Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a significant shift. For many service members, the Army Career Skills Program (CSP) offers a crucial bridge, providing hands-on experience and paving the way for successful civilian careers. Jose Roman, a U.S. Army veteran, recently demonstrated the effectiveness of this program, transitioning seamlessly into a civilian role at U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz after participating in a CSP internship.
Jose Roman and Col. Elizabeth Gum discuss personnel systems, highlighting the Army Career Skills Program's role in veteran transitions
The Army Career Skills Program, offered through the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), is designed to equip service members with valuable civilian work experience in their chosen fields before their active duty ends. This program allows soldiers to participate in paid internships for up to six months, providing financial stability while they explore new career paths. For veterans like Roman, who was seeking civilian opportunities after serving as a human resources specialist with the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, CSP presented an ideal opportunity.
Roman embraced the opportunity for a paid internship, recognizing its potential for professional development and financial security during his transition. He collaborated with TAP CSP coordinators to identify suitable options and secured an internship at the Military Personnel Division (MPD) on Kleber Kaserne in Germany. In this role, he provided essential support to system users, resolved technical issues, and generated human resources reports to enhance MPD processes and data collection.
His dedication during the internship proved instrumental in his successful transition to a full-time civilian position. Although eligible for Soldier training holidays as an intern, Roman chose to work alongside his civilian colleagues, fully immersing himself in the civilian work environment. This commitment showcased his seriousness and value to the organization, ultimately leading to his current role as a Personnel Automation Systems (PAS) specialist.
In his current position, Roman notes the remarkable parallels between his military experience and his civilian responsibilities. “The actual tasks are similar to what I did in the Army,” he stated, highlighting the direct transferability of skills gained in the military to civilian roles. However, he also acknowledged the differences in workplace culture, particularly in communication styles. He noted the need to adapt from military acronyms to clearer communication practices in a civilian setting.
The Army Career Skills Program is widely recognized as a valuable asset for transitioning service members. USAG Rheinland-Pfalz Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Wrensch emphasizes the program’s transformative potential: “CSP is more than just a transition program; it’s a launchpad.” He further explains that it “empowers service members to bridge their military experience with civilian careers, ensuring a smooth landing into the civilian world.”
Kadian Brown, Career Skills Program counselor at USAG Rheinland-Pfalz, points out the breadth of resources available to soldiers, including the Army Career Skills Program, the Department of Defense Skill Bridge Program, and individual internships. For soldiers interested in exploring CSP internships, she advises registration with Soldier for Life-TAP at https://armytap.appsplatformportals.us.
Jose Roman offers strong encouragement to service members considering the Army Career Skills Program: “Go for it! You can gain hands-on experience, explore potential career paths, and build professional connections while still receiving military pay.” His success story serves as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of the Army CSP in facilitating a smooth and successful transition from military service to fulfilling civilian careers.
For further details about career skills programs, please visit https://home.army.mil/imcom/customers/career-skills-program or https://skillbridge.osd.mil/locations.htm. USAG Rheinland-Pfalz remains dedicated to serving, supporting, and securing the total force community, enabling power projection for the European Theater and assisting soldiers in their career transitions.
