Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a significant shift, but the U.S. Army is committed to equipping its soldiers for success beyond their service. Recognizing the valuable skills and experience soldiers gain, the Army Career Skills Program (CSP) stands as a pivotal initiative to bridge the gap between military expertise and civilian career opportunities. This program empowers retiring and separating soldiers to enhance their skill sets with a civilian focus, significantly improving their prospects of securing fulfilling and meaningful employment in the civilian sector.
The Army Career Skills Program is the Army’s implementation of the Department of Defense SkillBridge program. SkillBridge is a DoD-wide initiative designed to provide service members with opportunities to gain civilian job skills through internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training during their final months of service. The Army CSP specifically enables eligible soldiers to participate in a variety of pre-employment programs tailored to facilitate a smooth and successful transition into the civilian workforce. These programs are designed to provide practical, hands-on experience and industry-recognized credentials, making soldiers highly competitive candidates in the job market.
“As an Army Leader, I have a responsibility to counsel Soldiers exiting the military,” stated Col. Scott Shaw, former Commander for the Asymmetric Warfare Group. “Part of that is to ensure those Soldiers are aware of the programs available to them. People are our Army’s number one priority, and ensuring Soldiers transition out of the military with a positive story to tell others, so they too can be inspired to serve. It’s what being a Soldier for Life is about.”
The core of the Career Skills Program lies in its focus on practical skill development relevant to civilian industries. It achieves this by facilitating apprenticeships, on-the-job training, internships, and job shadowing opportunities for soldiers. These experiences are strategically designed to enable soldiers to acquire industry-recognized credentials, understand civilian job responsibilities, learn new skills that translate to civilian roles, and become familiar with industry-specific practices. Soldiers approved for the program can engage in internships or apprenticeships with vetted companies or apprenticeship programs located near their duty station during the last six months of their active duty. This crucial period allows for immersive learning and real-world application of skills before officially transitioning out of the Army.
Soldier participating in the Army Career Skills Program, gaining hands-on experience in a civilian field.
Consider the example of Captain Jacob Ahle, an information operations intelligence officer with two decades of service. Despite holding an undergraduate degree in psychology, Captain Ahle’s passion for teaching led him to explore a career in education post-retirement. Leveraging the Career Skills Program, he secured a valuable internship at a local middle school in his intended retirement area. For six weeks, he immersed himself in the world of education, teaching health, physical education, and social studies to middle school students. Furthermore, he gained insights into special education by shadowing a special needs teacher. Simultaneously, Captain Ahle began the process of obtaining his teaching certification. This proactive approach, facilitated by the Career Skills Program, directly led to a successful transition. Following his internship and terminal leave, the school where he interned offered him a full-time teaching position, setting him on a path to a fulfilling second career.
It’s important to note that while units support participating soldiers, they do not receive direct reimbursement for this support, nor can they reimburse soldiers for their participation in the program. Soldiers continue to receive their regular military pay and benefits throughout their CSP participation. However, their primary duty location shifts to the hosting organization or company, emphasizing the immersive nature of the program. Soldiers remain accountable to their assigned units throughout the program duration, ensuring military readiness and oversight are maintained.
The Army Career Skills Program’s strength lies in its adaptability and responsiveness to the diverse interests and career goals of soldiers. Its flexibility and wide array of options empower soldiers from all backgrounds and ambitions to cultivate the skills, credentials, and practical knowledge necessary for successful civilian employment. By providing this crucial bridge, the Career Skills Program not only benefits individual soldiers but also contributes to the broader community by enabling veterans to continue serving their country as skilled and productive private citizens, equipped for success in their chosen civilian careers.
