The U.S. Department of War has launched BuildFreedom.US, a new workforce development initiative, and announced a $10 million investment to the mikeroweWORKS Foundation to address critical talent shortages in the defense industrial base.
Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey will present the investment to skilled trades advocate Mike Rowe. Rowe, CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, expressed honor in accepting the donation, stating, "Every penny will be spent on training the next generation of skilled workers for a long list of essential jobs - specifically the hundreds of thousands of good jobs currently open in the defense industrial base." He emphasized that "Closing America's skills gap has become a matter of national security."
BuildFreedom.US, created through the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy's Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program, is a national effort. It aims to unite government, industry, and educational institutions to raise awareness of purpose-driven careers and provide scholarships for Americans seeking high-paying, AI-proof jobs in skilled trades.
Michael P. Duffey highlighted the initiative's importance, saying, "America's strength has always been forged by people who build, manufacture, and innovate." He added that "BuildFreedom.US will bridge talent with opportunity to build meaningful careers, ensuring our workforce is ready for the challenges of tomorrow." This program is expected to expand workforce pathways for students, young adults, veterans, and transitioning service members, directly bolstering the nation's manufacturing capacity, economic resilience, and long-term national security.