Pathways – Recent Graduate (RG) Program


Program Overview

The Recent Graduates (RG) Program provides developmental experiences to those who have graduated in the past 2 years in the Federal Government. Individuals who successfully complete a Pathways Program may be eligible for noncompetitive conversion to a term or permanent position in civil service.

Section 1106 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017 provides that the Secretary of Defense may recruit and appoint qualified current post-secondary students and recent graduates directly to competitive service without applying competitive ranking and ranking procedures.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must have been awarded degrees by an institution of higher education not more than two (2) years before the date of the appointment. In exception are those who have completed a period of obligated service in a uniformed service and awarded their degree not more than four (4) years prior to the date of their appointment.

How to Apply

Once an announcement is posted on USAJobs, complete applications (to include all required documents) must be submitted electronically.

Candidates have until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of the announcement to complete the application process. This includes submitting the online application as well as any required documents as defined in the Required Documents section in the listed announcement. Candidates are encouraged to complete their applications the day the announcement opens to ensure they receive consideration. Should candidates be missing any of the required documents or submit their application late, they will be disqualified for consideration of employment.

Due to the volume of applications for the DoD’s Pathways programs, there is typically a maximum number of applications for each vacancy announcement. The vacancy will close on the closing date listed in the announcement or on midnight the day that the maximum number of applications are received. The vacancy will close when the first of these conditions are met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same.

To Learn More

Questions about this Program may be directed to the recruiting office.