Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a significant step for many soldiers. While their time in the Army equips them with invaluable skills and experiences, navigating the civilian job market can be challenging. Recognizing this, the U.S. Army offers the Career Skills Program (CSP), a remarkable initiative designed to bridge the gap between military expertise and civilian career opportunities. This program provides transitioning service members with a pathway to gain crucial employment skills, participate in on-the-job training, and secure internships in high-demand industries.
The Army Career Skills Program is specifically tailored to offer soldiers nearing the end of their service (within 180 days of their Expiration-Term of Service, or ETS) a chance to prepare for their post-military careers. Transition Services Manager Walt Harris from Fort Leonard Wood’s Transition Assistance Program emphasizes the core mission of CSP: to facilitate a smooth transition by providing practical skills and real-world experience. Soldiers enrolled in the program can intern with companies across the nation, gaining invaluable insights and skills without losing their military pay and benefits. This unique aspect of the Career Skills Program Army ensures financial stability while service members focus on acquiring new competencies. The success of the program is evident in the impressive 85 percent hire rate among participating service members at Fort Leonard Wood, highlighting its effectiveness in preparing soldiers for civilian employment.
Sgt. 1st Class Curt Johnson is set to retire from the Army at the end of May and is currently an intern with Mission and Installation Contracting Command-Fort Leonard Wood while he is enrolled in the Army’s Career Skills Program, gaining valuable experience for his post-military career.
The flexibility of the Career Skills Program Army is another key advantage. While there are over 200 established internship opportunities across diverse sectors, soldiers are also encouraged to proactively identify organizations and propose customized internships. As Harris explains, if a service member finds a company of interest, regardless of location, and that organization’s HR department is willing to sponsor an internship, the CSP can facilitate that connection. This personalized approach ensures that soldiers can pursue opportunities that align with their individual career aspirations and skill sets.
For soldiers who may not find a suitable fit within the CSP’s existing network or wish to explore a broader range of options, the Department of Defense offers a parallel program known as SkillBridge. Fort Leonard Wood’s Transition Assistance Program experts are well-versed in SkillBridge and can guide soldiers through this alternative. Harris points out that SkillBridge expands the possibilities even further, providing an extensive array of opportunities across various industries and skill domains. This dual-program approach ensures that every transitioning soldier has access to resources and pathways tailored to their unique needs and career goals, whether through the Army Career Skills Program or the broader SkillBridge initiative.
Financial concerns are often at the forefront of transitioning soldiers’ minds. Army Emergency Relief (AER) steps in to alleviate some of this anxiety through grants specifically for CSP participants. Pattie McDonald, an AER specialist at Fort Leonard Wood, highlights that soldiers completing a CSP internship within a 50-mile radius of the base are eligible for a $500 grant, while those interning further away than 50 miles can receive $1,000. This financial support further underscores the Army’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and supported transition for its service members into civilian careers.
Sgt. 1st Class Curt Johnson, a transitioning soldier at Fort Leonard Wood, exemplifies the benefits of the Career Skills Program Army. With a background as an Army Engineer and recent experience as a small group leader at the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence NCO Academy, Johnson chose an internship with Mission and Installation Contracting Command-Fort Leonard Wood. His selection of contracting was driven by the industry’s emphasis on continuous learning and professional development. Johnson aims to transition into a Department of Defense civilian role after retirement, and he values how the CSP is facilitating his acclimatization to a different professional environment.
Johnson emphasizes that the shift from military to civilian work involves adapting to new environments, cultures, and operational styles. The Career Skills Program provides a crucial bridge, allowing soldiers to immerse themselves in civilian workplaces while still under the umbrella of their military benefits. This early exposure helps in understanding civilian workplace dynamics, professional vocabulary, and expected behaviors, making the overall transition less abrupt and more manageable. He also notes that the inherent goal-oriented mindset cultivated in military service is a significant asset in the civilian sector. The ability to focus on objectives and efficiently achieve them translates seamlessly into corporate environments, making veterans highly valuable employees.
Rick Switzer, one of Johnson’s colleagues at MICC-Fort Leonard Wood, attests to Johnson’s positive impact, highlighting his “can-do attitude” and ability to bring fresh perspectives to the organization, even without prior contracting experience. Johnson’s advice to fellow transitioning service members is to proactively research available opportunities and leverage the expertise of TAP specialists. He encourages soldiers to embrace stepping outside their comfort zones, viewing it as a crucial step towards unlocking their full potential in the civilian world.
For those seeking more information about the Career Skills Program Army or other transition resources at Fort Leonard Wood, reaching out to the Transition Assistance Program at 573-596-0719 is the recommended first step. The Army’s commitment to its soldiers extends beyond their service, ensuring they are well-prepared and supported as they embark on their civilian careers through programs like the invaluable Career Skills Program.
