Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a significant step, and the U.S. Army provides robust programs to ensure soldiers are well-prepared for this change. At Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), the Army Career Skills Program (CSP) stands out as a crucial resource. This program, often integrated with the broader Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and DoD SkillBridge, offers invaluable opportunities for service members to gain civilian-relevant skills and enhance their employability before leaving active duty.
The mission of these programs is clear: to support soldiers in making informed career decisions, whether they choose to remain in the Reserves or National Guard or fully transition to the civilian sector. By comparing military benefits and compensation with civilian equivalents, soldiers can strategically plan their future. For those exiting active duty, continued service in the Reserve components is presented as a viable option to supplement income, access further education, and build community networks.
Understanding the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) at JBLM
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is mandatory for all service members serving 180 continuous days or more of active duty. It is designed to be initiated no later than 366 days before the anticipated transition date, marked on the DD Form 214. Soldiers within 18 months of separation, or two years from retirement, and those facing involuntary separation, are strongly encouraged to start TAP services as early as possible. Notably, retirees and veterans with at least 180 days of active service are eligible for TAP on a space-available basis for life, highlighting the Army’s long-term commitment to their personnel.
Statistical evidence underscores the importance of early engagement with TAP. Studies, including those by Hiring Our Heroes, indicate that service members who begin their job search six months or more prior to transitioning are twice as likely to secure employment before leaving active duty.
At JBLM, accessing TAP services is straightforward. Service members can reach out via email at [email protected], by phone at (253) 967-3258, or by visiting the Hawk Career Center. This center serves as a hub for setting up TAP training schedules and accessing personalized guidance.
Core Components of JBLM TAP Training
The TAP curriculum at JBLM is structured to provide comprehensive support through several mandatory modules:
- Individualized Initial Counseling (IIC) (1 hour): This marks the official commencement of the transition journey. During IIC, soldiers conduct a self-assessment and start developing their Individual Transition Plan (ITP). The ITP is crucial for identifying individual transition needs and post-transition goals.
- Pre-Separation Counseling (PSC) (2 hours): Similar to IIC, PSC must begin at least 366 days before separation. It covers essential information regarding benefits, entitlements, and resources available to transitioning service members. Spouses and caregivers are encouraged to attend PSC alongside the service member to ensure family readiness.
- Transition Day (8 hours): This module focuses on building resilience during transition. It includes “My Transition” curriculum for self-management, a Military Occupational Skills (MOS) Crosswalk to translate military skills into civilian equivalents, and personal financial planning to address financial literacy requirements and prepare for civilian financial landscapes.
- VA Benefits and Services (8 hours): Conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, this session provides a thorough understanding of VA benefits, services, and tools earned through military service. The information is relevant to all service branches, reserve components, families, caregivers, and survivors.
- DoL Fundamentals of Employment (8 hours): This course, provided by the Department of Labor, lays the groundwork for civilian career transitions. It introduces key tools and resources for evaluating career options, gathering civilian employment insights, and understanding the fundamentals of the civilian job application and hiring processes.
- Track Classes (Additional 2 Days): Depending on individual needs identified during IIC, service members may be required to attend additional two-day tracks. These include specialized tracks in Employment, Vocational skills, Education, or Entrepreneurship. Soldiers can choose one or more tracks based on their ITP and post-transition objectives.
- Capstone: This culminating event, occurring no later than 90 days before separation, is where commanders verify the soldier’s achievement of career readiness standards and a viable ITP. Counselors, service members, and commanders finalize the DD Form 2648 eForm, a critical document for out-processing.
Career Skills Program (CSP) and SkillBridge: Bridging Military to Civilian Careers at JBLM
The Career Skills Program (CSP) and DoD SkillBridge are pivotal in facilitating a smooth transition into civilian careers. CSP is specifically designed for soldiers within 180 days of separation, offering pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, employment skills training, and internships with civilian employers. Command approval is required for participation, emphasizing the program’s structured approach.
DoD SkillBridge is a Department of Defense-wide program available to all service branches. It allows service members to participate in civilian training and internships during their final months of service. Soldiers are responsible for coordinating SkillBridge participation through the authorized site: https://skillbridge.osd.mil/locations.htm.
Both CSP and SkillBridge aim to equip soldiers with high-demand civilian career skills, significantly increasing their post-transition employment prospects. It’s crucial to note that CSP and SkillBridge applications should be pursued in conjunction with the TAP program, ensuring a holistic approach to transition.
Getting Started with CSP/SkillBridge at JBLM
The initial step to engage with CSP and SkillBridge is to participate in TAP and attend the mandatory CSP Brief. To begin, reach out to your TAP Transition Counselor or visit the Hawk Career Center at Bldg. 11577, 42nd Division Drive. You can also call 253-967-3258 or email [email protected] for more information and to start the enrollment process.
