Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a significant step for any soldier. After years of dedication and structured routines in the Army, the prospect of navigating the civilian job market can feel daunting. Fortunately, the U.S. Army provides robust support for its personnel through the Army Career Transition Program, designed to equip soldiers with the skills and experience needed for a successful transition to civilian careers.
The Army Career Skills Program (CSP) stands as a cornerstone of this transition, offering invaluable opportunities for soldiers to gain practical, real-world experience in civilian sectors while still on active duty. This program allows service members to participate in employment skills training, on-the-job training, pre-apprenticeships, and internships, all with a strong focus on securing employment in high-demand and skilled professions. Crucially, soldiers enrolled in the Army career transition program continue to receive their regular Army pay and allowances, easing the financial pressure during this pivotal period.
Army Sergeant First Class Curt Johnson leverages the Army Career Transition Program for an internship at Fort Leonard Wood, gaining valuable civilian work experience as part of his military career transition.
What is the Army Career Skills Program (CSP)?
The Career Skills Program is a proactive initiative by the Army to smooth the transition process. As Walt Harris, Transition Services Manager at Fort Leonard Wood’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP), explains, the CSP enables soldiers to “intern with industry across the United States to help them find employment and be able to provide for their families after transitioning from the Army.” The program boasts an impressive hire rate, with 85% of participating service members at Fort Leonard Wood securing employment post-program. A key feature of the CSP is that while soldiers gain hands-on experience with civilian organizations, they do not receive direct compensation from these organizations, ensuring compliance and focusing the program on skill development. Instead, the continued Army benefits act as their support, while the host organizations are asked to provide valuable skills training and industry insights.
How to Participate in the Army Career Transition Program
Soldiers interested in leveraging the Army career transition program can begin the CSP process up to 180 days before their Expiration-Term of Service (ETS). The program already has a network of 234 established internship opportunities spanning diverse career fields and skill sets. However, the program is also designed to be flexible and accommodate individual career aspirations. Soldiers are encouraged to identify organizations of interest, regardless of location. As long as the organization’s Human Resources department is willing to sponsor the soldier as an intern, the CSP can facilitate the placement. This personalized approach ensures that soldiers can pursue internships that genuinely align with their career goals and interests within the army career transition program framework.
SkillBridge: Another Pathway for Military Career Transition
For soldiers who may not find a suitable opportunity within the CSP’s existing network, or who wish to explore a wider range of options, the Department of Defense offers a parallel program called SkillBridge. Fort Leonard Wood’s TAP experts are well-versed in both CSP and SkillBridge and can guide soldiers to the program that best fits their needs. According to Harris, “If you can’t find the right fit with CSP, the DOD’s version has even more opportunities available. There’s something for every skill set.” SkillBridge expands the scope of available internships and training programs, providing even greater flexibility for soldiers seeking to transition into specific civilian roles. Both CSP and SkillBridge are crucial components of the broader army career transition program, offering multiple avenues for success.
State and Local Resources for Veteran Employment
Recognizing that many transitioning soldiers seek employment in specific geographic areas, the Army career transition program also connects service members with valuable state and local resources. In Missouri, for example, the TAP team partners with workforce development experts through initiatives like Heroes Connect. This program maintains a database of over 13,000 veteran-friendly, Missouri-based employers actively looking to hire transitioning service members. Such partnerships demonstrate the comprehensive support system in place to assist soldiers who wish to remain in Missouri or other specific states after their military service. These localized resources are vital for soldiers aiming for a smooth transition into civilian life within a chosen community.
Financial Assistance During Your Army Career Transition
Financial stability is a primary concern for many soldiers transitioning to civilian life. To address this, Army Emergency Relief (AER) collaborates with TAP to offer financial grants to soldiers participating in the Army career transition program. Pattie McDonald, an AER specialist at Fort Leonard Wood, highlights that Army personnel enrolled in CSP are eligible for grants: $500 for completing an internship within 50 miles of Fort Leonard Wood, and $1,000 for internships located further than 50 miles away. These grants provide crucial financial support, helping to cover expenses associated with internships and easing the financial burden during the transition period. This financial assistance underscores the Army’s commitment to supporting soldiers throughout their career transition journey.
A Soldier’s Perspective: Sgt. 1st Class Curt Johnson’s CSP Experience
Sgt. 1st Class Curt Johnson’s experience with the Army Career Transition Program offers a compelling example of its benefits. Scheduled to retire after a distinguished Army career, including service as an Army Engineer and a Small Group Leader at the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence NCO Academy, Johnson chose to intern with Mission and Installation Contracting Command-Fort Leonard Wood (MICC-FLW). His decision to pursue contracting was driven by the field’s emphasis on continuous learning and professional development. Johnson aims to become a DOD civilian after retirement and recognized the CSP internship as a valuable stepping stone.
He emphasizes the importance of acclimating to the civilian work environment, noting differences in “environment, the climate, culture…structure and way of doing things.” The CSP internship provided him with the opportunity to learn civilian “mannerisms, the vocabulary,” making the transition less abrupt and more manageable. Johnson points out that the goal-oriented mindset instilled in service members is a significant asset in the civilian world. “Progressing toward a better end state — that’s your military mindset,” he states, highlighting the inherent value veterans bring to civilian employers.
Rick Switzer, Johnson’s colleague at MICC-FLW, attests to Johnson’s positive impact, stating he “epitomizes the can-do attitude that all senior NCOs should have” and has “helped the organization in many ways, bringing knowledge and thinking outside the box.” This testimonial underscores the mutual benefits of the Army Career Transition Program, enriching both the transitioning soldier and the civilian organization.
Advice for Transitioning Soldiers
Drawing from his CSP experience, Johnson advises fellow transitioning service members to “do a little research on what is available out there” and to leverage the expertise of TAP specialists, who “will help you every step of the way.” His key piece of advice is to “Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone.” He argues that stepping outside of one’s comfort zone is crucial for personal and professional growth, revealing untapped potential and opening doors to new opportunities in civilian life. This encouragement resonates strongly with the spirit of the Army career transition program – empowering soldiers to embrace new challenges and achieve success beyond their military service.
In conclusion, the Army Career Transition Program, particularly through initiatives like the Career Skills Program and SkillBridge, provides invaluable resources and support for soldiers transitioning to civilian careers. By offering practical training, internship opportunities, financial assistance, and personalized guidance, the Army ensures its service members are well-prepared for successful civilian lives. Transitioning soldiers are encouraged to contact their local Transition Assistance Program to explore the full range of opportunities available and begin their journey towards a fulfilling civilian career.
