This Army Job Training Program Has A 93% Success Rate
There are a lot of programs for separating veterans looking for their first civilian job, but one Army program has the numbers to back up its success. For the soldiers who use it, the Army’s Career Skills Program has seemingly mastered what it takes to put veterans in a new post-military career.
All soldiers are required to take a five-day Transition Assistance Program class before they separate. What is unique about the Career Skills Program is that it provides training opportunities for soldiers interested in critical in-demand career fields.
After completing mandatory TAP training and up to 180 days before separating, interested soldiers can find a CSP training program in their new, chosen career field and use a permissive temporary duty assignment to attend the program, if it’s more than 50 miles from their permanent duty station.
Soldiers interested in a new job can catch apprenticeships, on-the-job training, job shadowing and internships in some 210 different Career Skills Programs. Opportunities range from auto maintenance and repair to pipefitting and welding to solar energy technology.
And it doesn’t have to have anything to do with the soldier’s military occupational specialty.
The best part of all is that since 2015, the Army has placed 21,000 transitioning soldiers in new jobs with a stunning 93% success rate. In 2019 alone, 4,782 soldiers left the military fully trained for their new full-time job — with no gap in employment.
Us Army Career Skills Program: A Pathway To Civilian Employment
I proudly served my country faithfully in the U.S. Army for more than 31 years, and I knew the decision to retire was going to be life-changing process. So before making that decision, I started having conversations with my mentors to ensure I was taking the appropriate steps and making the right decisions for me and my family.
For example, I spoke with one of my most influential mentors, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Luther Thomas Jr., the 12th senior enlisted adviser for the Army Reserve. He walked me through the process of preparing an exit strategy from the military, which consists of different phases that start about four years out from a service members proposed retirement date. He urged me to take my transition from the Army seriously and to take advantage of all the opportunities afforded to me because, as he put it, You only get one time to transition. I participate in the Soldier for Life–Transition Assistance Program, and he reminded me it was my responsibility to make the most of the courses and to start thinking about a civilian career a few years before leaving the military. This was to ensure I was prepared to obtain my desired job. It also gave me time, if needed, to complete any degrees, certifications, or credentials to qualify for a civilian profession.
Sgt. Maj. Derrick Witherspoon is the sergeant major for U.S. Army Reserve Command Public Affairs.
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Hours of Operation:
8 a.m.- 4 p.m., Mon -Fri Closed during Federal Holidays
Career Skills Program Installation Administrator
Phone: Soldier Support Center, Wing A, Rm. 233________________________________________8 a.m. – 4 p.m., M-FClosed during Federal Holidays
Sexual Assault Hotline
1 342-9647
The MEO and Harassment Hotline: 910-929-8894
THe Hotline provides 24/7 information on MEO and Harassment policies and procedures on how and where to file complaints, the behaviors that constitute discrimination and harassment, and information about the DoD Safe Helpline for sexual assault.
The hotline is an additional avenue for Soldiers to anonymously report incidents of MEO and Harassment.
When calls cannot be answered immediately the MEO professional will respond within 24 hours.
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Industry Partners / Employers
The Department of Defense invests tens of thousands of dollars in training for its Service members. This formal training is supplemented by extensive on-the-job training and accumulated hands on experience gained throughout the Service members career. Through the SkillBridge program, you can tap into the expertise of former Service members by sponsoring internship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities through the SkillBridge program.
How The Csp 50

Lets say you find an internship more than 50 miles away from your Army installation. Youd need to submit a request to attend and await approval from the proper authorities. For example, if you are stationed in Utah but receive an internship in Georgia, you may be able to participate with approval.
However, if you choose to live more than 50 miles away from your Army post, your basic allowance for housing and cost of living allowance rates will not change with your new location. As an example, if you are stationed at Fort Benning Georgia, making Fort Benning BAH, but you decide to get a job in Seattle, you will not receive additional money for the cost of living.
Be sure to plan accordingly on how you are going to make the out-of-state internship work before you apply for CSP.
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Career Skills Program Connects Soldiers With Post
Lauren Kovaleski, transition manager for Fort Campbells USO Pathfinder Program, addresses Soldiers preparing to transition into the civilian workforce Sept. 21 during a Career Skills Program briefing at the Staff Sgt. Glen H. English Jr. Army Education Center.
After serving 22 years in the Army, retired Sgt. 1st Class Brian Ashford knew it would be challenging to transition back into the civilian workforce, but the Fort Campbell Career Skills Program, or CSP, was there to help.
Through partnerships with dozens of workforce programs, CSP connects Soldiers like Ashford now a senior auditor at the United Services Automobile Association with the resources they need to find employment after leaving the military.
My background within the Army is in the finance community, so there was a carryover with my skills even though some of what Im doing is different, he said. I love the company, its mission and my team, and without CSP I dont think it would have been possible to get here.
