Renewed Purpose: How a Marine Corps Veteran Reignited His Career at ATDM

Editor’s note: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering.

In the past two years, 92 Veterans have found renewed purpose and new careers through the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. ATDM is an intensive training initiative designed to prepare workers for roles in the submarine industrial base, focusing on areas like additive manufacturing, CNC machining, nondestructive testing, quality control inspection (metrology) and welding. This program provides a promising path for Veterans and service members transitioning to civilian life, offering a thriving new career in defense manufacturing.

A Veteran’s journey from the battlefield to the workshop

Dustin Frantz, a Marine Corps Veteran who served in the Iraq conflict, joined the ATDM program with experience in simple machining from his time as a unit armorer.

“The precision of machining and 3D modeling fascinated me,” said Frantz. “I’ve always loved machining and knew I wanted to be part of American manufacturing in a big way.”

After his military service, Frantz transitioned into civilian life as a business owner, running a custom robotics company. However, a traumatic injury in 2018 left him hospitalized and suffering from amnesia, resulting in the loss of his home, property and savings. Despite these setbacks, Frantz persevered, trying various jobs and even starting a food truck business during the pandemic. Yet, he sought something more permanent to support his family and contribute to his country.

Discovering ATDM and a new opportunity

Frantz came across ATDM through a student success story featured in VA’s newsletter, #VetResources.

“Free housing? Free schooling? At first, I thought it was too good to be true,” said Frantz. Nevertheless, he applied and was accepted into the ATDM program in early 2024. He relocated to Danville to train in CNC Machining.

At ATDM, Frantz quickly impressed his instructors with his dedication and eagerness to enhance his skills. In April, he was honored as the Star Skilled Tradesperson at Martinsville Speedway’s NASCAR Cookout 400 race, where his name was proudly displayed on RFK Racing’s #CarWithAMission Ford Mustang. This event highlighted ATDM’s mission to supply skilled workers for the submarine industrial base, a cause deeply resonating with Frantz as he embarked on his new career path.

“There is nothing more formidable than the U.S. Nuclear Navy showing up. And when that submarine shows up, I want my fingerprint stamped on one of the parts. I want to be part of what makes our Navy a global deterrent to terrorism and war. The projection of power stops wars before they start, and there’s a unit of pride there that stirs the blood,” said Frantz. “I remember being in Iraq, driving a Cougar or a USMC 7-ton. I knew there was a machinist in America building the parts for our machine, making sure it worked and keeping us safe, and I’m all the more grateful. They made sure my brothers and I could come home.”

Looking ahead to a bright future

Frantz will graduate from ATDM this June and has already secured a job with FasTech, an additive manufacturing and advanced-metal, 3D-printing company in Danville. As a husband and father of seven, he is eager for his family to settle in Southside Virginia and feels a renewed sense of purpose in supporting the submarine industrial base.

“For anyone who feels like they’ve been passed over, lost their opportunity, or had it stolen from them because of illness or accident, this is your opportunity. It’s a fantastic school for beginners and a chance for anyone already in the industry to improve their skills,” he added.

About ATDM

Located on the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research campus in Danville, Virginia, ATDM is dedicated to equipping students with the latest manufacturing technologies to support the submarine industrial base. Funded by the Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy, ATDM offers full scholarships that cover both training and housing.

How to Apply to ATDM

• Visit Building Tomorrow’s Navy and the Defense Industrial Base. You could earn the skills for a new career in as little as 4 months. | The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (atdm.org).
• Select “Apply.”
• Complete the easy enrollment application.
• Select “Submit,” and step closer to new opportunities.