1. This MILPER message will expire no later than (NLT) 15 July 2027.
2. The U.S. Army Transformation & Training Command (T2COM) is accepting applications to attend the Soldier-Led Army Software Factory (ASWF), for Fiscal Year 2027/2028 (FY27/FY28).
3. We are seeking Soldiers who possess the knowledge, skills, and behaviors, or have a strong interest in software development and cloud engineering, as well as related fields of agile product management, and user interface design. The T2COM ASWF program is open to eligible and qualified Active Component (Army) Officers, Warrant Officers, and Enlisted Soldiers. The application window will close 30 September 2026 for Cohort 14 and 31 March 2027 for Cohort 15. Applications can still be submitted after this cutoff date, but will only be considered for subsequent cohorts. Specific guidelines and eligibility criteria are outlined in the FAQ section available via link on the https://soldiersolutions.swf.army.mil application portal.
4. The ASWF Program is an immersive, in-person, collaborative program with courses of instruction to develop software capabilities. The program is located in downtown Austin, TX. The program has three phases, with a total length of approximately 24-months. The first phase consists of a six-month technical accelerator (technical boot camp) to baseline foundational skills for the selected track. The second phase consists of a six-month experience in which the participants are paired with subject matter experts to further develop foundational skills. The third phase leverages application teams against Army-submitted problems. The ASWF works closely with academic and industry partners to execute this program. The program is open to most grades and all occupational specialties and is focused on developing individuals as functioning team members to solve current and future Army problems with modern technology. There are four tracks offered: Software Product Manager, Software Product Designer, Software Development Engineer, and Platform Engineer.
| Cohort | Application Suspense Date | Start Date | Assignment Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort 14 | 30 September 2026 | 10 July 2027 | 24 Months |
| Cohort 15 | 31 March 2027 | 10 January 2028 | 24 Months |
5. Eligibility Criteria:
a. Officers and Warrant Officers:
(1) Applicants must be in ranks of 1LT-MAJ and CW2-CW3.
(2) Meet the additional criteria in paragraph 5.c, below.
b. Noncommissioned Officers (NCO):
(1) Applicants must be in the ranks of SGT-SFC.
(2) Applicants must have completed all requisite levels of NCOES for their rank.
(3) GT score of 110 or higher (No waivers).
(4) Meet the additional criteria in paragraph 5.c, below.
c. All Candidates:
(1) Active Component Soldiers and MOS immaterial.
(2) Meet Army height and weight and physical fitness standards. Army standard body composition assessment and Army Fitness Test (AFT) will be administered during in-processing and semi-annually after IAW Army standards.
(3) Not pending any adverse actions or under investigation.
(4) Must meet all requirements for reenlistment and/or continued service.
(5) Have interpersonal skills and the ability to interact and form relationships with individuals from diverse experiences and backgrounds.
(6) Be able to be on site at the Army Software Factory on or about 10 July 2027 for Cohort 14, and on or about 10 January 2028 for Cohort 15.
(7) Currently have an adjudicated SECRET security clearance.
(8) All applicants are required to have at least two years of time in service,
but no more than 16 years by the start date of the program (No waivers).
6. Selection Process:
a. All applications will be reviewed by a diverse board. The top applicants will be invited for a behavioral and technical interview. This is conducted virtually. There may be additional assessments as required. None of the application assessments require expert knowledge in the specific tracks. However, research on the various tracks within the Army Software Factory is highly recommended.
b. Final Order of Merit List and selection is built in coordination with Army Human Resources Command (HRC) to consider a variety of rank, MOS, skillsets and other factors.
7. Program Tenure/Location:
a. During the Army Software Factory Program, cohort members will be assigned (via PCS) to the U.S. Army Software Factory in Austin, TX, with an in-person work location at the Austin Community College, Rio Grande Campus.
b. The Army Software Factory is not co-located with a typical garrison support structure. All Soldiers will live on the economy with Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) levels for Austin, TX. Additionally, there are not typical support items such as Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs), Child Development Centers (CDCs), or Army Community Services (ACS) within T2COM or Austin, TX. Austin is also a high cost of living area with lengthy commute times. This is a voluntary opportunity, and you should consider these factors before applying to the program.
c. Follow-on Assignment. All service members who successfully complete the 2-year ASWF program will be assigned to a 24-month follow-on assignment. These utilization assignments, and associated locations, will be based on current Army needs. Limited opportunities may become available for Soldiers to be selected for utilization assignments at ASWF to train, mentor, and develop incoming Soldier cohorts.
8. Soldiers applying to the ASWF will submit their application online at the https://soldiersolutions.swf.army.mil application portal.
9. Enlisted Soldiers attending the ASWF incur a 48-month service-remaining requirement (SRR) from the planned program start date. Enlisted Soldiers must reenlist prior to PCS to meet SRR obligation. Indefinite Soldiers will not be afforded voluntary retirement until their service obligation is complete.
10. Officers and Warrant Officers incur a three-for-one (3:1) active-duty service obligation (ADSO) computed in days, for each day in the program until receipt of their technical ASI. IAW AR 350-100, the ADSO equals three times the length of schooling, computed in days. Both Enlisted and Officer Personnel must obtain their technical ASI within 12 months from program start date or they will be released to the needs of the Army.
11. ASWF serves as a primary feeder program for FA28 Software Operations, a new and emergent Army functional area. Exceptional program graduates will be encouraged to apply for pathways to FA28, as the functional area intent is to continue growth of the top Soldiers committed to future service in this capacity.
12. The POC for this MILPER message is the Army Software Factory Recruiting Team at cohort-applications@swf.army.mil.