Fort Carson Career Skills Program: Your Pathway to Civilian Success

Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a significant step. The U.S. Army understands this and has established the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to ensure soldiers are well-prepared for this change. Complementing TAP, the Fort Carson Career Skills Program (CSP) offers a unique opportunity for soldiers at Fort Carson to gain valuable, in-demand skills and certifications, setting them up for thriving careers after their service. This guide will walk you through the TAP and CSP programs at Fort Carson, ensuring you understand the eligibility, process, and benefits available to you.

Understanding TAP and CSP Eligibility and the Process

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is a cornerstone program designed to support all soldiers transitioning from active duty. If you are an active or Reserve Component Soldier with 180 or more days of continuous active federal duty service, you and your family are eligible for TAP services starting 18 months prior to your transition or 24 months before retirement. Participation in TAP is mandatory, ensuring every soldier receives essential transition support.

The Army Career Skills Program (CSP) at Fort Carson builds upon this foundation, offering a pathway to acquire specific job skills. To be eligible for the Fort Carson Career Skills Program, you must be within 180 days of your separation date, meet specific program requirements, and secure approval from your first field grade commander. Crucially, completion of all mandatory TAP requirements is necessary before you can begin any CSP training.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigate the TAP and CSP process at Fort Carson:

Step 1: Pre-Registration for TAP

Begin your transition journey online:

1. Open Google Chrome and navigate to the Army Transition Assistance Program website.
2. Locate and click the login button (padlock icon) in the upper right corner.
3. Log in using your Common Access Card (CAC).
4. Review all pre-filled information and complete any missing fields, including your civilian email and cell phone number.
5. Once you reach the appointment scheduling screen, your pre-registration is complete.
6. Contact the TAP front desk at 719-526-1001 or 719-526-1002 to schedule your initial counseling appointment.

Step 2: Individualized Initial Counseling and Self-Assessment

This is a critical, mandatory step that must be completed at least 365 days before your transition.

Step 3: Complete Individualized Initial Counseling (IIC)

Schedule your IIC appointment by calling 719-526-1001 or 719-526-1002 or visiting the TAP office in building 1218, room 135.

Step 4: Pre-Separation Counseling Briefing

Your counselor will schedule your pre-separation counseling during your IIC appointment. This briefing, conducted over the phone, will cover the benefits and resources available to you as you transition.

Step 5: TAP Mandatory Courses

Your counselor will guide you in identifying the mandatory TAP courses relevant to your situation. These typically include:

• DoD Training Day: MY Transition, MOS Crosswalk, and Financial Planning for Transition.
• VA Benefits and Services: Delivered via JKO or LMS.
• Department of Labor (DoL) 1-Day Fundamentals of Employment or Verified Employment Waiver.
• Continuum of Service Opportunity Counseling: Required for Active Component soldiers only, held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. in building 1042, 1853 O’Connell Blvd.

2-Day Tracks for Specialized Transition Paths:

TAP also offers optional 2-day tracks to provide more focused guidance based on your post-military goals. You can register for tracks such as:

• Education Track: For soldiers pursuing higher education.
• Vocational Track: For those interested in career technical training.
• Employment Track: Focused on direct employment after service.
• Entrepreneur (Boots to Business) Track: For soldiers aiming to start their own businesses.

Your counselor may also recommend these tracks based on your individual needs assessment during the IIC.

Step 6: Follow-On Appointments/Capstone

Counselors are available by appointment only, so schedule in advance. Your Capstone appointment, the final review of your transition plan, MUST be scheduled and completed at least 90 days prior to your transition date.

Step 7: Clearing Process

A physical TAP stamp is no longer required on your clearing papers. Instead, print your finalized DD2648 and provide a copy to Transitions during your final out-processing.

• Printing Your E-FORM (DD2648):
  1. Go to Milconnect.
  2. Log in with your CAC.
  3. Select the “Correspondence/Documentation” tab.
  4. Choose the “DoD Transition Assistance Program (DoDTAP)” tab.
  5. Select “E-Form.”
  6. Download and print your DD2648.

Step 8: Career Skills Program (CSP)

Once you have completed the mandatory TAP requirements and are within 180 days of your separation, explore the Fort Carson Career Skills Program (CSP). Contact CSP directly at 719-526-2096 or 719-526-1197 for program-specific details and application procedures. Remember, commander approval is needed to participate in CSP.

Additional Transition Services at Fort Carson TAP

Fort Carson TAP goes beyond the core program, offering a range of events and classes to further support your transition:

• Hiring Events and Resource Fairs: Connect with potential employers and explore available resources.
• CSP Information Sessions: Learn more about specific Career Skills Program opportunities.
• Federal Resume Writing Courses: Craft a compelling resume tailored for federal employment.
• Networking and Interviewing Techniques Workshops: Develop essential job search skills.
• Salary Negotiation and Dress for Success Courses: Prepare for the financial and professional aspects of civilian employment.

For a complete schedule of events, visit the TAP Center and pick up a monthly calendar. To register for additional classes, visit the Fort Carson TAP Center or call 719-526-1001 or 719-526-1002.

Get More Information

For further details about TAP and the Fort Carson Career Skills Program, contact the Fort Carson TAP front office at 719-526-1001 or 719-526-1002. Walk-in hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the TAP Center. Take advantage of these valuable resources to ensure a smooth and successful transition to your civilian career.