Ashford worked with Hiring Our Heroes, a free 12-week program for active-duty Soldiers seeking corporate careers, to line up a job after learning about resource options at CSPs monthly briefings.
Captain Ryan Kowal, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division is among the Soldiers currently working with CSP and attended his first briefing on Sept. 21.
Career Skills Program Coordinator
Multiple Locations – Ft. Huachuca, Ft. Irwin, JB Lewis-McChord, Schofield Barracks,
Job ID: 3980
CALIBRE Systems, Inc., an employee-owned Management Consulting and Digital Transformation company, is looking for a full-time Career Skills Program Coordinator for the U.S. Army Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program . There are positions available at Fort Irwin, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Schofield Barracks.
The CSP Coordinator offers employment skills training opportunities to Soldiers or occasionally other service members preparing to transition from military to civilian employment through providing program planning, administrative/logistical support, and reporting within their area of responsibility in direct support of the Armys Career Skills Program . CSPAs coordinate with garrison-approved CSP employers, professional associations, unions, industry leaders, education and training providers to promote opportunities for transitioning Soldiers to yield high-value jobs or careers from initial concept to establishment of a partnership and execution, with minimal or no cost to the government.
Specific duties of the Education Counselor include but are not limited to:
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Commands / Installation Offices
Its a fact that every Service member will eventually leave the military. The vast majority will pursue careers in the civilian workforce. Their success in doing so reflects directly on what they say to their peers about the value of military service. Learn how you can help make the return to the civilian workforce as seamless as possible so the experiences Service members share with friends and family are positive ones.
Why Work With A John Deere Dealership
John Deere is close to home. There are thousands of dealer locations from sea to shining sea, so you can plant your roots near your community of choice.
Working for a John Deere dealer, you can count on:
- Competitive pay
- JDMHP is a FREE program open to current and former members of the US Armed Forces.
- JDMHP is also compatible with Army CSP and Skillbridge Internships
- Internships are available at Deere & Co Facilities and Dealerships Nationwide
Eligibility:
- Members of the National Guard
- Veterans with Honorable or General Discharge
How to Sign Up:
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select one or more options to start program. Each link will take you to a separate contact card form that will need to be completed and submitted.
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How Do I Apply And Get Approved
You can apply through the Hiring our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program or with your respective service branch Career Skills Program . If your base participates in the Hiring Our Heroes CFP, you are highly encouraged to sign up and coordinate your experience through that program. To find out if your base is currently participating, click here.
If your base does not participate in the CFP or your timeframe does not align with the cohort timeframes , please coordinate your interest between your transition manager at your base overseeing the CSP and fill out Lockheed Martin’s CSP screening application here. You will be notified by us if you are eligible for our program .
See the next section on this page for CSP rules/regulations by branch. You will need command approval to complete a fellowship, and fellowships much be completed during your last 180 days of active duty. To learn more about the DoD SkillBridge Program go to their website at:
Army Career Skills Program Costs And Financial Help
The Army CSP programs are of little to no cost for Soldiers. For programs that require funding, the Post 911 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and Credentialing Assistance can help cover costs.
The Army Emergency Relief is also available for eligible Soldiers. As of December 1, 2021, the AER approved assistance for the Armys Career Skills Program at all installations nationwide.
Theres no doubt the military-to-civilian transition can be challenging for some members of our military, says retired Lt. Gen. Raymond Mason, Army Emergency Relief Director. 26% of all veterans, and 47% of those who served since 9/11, said that readjusting to civilian life after years in the military can be difficult.
This is the reason why the Armys official nonprofit, the Army Emergency Relief , committed $3 million in grants to support Soldiers approved for CSP. Assistance may be provided as a grant up to $500 for participation in a local continental United States CSP, a grant up to $1,000 for participation in a non-local Continental United States CSP or a grant up to $1,500 for Soldiers traveling from outside continental United States to participate in a CONUS CSP.
AER assistance may cover costs related to CSP as follows:
- Travel expenses
- Uniforms/business attire
Review the AER Bulletin for more guidance on the Army Emergency Relief assistance.
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Get The Job Skills You Need To Succeed With Army Csp

According to the CSP opportunities map, you can get job skills from Fort Drum to Joint Base Lewis-McChord and anywhere in between working with Hiring Our Heroes, Ryder Diesel Mechanics, Delta Airlines, and more.
With the Army Career Skills Program, the opportunities are endless. Be sure to contact your local Army Education Center and SFL-TAP center to get started!
And when you need military-to-civilian resume writing, contact Empire Resume. Well help you transform your military experience, skills, and achievements into a civilian resume that generates results. We guarantee it!
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What Is The Career Skills Program
Theres no doubt the military-to-civilian transition can be challenging for some members of our military, said retired Lt. Gen. Raymond Mason, Army Emergency Relief Director. Twenty-six percent of all veterans, and 47 percent of those who served since 9/11, said that readjusting to civilian life after years in the military can be difficult. However, in the face of these challenges, the Army has made it its mission to continue supporting Soldiers throughout their military career, including the transition out and start of their new post-service lives. AER is proud to support this goal and lessen the obstacles that can come with making the military-to-civilian transition.