CSP/SkillBridge Requirements at JBLM: Essential Checklist
To participate in CSP and SkillBridge at JBLM, soldiers must meet specific requirements, ensuring program readiness and alignment with Army regulations. These requirements are detailed in checklists and forms:
Common Requirements for all CSP and DoD SkillBridge Participation:
- CSP Soldiers Checklist: A comprehensive checklist to ensure all necessary steps are completed. [CSP Soldiers Checklist]
- Successful TAP Completion: Evidenced by the DD Form 2648 issued at Capstone.
- IMCOM Form 45 – Soldier Participation Form: This form requires command approval. [IMCOM Form 45]
- ETS Documentation: Documentation of ETS date, such as Personal Action Request (PAR) for ETS orders, REFRAD, or Retirement Orders. (Note: Not required for soldiers in a MEB process).
- IPPS-A Absentee Request: Required for soldiers using administrative absence to participate in CSP.
Additional Requirement for DoD SkillBridge/Individual Internship Participation:
- Individual Internship or Approved DoD SkillBridge Program Requirements Agreement: This agreement outlines specific requirements for these participation types. [Individual Internship/SkillBridge Agreement]
Once all required documents are completed, they should be scanned and emailed to the TAP CSP Team at [email protected] for processing.
Financial assistance may also be available through the AER CSP Grant, offering up to $250 locally or $500 for opportunities outside a 50-mile radius of JBLM. [AER CSP Grant]
TAP Partners and Resources at JBLM
JBLM’s TAP and CSP programs are enhanced through partnerships with various organizations dedicated to supporting transitioning service members and their families:
- Army PaYS Program: The Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) program guarantees soldiers an interview and potential employment with participating corporations and public sector agencies after their Army service. www.armypays.com
- Career Team: Offers employment assistance and a Spouse Ambassador Program. Contact: [email protected]
- Employment Readiness Program: Provides resources and services to enhance employment readiness. https://jblmerp.timetap.com
- Goodwill Military and Veteran Services: Offers support services for military personnel and veterans. Contact: [email protected]
- JBLM Unlimited: Provides updated job and event information via Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/JBLMUnlimited
- RecruitMilitary: A comprehensive military-to-civilian recruiting company connecting veterans and transitioning service members with employment opportunities. RecruitMilitary.com
- WorkSource Washington: A state-wide resource for job seekers and employers. www.WorkSourceWA.com
- USO Transitions: Offers transition support programs at JBLM. Located at Bldg. 2201, 12th and Pendleton, JBLM, WA 98433. Phone: 253-337-4859. USO Transition Program
Key References and Resources for JBLM Transitioning Soldiers
For detailed information and official guidance, refer to the following resources:
- DoD Instruction 1322.29: Governs Job Training, Employment Skills Training, Apprenticeships, and Internships (JTEST-AI) for Eligible Service Members. [DoD Instruction 1322.29]
- Army Regulation 600-81: Outlines the Transition Assistance Program. [AR 600-81]
- MILPER Message 23-173: Provides updates to the Transition Assistance Program process. [MILPER 23-173]
- JBLM Policy Memorandum #16: JBLM specific policy for the Transition Assistance Program. [JBLM Policy Memo #16]
- JBLM Policy Memorandum #9: JBLM specific policy for the Career Skills Program. [JBLM Policy Memo #9]
- JBLM CSP Flyer: Informational flyer about the JBLM Career Skills Program. [JBLM CSP Flyer]
- AER CSP Grant Information: Details on the Army Emergency Relief Career Skills Program Grant. [AER CSP Grant]
- Commander’s Guide to CSP-Tri-Folder: Guide for commanders regarding the Career Skills Program. [Commander’s Guide to CSP]
- CSP FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about the Career Skills Program. [CSP FAQs]
- CSP Map: Visual map related to the Career Skills Program (likely location-based within JBLM). [CSP Map]
- TAP FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about the Transition Assistance Program. [TAP FAQs]
- TAP Getting Started Guide: A guide to help service members begin the TAP process. [TAP Getting Started Guide]
- TAP Spouse Support Programs-Tri-Folder: Information on support programs for spouses during the transition. [TAP Spouse Support Programs]
- TAP Tri-Folder: General information tri-fold brochure about TAP. [TAP Tri-Folder]
Conclusion
The Army Career Skills Program at JBLM, in conjunction with TAP and SkillBridge, provides an exceptional platform for soldiers to transition successfully to civilian careers. By leveraging these resources, service members can gain valuable skills, explore diverse career paths, and secure meaningful employment post-military service. Early engagement and proactive utilization of these programs are key to a seamless and prosperous transition. For further assistance, contact the Hawk Career Center at JBLM and take the first step towards your successful civilian future.
