Leaving military service and entering the civilian workforce is a significant step for soldiers. While the Army provides unparalleled training and experience, translating those skills into civilian careers can seem daunting. Fortunately, the U.S. Army offers a robust program designed to bridge this gap: the Army Career Skills Program (CSP). Specifically, the Army Career Skills Program Internship component provides invaluable opportunities for soldiers to gain real-world civilian work experience before their transition is complete.
Sgt. 1st Class Curt Johnson participating in an Army Career Skills Program Internship at Fort Leonard Wood.
What is the Army Career Skills Program?
The Army Career Skills Program is a comprehensive initiative aimed at providing transitioning service members with the necessary tools and experience to succeed in civilian careers. It offers a range of options, including employment skills training, on-the-job training, pre-apprenticeships, and, crucially, internships. The program is designed to place soldiers in high-demand and highly-skilled jobs, increasing their chances of securing meaningful employment after their service. A key benefit of the CSP is that soldiers continue to receive their military pay and allowances while participating, easing the financial transition.
Walt Harris, Transition Services Manager at Fort Leonard Wood’s Transition Assistance Program, emphasizes the program’s effectiveness: “They can 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 success of the CSP is evident in the high hire rate of 85% for participating service members at Fort Leonard Wood. Importantly, while soldiers gain invaluable experience, companies are only asked to provide skills training, not financial compensation, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Internship Opportunities and Flexibility within CSP
Soldiers can begin their CSP journey up to 180 days before their Expiration-Term of Service (ETS). The program boasts an impressive network of 234 established internship opportunities across diverse career fields. This wide array of options ensures that soldiers with varying skill sets and career interests can find a suitable path.
Furthermore, the CSP is flexible and encourages initiative. If a soldier identifies a specific company or organization for an internship that isn’t already part of the established network, they are empowered to create their own opportunity. As long as the organization’s HR department is willing to sponsor the internship, soldiers can pursue this tailored path, regardless of location within the United States. This personalized approach ensures the program truly meets the individual needs and career aspirations of each transitioning soldier.
Beyond CSP: SkillBridge and State Resources
For soldiers who may not find a perfect fit within the CSP’s existing options or who wish to explore even broader possibilities, the Department of Defense offers a similar program called SkillBridge. Fort Leonard Wood’s TAP experts are equipped to guide soldiers through both CSP and SkillBridge, ensuring they are aware of all available resources. “If you can’t find the right fit with CSP, the DOD’s version has even more opportunities available,” Harris notes, highlighting the extensive network accessible to transitioning service members.
Additionally, for those aiming to remain in Missouri, the state offers dedicated workforce development resources. Heroes Connect, for example, provides a database of over 13,000 veteran-friendly, Missouri-based employers actively seeking to hire transitioning service members. This localized support system further strengthens the safety net for soldiers transitioning to civilian life.
Financial Support During Transition
Financial concerns are often at the forefront of a transitioning soldier’s mind. Recognizing this, Army Emergency Relief (AER) partners with TAP to provide financial grants to CSP participants. Pattie McDonald, an AER specialist at Fort Leonard Wood, explains that soldiers completing a CSP internship can receive $500 for internships within 50 miles of Fort Leonard Wood and $1,000 for those further afield. This financial assistance can significantly ease the transition process, covering expenses and allowing soldiers to focus on their internship and future career prospects.
Success Story: Sgt. 1st Class Curt Johnson
Sgt. 1st Class Curt Johnson’s experience exemplifies the positive impact of the Army Career Skills Program internship. As he prepared for retirement after a distinguished Army career, including roles as an Army Engineer and small group leader, Johnson sought an internship to facilitate his transition to civilian life. He chose an internship with Mission and Installation Contracting Command-Fort Leonard Wood, focusing on contracting due to its emphasis on continuous learning.
Johnson highlights the crucial benefit of the CSP internship in acclimatizing to a civilian work environment. “The environment, the climate, culture, it’s all different,” he observes. “Being able to get in here early and start learning the mannerisms, the vocabulary, has been helpful.” He also points out that the military mindset, focused on goal achievement, is highly valuable in the civilian sector.
Rick Switzer, Johnson’s colleague at MICC-Fort Leonard Wood, praises Johnson’s contributions, stating, “While (Johnson) has never worked in the contracting field, he has taken on the task and excelled. He has helped the organization in many ways, bringing knowledge and thinking outside the box.” This testament underscores the value that transitioning soldiers bring to civilian organizations.
Take the Next Step Towards Your Civilian Career
The Army Career Skills Program internship is a powerful tool for soldiers transitioning to civilian careers. It offers practical experience, skills development, and a smoother pathway to employment. Sgt. 1st Class Johnson’s advice to fellow transitioning service members is clear: “Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone.” Exploring the opportunities available through CSP and contacting TAP specialists is the first step towards a successful and fulfilling civilian career. For more information on the CSP and other transition programs at Fort Leonard Wood, call 573.596.0719 and begin your journey today.
