Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a significant step, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) understands this journey. The Army Career Skills Program (CSP) at JBLM is designed to provide active duty service members with valuable opportunities to gain civilian work experience and skills before their transition. This program, often used in conjunction with the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, offers a pathway to high-demand civilian careers, setting soldiers up for success after their service.
The foundation for a successful transition through programs like CSP is the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). For all service members with 180 or more continuous days of active duty, starting the TAP process is mandatory no later than 366 days before separation. Early engagement with TAP is statistically linked to better post-transition outcomes. Studies show that service members who begin their job search six months or more before leaving active duty are twice as likely to secure employment beforehand.
At JBLM, transitioning service members can access TAP services by emailing [email protected], calling (253) 967-3258, or visiting the Hawk Career Center for personalized guidance and TAP schedule setup. The TAP core curriculum includes several key components:
- Individualized Initial Counseling (IIC) (1 hour): This is the official entry point into the transition process. Service members conduct a self-assessment and begin crafting their Individual Transition Plan (ITP), identifying their specific transition needs and post-military career goals.
- Pre-Separation Counseling (PSC) (2 hours): Concurrent with IIC, PSC must also begin at least 366 days before transition. It provides essential information on benefits, entitlements, and resources available to transitioning service members. Spouses and caregivers are encouraged to attend.
- Transition Day (8 hours): This module focuses on building resilience during transition, translating military skills to civilian terms using the Military Occupational Skills Crosswalk, and establishing a personal financial plan for the transition period, fulfilling mandatory financial literacy requirements.
- VA Benefits and Services (8 hours): Offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, this briefing details the benefits, services, and tools earned through military service, applicable to all service branches, reserve components, families, caregivers, and survivors.
- DoL Fundamentals of Employment (8 hours): This course provides the groundwork for civilian career transitions, covering essential tools and resources for career exploration, civilian job market insights, and the fundamentals of the civilian employment process.
- Track Classes (Optional, 2 days): Based on individual needs identified during IIC, service members may choose additional two-day tracks in Employment, Vocational training, Education, or Entrepreneurship. Selecting at least one track is often required, with the option to attend multiple based on the ITP and career objectives.
- Capstone: This is the final verification point, ensuring service members meet career readiness standards and have a viable ITP. It must occur no later than 90 days before separation. Counselors, service members, and commanders finalize the DD Form 2648 eForm required for out-processing.
Army Career Skills Program (CSP) & DoD SkillBridge: Your Pathway to Civilian Careers at JBLM
The Army Career Skills Program (CSP) at JBLM, in conjunction with the DoD SkillBridge program, serves as a crucial link between military service and civilian careers. Available to transitioning soldiers within 180 days of separation, CSP offers opportunities for pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, employment skills training, and internships with civilian employers, all with command approval.
These programs empower soldiers to leverage civilian career training and development, significantly enhancing their post-transition employment prospects. Participating in CSP and SkillBridge provides hands-on experience and valuable industry connections, making the transition to civilian employment smoother and more successful.
Getting Started with CSP and SkillBridge at JBLM:
The initial step is to engage with TAP and attend the mandatory CSP briefing. To begin, connect with your TAP Transition Counselor or visit the Hawk Career Center at Bldg. 11577, 42nd Division Drive. You can also reach out by phone at 253-967-3258 or email [email protected].
Requirements for CSP Participation at JBLM:
To participate in the Army Career Skills Program at JBLM, soldiers must fulfill specific requirements, ensuring a structured and beneficial experience. These include:
- CSP Soldiers Checklist: Completion of the JBLM CSP Checklist is mandatory.
- TAP Completion: Successful completion of all TAP course requirements, with a DD Form 2648 issued at Capstone.
- IMCOM Form 45 – Soldier Participation Form: Submission of the IMCOM Form 45, completed and signed by the command approval authority.
- ETS Documentation: Provision of documentation verifying the Soldier’s ETS date, such as a Personal Action Request (PAR) for ETS orders, REFRAD, or Retirement Orders. (Note: Documentation is not required for soldiers in an MEB process).
- IPPS-A Absentee Request: For soldiers utilizing administrative absence to participate in CSP, an IPPS-A Absentee Request is necessary.
Additional Requirements for DoD SkillBridge/Individual Internship Participation:
For soldiers interested in DoD SkillBridge or individual internships through CSP at JBLM, the requirements are largely the same with an additional document:
- Individual Internship or Approved DoD SkillBridge Program Requirements: Adherence to the Agreement for Army CSP Individual Internship/Approved DoD SkillBridge Program.
Submitting Your Completed CSP Packet:
Once all required documents are compiled, they should be scanned and sent to the TAP CSP Team at [email protected].
AER CSP Grant:
Financial assistance may be available through the Army Emergency Relief (AER) CSP Grant, offering up to $250 for local CSP participation or $500 for opportunities outside a 50-mile radius of JBLM. Details can be found on the AER CSP Grant document.
TAP Partners at JBLM
JBLM collaborates with various partners to further support transitioning service members:
- Army PaYS Program: Offers guaranteed job interviews and potential employment after the Army with participating corporations and public sector agencies. Visit www.armypays.com.
- Career Team: Provides employment assistance and spouse ambassador program. Contact: [email protected].
- Employment Readiness Program: Access resources at https://jblmerp.timetap.com.
- Goodwill Military and Veteran Services: Contact: [email protected].
- JBLM Unlimited: For updated job and event information, visit https://www.facebook.com/JBLMUnlimited.
- RecruitMilitary: Connects veterans and transitioning service members with employment opportunities. Visit RecruitMilitary.com.
- WorkSource Washington: Access state-wide employment resources at www.WorkSourceWA.com.
- USO Transitions: Located at Bldg. 2201, 12th and Pendleton, JBLM, WA 98433, Phone: 253-337-4859. USO Transition Program.
References and Resources
- DoD 1322-29, Job Training, Employment Skills Training, Apprenticeships, and Internships (JTEST-AI) for Eligible Service Members
- AR 600-81 Transition Assistance Program
- MILPER 23-173 Updated Process for Transition Assistance Program
- JBLM Policy Memorandum #16, Transition Assistance Program
- JBLM Policy Memorandum #9, Career Skills Program
- JBLM CSP Flyer
- AER CSP Grant
- Commander’s Guide to CSP-Tri-Folder
- CSP FAQs
- CSP Map
- TAP FAQs
- TAP Getting Started Guide
- TAP Spouse Support Programs-Tri-Folder
- TAP Tri-Folder