Who Is John Deere
John Deere is the world’s leading provider of advanced products and services in agricultural, construction, forestry and turf care equipment with an age-old commitment to those linked to the land.
Sustainability is deeply rooted in our higher purpose. That’s why we have demonstrated our dedication to feeding a growing population, empowering global prosperity, protecting natural resources, and more.
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The Paths Of Army Csp
CSPs are offered as a Cohort or Individual Internships.
A Cohort is an approved CSP that is hosted/sponsored at an Installation Management Command Garrison, which follows a scheduled program offering in a group setting of 5 to 50-plus participants. Individual Internships are for career training opportunities with companies that do not have a Cohort-approved program.
According to Education Center counselor, Shelby Hebing, The only difference between the approved and individual program is the individual is allowed to pursue an opportunity that may be more in their interests but doesnt fall into one of the approved programs.
Just in case youre into podcasts, check out the Army Career Skills Program podcast for more insight about the paths of Army CSP.
Army Career Skills Program
Provided by U.S. Army Installation Management Command
What is it?
The Army Career Skills Program, executed by the Installation Management Command , is an element of the military life cycle that prepare Soldiers for civilian employment upon completion of their military service.
The Career Skills Program encourages Soldiers to capitalize on training opportunities during transition to turn their military skills into post-service careers. The CSP is authorized by the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act, as enabled by DODI 1322.29 and includes opportunities for participation in pre-apprenticeship/apprenticeship, internships, job shadowing, on-the-job training and employment skills training.
Soldiers must expect to be honorably discharged or discharged under honorable conditions, and released from active duty within 180 calendar days of starting a CSP to be eligible. Commanders must authorize participation, which was previously limited to a 50-mile radius from a Soldiers home station.
What has the Army done?
Opportunities for Soldiers to attend a CSP have largely been based upon a Soldiers location. Larger installations or those located in larger cities have a variety of CSP courses to offer transitioning Soldiers, while smaller garrisons may only have one or two programs, if any at all.
What continued efforts are planned for the future?
Why is this important to the Army?
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Engineering And Electronics Technology
Develop the technical skills you need to launch an exciting career as an electronics technician, telecommunications technician, power plant operator and many others. The programs hands-on course work covers electronics, robotics, automation and more.
Whos hiring? Companies like LG& E/KU are continually seeking employees with these skills.
CERTIFICATE IN ELECTRONICS TESTER
A career as an electronics tester involves performing a variety of electronic, mechanical and electromechanical tests on electronics systems to ensure proper functionality. Length of program: 16 weeks or less.
REQUIRED COURSES* |
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*Other prerequisites may be required. Some courses may require college placement exams.
A16 Coding Training Institute
A16 Coding Training Institute is to improve and enrich the lives of our students by equipping them with the highest level of education, knowledge, instruction and to also provide the team with the tools needed for their success in achieving their career goals. Soldiers will earn a certification that will qualify them for employment opportunities with various healthcare providers in different locations.
POC: Ivonne Atanacio, Owner/Instructor/Administrator.
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The Army Career Skills Program Affords Transitioning Service Members The Opportunity To Participate In Employment Skills Training On
CSPs are offered as a COHORT or an Individual Internship. A COHORT is an approved CSP that is hosted/sponsored at an IMCOM Garrison, which follows a scheduled program offering in a group setting of 5-50+ participants. Individual Internships are for career training opportunities with companies that do not have a COHORT approved program. Individual Internships must be approved prior to Service Member participation. Approved COHORT and Individual Internship programs must complete a rigorous approval process to ensure the best training and care will be provided to our participants. Soldiers are authorized to attend CSPs more than 50-miles from their permanent duty station in an Administrative Absence status .
CSPs are available to all transitioning Soldiers who meet eligiblity requirements, with a focus on the “at-risk” Soldiers. Soldiers are considered “at-risk” if they are between ages 18-24, are first-term enlistees, medically separating, or involuntarily separating due to force shaping per AR 600-81.
Important Things to Know When Traveling More Than 50-miles From Permanent Duty Station To Attend An Approved CSP
History Of The Army Career Skills Program

The Army University Press reports that the first Army CSP was established in April 2013 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Tacoma, Washington, with United Association Veterans in Piping, which prepares Soldiers for careers in the pipe trade.
Past CSPs have included training in welding, pipefitting, roofing, construction, and trucking. Other programs provided training in solar energy, software systems, mechatronics, conservation, and electrical careers they also provided introductions to the medical industry, police training, and corporate business.
Prior to December 2016, Soldiers could participate in a CSP within a 50-mile radius of their duty location. Today, with the availability of the administrative absence known as permissive temporary duty or job hunting leave, Soldiers can attend a CSP outside of a 50-mile radius.
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