Zachary Schramm, a former U.S. Army captain, has transitioned from military service to a recruiting role at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through the Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge program. Schramm’s journey began as a Division I baseball player at Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland before he completed his degree at the University of Pittsburgh. Following graduation, he joined the Army, inspired by family tradition and seeking camaraderie similar to that found in athletics.
After serving as an Armor Officer and tank platoon leader with deployment experience in South Korea, Schramm rose to the rank of Captain and commanded a recruiting company at Fort Meade near Washington, D.C., overseeing up to 65 recruiters across eight stations. His unit was recognized by the Pentagon in 2023 among the top 13 Commands for Army recruiting.
As he prepared for civilian life, Schramm explored options available through DoD SkillBridge—a program that allows service members nearing separation to gain industry experience via internships or apprenticeships during their last 180 days of service. He searched for opportunities in Washington, D.C., and identified CBP as a potential employer after learning about its veteran workforce.
Schramm reached out to Jeffrey Jack, CBP’s national Veterans Employment Program Manager. “From day one, he was the biggest help. [He] answered all my questions in a timely manner [and] helped me every way he could,” said Schramm.
During his SkillBridge internship with CBP’s National Recruitment Division (NRD) from November 2024 to February 2025, Schramm learned about agency operations while working mostly remotely. “It didn’t take meeting [teammates] in person to realize how bought in everyone was and how much everyone cared about their job,” he said.
Now employed full-time as a National Frontline Recruiter with NRD, Schramm attends recruitment events and career fairs throughout the D.C. area and works with local colleges to promote CBP hiring campaigns.
Reflecting on his transition from military service, Schramm stated: “There can be a sense of feeling lost because you are doing something totally different than what you were accustomed to.” He added: “The way I was brought in and accepted with open arms from the top down was something I’ve never experienced. To have that direct line of people that make sure I’m alright on a regular basis is definitely a reassuring feeling.”
Schramm noted that effective recruitment is not about selling positions but helping candidates envision themselves within an organization: “Everyone is different, everyone has a different background, a different story. It’s not necessarily trying to sell the position to them,” he said. “It’s allowing them to imagine themselves in that position.”
Asked if CBP helped him see himself there during his internship experience: “Definitely,” said Schramm. He credited his leadership chain for providing clear examples of possible career paths within CBP: “They gave me something to look forward to, because—looking at them in their positions—that’s what I aspire to be within this organization.”
Schramm encourages other transitioning service members: “Definitely do [SkillBridge] if you can. It’s the most beneficial thing I’ve done to set myself and my family up for success post-military.”
For information about participating in DoD SkillBridge internships within CBP or other veterans recruitment programs offered by the agency—including joining its Talent Network—interested individuals can contact Jeffrey Jack at Jeffrey.R.Jack@cbp.dhs.gov.
