JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
The Career Skills Program (CSP), also known as the DOD Skillbridge, offers U.S. service members the opportunity to get a head start in the civilian sector when the time comes to separate or retire from the military.
The program allows members to plan ahead. Although the program is not an entitlement, it can be an opportunity for members to get their foot in the door before leaving the service.
The training during this program can vary based on the goals of the service member, but some common paths include computer related fields, manufacturing, medical or healthcare, real estate and welding.
Service members must be under contract for 180 days and expect to be separated from service within 180 days to participate in the CSP. After commander approval, members may start an internship, apprenticeship, on the-job-training or employment skills training at an approved CSP employer up to 180 days before separation or retirement.
“CSP provides service members with the opportunity to participate in career and skill training programs during their transition period, to improve their employment opportunity upon transition from active duty,” said Chad Schwab, Langley Education Center Career Skills Program specialist.
The CSP gives 180 days maximum to start working for the employer. Even though a service member can potentially work under the provider for that amount of time, the provider is not obligated to hire them after the training period.
The criteria for approved CSPs is listed under Department of Defense Instruction 1322.29, Job Training, Employment Skills Training, Apprenticeships, and Internships (JTEST-AI) for Eligible Service Members. This will be thoroughly vetted before service members start their skill training. Each member taking this opportunity must meet with a career skills specialist to discuss questions, concerns and requirements.
“The CSP has two desired end states,” said Clayton Wilkes, Career Skills Program installation administrator at the Fort Eustis Army Education Center. “The first is to provide service members with the opportunity to participate in career and skill training programs during their transition. The second goal is to improve their employment opportunity upon transition from active duty.”
Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Katie Ward said she knows firsthand how the CSP can help the transition from military to civilian life.
“It made me feel more comfortable and less uneasy with my transition,” Ward said. “I’m so grateful I was able to start that next chapter with such an extensive degree of stability. The CSP gives you an advantage you otherwise wouldn’t have if you go straight from your military service into the job search.”
Service members who are currently undergoing a Medical Evaluation Board may begin a CSP 85 days after their medical retention Determination Point.
According to Schwab, since the program is available for transitioning service members, the sooner a service member starts making arrangements for separation and transition into the civilian life, the more time commanders have to decide on approval, which is based on the needs of the mission.
“Unit commanders have responsibility to accomplish the mission, so if they can’t accomplish the mission because of your absence, then they retain the authority to deny CSP,” Schwab said.
For more information on the Career Skills Program at Langley call Chad Schwab at 757-225-3519 or for services at Fort Eustis call Clayton Wilkes at 757-878-5356.