The transition from military service to civilian employment can be a significant step for service members. Recognizing this, the U.S. Army has proactively developed the Army Career Skills Program (CSP), an initiative designed to bridge the gap between military expertise and civilian career opportunities. This program not only benefits transitioning soldiers but also presents a unique advantage for companies seeking highly skilled and dedicated individuals. By partnering with the Army CSP, businesses gain access to a pool of talent equipped with invaluable skills honed through military service.
The Department of Defense’s broader SkillBridge program serves as the foundation, enabling service members to pursue civilian-relevant degrees and certifications. The Army CSP, as the Army’s implementation of SkillBridge, offers retiring and separating soldiers a diverse range of pre-employment training opportunities. These programs are structured to enhance their prospects of securing meaningful employment post-military service, ensuring a smooth transition and leveraging their military skills in the civilian sector.
Colonel Scott Shaw, a Commander within the Asymmetric Warfare Group, emphasizes the Army’s commitment to its personnel. “As an Army Leader, I have a responsibility to counsel Soldiers exiting the military,” Col. Shaw stated. “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.” This commitment underscores the Army’s dedication to the well-being and future success of its soldiers, even after they leave active duty.
The Army Career Skills Program is strategically designed to facilitate various practical learning experiences for soldiers. These include apprenticeships, on-the-job training, internships, and job shadowing opportunities. Through these avenues, soldiers can acquire industry-recognized credentials, learn specific job responsibilities, develop new skills directly applicable to civilian roles, and become familiar with industry-specific practices. Soldiers approved for the program can participate in internships or apprenticeships with partnering companies or programs located near their duty station during their final six months of service. This allows for a practical, hands-on learning experience in a real-world civilian work environment before their official transition.
To illustrate the program’s effectiveness, consider the example of Captain Jacob Ahle, an information operations intelligence officer with 20 years of service. Despite holding a degree in psychology, Captain Ahle’s passion lay in teaching and coaching. Utilizing the Career Skills Program, he secured an internship at a local middle school, aligning with his desired career path in education. Over six weeks, he gained practical experience teaching health, physical education, and social studies to middle school students. He also shadowed a special needs teacher, broadening his skill set and preparing him for diverse classroom environments. Simultaneously, Captain Ahle began the process of obtaining his teaching certification. Following his internship and terminal leave, the school where he interned hired him, paving the way for a full-time teaching career. This success story exemplifies how the Army CSP effectively translates military experience into civilian career success.
Soldiers participating in Army Career Skills Program to enhance civilian job prospects
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 program participation. Soldiers continue to receive their regular military pay during the program. However, their primary duty location shifts to the host organization or company for the program’s duration, while they maintain accountability with their assigned military unit. This structure ensures soldiers are supported while gaining valuable civilian work experience.
The Army Career Skills Program’s adaptability is a key strength. By catering to the diverse interests and ambitions of soldiers, the program has consistently facilitated successful transitions into the civilian workforce for countless individuals. Its flexibility and wide array of options enable soldiers from all backgrounds and with varied career goals to cultivate the necessary skills, credentials, and knowledge. This preparation is crucial for securing civilian employment and allowing them to continue contributing to their communities as private citizens, embodying the “Soldier for Life” ethos. For companies, this translates to access to a highly adaptable, trained, and motivated workforce ready to contribute to their organizations.
For businesses interested in learning more about partnering with the Army Career Skills Program and accessing this exceptional talent pool, further details can be found at: https://home.army.mil/imcom/index.php/customers/career-skills-program. By engaging with the Army CSP, companies not only gain a competitive edge through skilled veteran employees but also contribute to a successful transition for those who have served the nation.
