The U.S. Army is deeply committed to ensuring that soldiers transitioning out of service have every opportunity to thrive in their civilian careers. Recognizing the unique skills and experience military personnel possess, the Army provides robust programs like the Military Career Skills Program to facilitate a smooth and successful transition. This initiative is designed to enhance soldiers’ existing skills with a civilian focus, significantly improving their prospects of securing fulfilling and well-suited employment after their military service.
The Military Career Skills Program is the Army’s implementation of the Department of Defense SkillBridge program. SkillBridge is a vital program that enables service members to pursue valuable civilian-relevant degrees or certifications during their final months of service. The Army Career Skills Program specifically offers retiring and separating soldiers a wide array of pre-employment training opportunities. These programs are carefully designed to equip them with the necessary tools and experience to confidently enter the civilian workforce.
Soldiers in training, representing the Military Career Skills Program
Colonel Scott Shaw, Commander for the Asymmetric Warfare Group, emphasizes the Army’s dedication to this mission. “As an Army Leader, I have a responsibility to counsel Soldiers exiting the military and ensure those Soldiers are aware of the programs available to them,” Col. Shaw stated. He further highlighted the core Army value of prioritizing its people: “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 underscores the Army’s long-term commitment to soldiers, even beyond their active duty.
The core focus of the Military Career Skills Program lies in providing practical, hands-on experience. It achieves this through facilitating various avenues such as:
- Apprenticeships: Allowing soldiers to learn a trade under the guidance of experienced professionals.
- On-the-Job Training: Providing real-world work experience within a civilian company.
- Internships: Offering structured work experiences to gain specific industry knowledge and skills.
- Job Shadowing: Enabling soldiers to observe professionals in their desired field to understand daily responsibilities and industry practices.
These opportunities are strategically designed to help soldiers earn industry-recognized credentials, acquire new skills, and familiarize themselves with industry-specific practices. Soldiers approved for the program can participate in internships or apprenticeships with approved companies or programs located near their duty station during the last six months of their active duty. This proximity ensures minimal disruption and maximizes the benefit of the program before their official separation.
A compelling example of the program’s success is Capt. Jacob Ahle, an information operations intelligence officer with 20 years of service. Despite holding an undergraduate degree in psychology, Capt. Ahle’s passion lay in teaching and coaching. Utilizing the Military Career Skills Program, he secured an invaluable internship at a local middle school in his intended retirement area. During this six-week internship, he taught health, physical education, and social studies to middle school students. Furthermore, he proactively shadowed a special needs teacher to broaden his skill set and prepare for diverse classroom environments. Simultaneously, Capt. Ahle began the process of obtaining his teaching certification. Following his internship and terminal leave, his dedication and the experience gained through the program led to a full-time teaching position at the very school where he interned. He is now on track to complete his certification and embark on his new career as a full-time educator.
It’s important to note the program’s operational framework. While units fully support participating soldiers, they do not receive any reimbursement for this support, nor are they permitted to reimburse soldiers for their participation. Soldiers continue to receive their regular military pay and benefits throughout the program. Although their duty location temporarily shifts to the host organization or company, they remain accountable to their assigned military unit throughout the program duration.
The Military Career Skills Program’s strength lies in its adaptability and the recognition of soldiers’ diverse interests and career goals. Its flexibility and wide range of options empower soldiers from all backgrounds and ambitions to cultivate the skills, credentials, and practical knowledge necessary to successfully transition into meaningful civilian employment. By bridging the gap between military service and civilian careers, the program enables veterans to continue contributing their valuable skills and experience as private citizens, embodying the true spirit of “Soldier for Life.”
For more detailed information about the Military Career Skills Program and how it can benefit your transition, please visit: https://home.army.mil/imcom/index.php/customers/career-skills-program
