Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a significant step for soldiers. While their time in the Army offers unparalleled experiences and skill development, the shift to a different work environment requires preparation and the right resources. Recognizing this need, the Army provides robust career assistance programs, such as the Career Skills Program (CSP), designed to equip soldiers with the necessary tools for a successful transition. These Army Career Assistance Programs are invaluable resources, offering a bridge between military expertise and civilian career opportunities.
Every day at Fort Leonard Wood, dedicated personnel focus on molding civilians into soldiers. Simultaneously, another group of soldiers is preparing to conclude their service and embark on their civilian journeys. This transition, much like any major life change, can feel daunting. However, the Army has proactively established programs to ease this shift, enabling soldiers to cultivate new skills and explore employment prospects beyond their military tenure.
The Army’s Career Skills Program (CSP), a cornerstone of army career assistance programs, offers transitioning soldiers a unique opportunity. It allows them to participate in employment-skills training, on-the-job training, pre-apprenticeships, and internships within high-demand and highly-skilled sectors. Crucially, soldiers enrolled in CSP continue to receive their regular Army pay and allowances, as explained by Walt Harris, Transition Services Manager at Fort Leonard Wood’s Transition Assistance Program.
“Soldiers can engage in internships across various industries nationwide. This hands-on experience is designed to facilitate their employment prospects and ensure they can support their families after leaving the Army,” Harris stated. He also highlighted the impressive 85 percent hire rate for service members completing the CSP at Fort Leonard Wood. “While participating in the CSP, soldiers do not receive compensation from the host organization. The core benefit for soldiers remains their Army pay and benefits, and in return, we ask industry partners to impart valuable, marketable skills.”
Soldiers become eligible for CSP participation 180 days before their Expiration-Term of Service (ETS). Currently, the program boasts 234 established internship opportunities spanning diverse careers and skill sets. Moreover, the program is flexible and welcomes individual internship proposals initiated by service members.
“If a soldier identifies a specific organization for an internship – regardless of location – and secures sponsorship from the organization’s Human Resources department, they can pursue an internship there,” Harris elaborated. This personalized approach ensures soldiers can seek out opportunities that align with their specific career goals.
Sgt. 1st Class Curt Johnson learns about contracting during his internship.
For soldiers who may not find a suitable program within CSP or prefer to explore a broader range of options, the Department of Defense provides a parallel initiative known as SkillBridge. Fort Leonard Wood’s TAP experts are readily available to assist soldiers in navigating SkillBridge as well.
“If CSP doesn’t offer the perfect fit, SkillBridge, the DOD’s equivalent program, expands the available opportunities even further,” Harris mentioned. “There truly is something for every skill set within these army career assistance programs.”
Recognizing the importance of regional employment opportunities, the TAP team collaborates with workforce development specialists from the state of Missouri. Through initiatives like Heroes Connect, a database featuring over 13,000 veteran-friendly, Missouri-based employers actively seeking to hire transitioning service members is available.
“For service members aiming to remain in Missouri post-service, ample resources are readily accessible,” Harris affirmed. This focus on local connections enhances the relevance and practicality of army career assistance programs for soldiers seeking employment in specific regions.
Financial stability is a common concern for transitioning soldiers. Army Emergency Relief (AER) collaborates closely with TAP to alleviate these concerns through grant assistance. Pattie McDonald, an AER specialist at Fort Leonard Wood, detailed the financial support available. Soldiers enrolling in CSP and completing internships within a 50-mile radius of Fort Leonard Wood are eligible for a $500 grant. For internships located beyond 50 miles, the grant amount increases to $1,000. This financial aid further supports soldiers as they participate in army career assistance programs.
Sgt. 1st Class Curt Johnson, an Army Engineer veteran and former small group leader at the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence NCO Academy, is one soldier currently benefiting from the CSP. Scheduled to retire from the Army at the end of May, Johnson is interning with Mission and Installation Contracting Command-Fort Leonard Wood. His choice of contracting stems from the field’s emphasis on continuous professional development.
Johnson’s career aspiration is to transition into a Department of Defense civilian role. He emphasizes a key advantage of the CSP: facilitating a gradual adaptation to a different professional environment.
“The environment, the culture, the operational tempo – it’s all different in the civilian sector,” Johnson observed. “There’s a distinct structure and way of conducting business. Being able to integrate early and learn the nuances, the professional language, has been incredibly beneficial.” This acclimatization is a crucial aspect of successful transition facilitated by army career assistance programs.
Johnson also pointed out that the inherent goal-oriented mindset of service members makes them highly desirable candidates for civilian employment.
“Striving for continuous improvement and achieving defined objectives – that’s the ingrained military ethos,” he stated. “For corporations seeking individuals who can drive progress, achieve targets, and find optimal solutions, transitioning service members are exceptionally well-suited. They are highly motivated, results-driven individuals who proactively seek the most effective approaches to task completion.”
Rick Switzer, one of Johnson’s colleagues at MICC-Fort Leonard Wood, praised Johnson’s contributions, stating he “epitomizes the proactive, solution-oriented attitude expected of senior NCOs.”
“Despite Johnson’s lack of prior experience in contracting, he embraced the challenge and has excelled,” Switzer noted. “He has significantly contributed to the organization, bringing valuable insights and innovative thinking.” This highlights how army career assistance programs can effectively bridge skill gaps and unlock new career paths for veterans.
Johnson’s advice to future transitioning service members is to proactively research available resources and emphasizes that TAP specialists are readily available to provide comprehensive support throughout the process.
“Don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone,” he urged. “It might represent your greatest untapped potential. You won’t realize your full capabilities beyond your familiar environment if you don’t take that step.”
For further details regarding the Career Skills Program or other army career assistance programs available to transitioning service members at Fort Leonard Wood, individuals are encouraged to call 573.596.0719. These programs represent a significant investment in soldiers’ futures, ensuring their skills and experience gained in service translate into successful civilian careers.
