractors. She has helped manage projects in training and IT. She received her Bachelors degree in Business with an emphasis in Marketing from Penn State University and her MBA from the University of Phoenix.