Dive Brief:
- The Department of Defense is expanding its workforce development initiative to Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin in its efforts to rebuild its industrial base, the agency announced Friday.
- Dubbed BuildFreedom.US, the initiative launched in July to address talent shortages across the defense industrial base. It also enables the government, industry and colleges and universities to connect and bring awareness to “artificial intelligence-proof” jobs in the skilled trades, according to the July 2 press release.
- The program also awarded former “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe’s nonprofit $10 million. The mikeroweWORKS Foundation will use the funds to help job candidates prepare for work in skilled trades such as welding, plumbing and electrical work through scholarships.
Dive Insight:
When BuildFreedom.US was established in July, the agency launched it in Texas, Michigan and Pennsylvania, with plans to expand to more states later this year.
The latest state additions represent BuildFreedom.US’ next phase of its national expansion, Kristin Schaaf, director of DOD’s investment programs, including the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program, said in a statement.
“These states are home to industries critical to America’s defense industrial base and our national security,” Schaaf added.
Ohio has a strong aerospace and defense industrial presence that drives a skilled workforce in advanced manufacturing, engineering, production and related technical careers, according to the Sept. 24 press release. Companies such as GE Aerospace, Anduril and Joby have or are building operations in the state.
Illinois has a manufacturing base supporting the defense industrial supply chain, which leads to creating opportunities for a new generation of workers across sectors including advanced manufacturing, precision production and technology. The state has a combined number of 1,658 entities with at least one DOD contract as of Sept. 29, 2025, according to Defense and Munitions.
Wisconsin hosts a defense industrial base that supports military shipbuilding, vehicles, engines, welding and other defense systems, according to BuildFreedom.US. The state supports nearly 27,000 workers across 135 facilities, according to a 2025 state fact sheet by the Aerospace Industries Association.
The Build Freedom.US initiative is backed by the IBAS program within DOD’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Industrial Base Policy.
IBAS focuses on expanding and upgrading the defense industrial base and its workforce by investing in six areas: critical minerals, workforce development, kinetic weapons, microelectronics, castings and forgings, and batteries.
