What is it, and how do you use it?

The DoD Skill Bridge program and the Army Career Skills Program (CSP) are initiatives to help transitioning servicemembers find career training opportunities before they exit service. After receiving approval to participate from your chain of command, the chosen company becomes the servicemember’s duty station for the duration of the program.

The Army Career Skills Program (CSP) affords transitioning Service Members the opportunity to participate in employment skills training (EST), on-the-job training (OJT), pre- apprenticeships and internships with a high probability of employment in high-demand and highly-skills jobs. Participation must occur within the last 180 days of military service, with an honorable discharge.

CSP Webpage

Requirements for Apprenticeships, On-The-Job Training, Internships

1. The Soldier participant will receive full military pay and benefits for the duration of the internship and no compensation from the organization sponsoring the internship and will be accounted for by his or her military unit while performing daily duties for the organization.
2. Servicemembers will work under the close supervision of the organization’s staff for the duration of the program.
3. Under no circumstances will a participating Servicemember be requested or permitted to work more than 40 hours in any work week.
4. Internships will consist of work experience at entry-level positions.
5. Servicemembers are eligible for only one internship during their transition period.
6. With the approval of the battalion commander, WTU/CCU and IDES Servicemembers may participate in more than one internship and for any length of time beginning 85 days after their medical retention determination point until their separation date.
7. Servicemembers are expected to receive an honorable or general discharge

How Does It Work?

Once you have been approved for a program, your place of business will be with that company. You will receive training and duties as described in the approved agreement signed by both the Servicemember and the company, and participation reports will be submitted to the CSP coordinator every two weeks.

It’s important to realize that you must be TAP complete before you can begin your CSP training.

Internship for Freelance Editing and Writing for Transitioning Veterans

The Story Ninja CSP Internships in Freelance Developmental Editing and Freelance Writing for transitioning Veterans. Established in 2019, The Story Ninja has edited over 50 manuscripts in various genres, including Thrillers, Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Military. Operation Pineapple Express by Scott Mann was a New York bestseller, and The Wise Investor by Rich Fettke was an Amazon bestseller.

Servicemembers who intern with The Story Ninja will receive a fully remote training program to include general freelance business management skills, administrative skills, editorial skills, and writing skills.

Internships can last between 8–24 weeks.

See their webpage for more information.

Resources

1. CSP Website: https://home.army.mil/imcom/index.php/customers/career-skills-program
2. AR 600–81 (Soldier for Life — Transition Assistance Program) Chapter 8 (Career Skills Program)
3. Commonly Asked Questions
4. True Servicemember Story using the CSP
5. Information about internships with me about Freelance Editing and Writing.