What is the Army Career Skills Program (CSP)? The Army Career Skills Program is a program designed to provide transitioning soldiers with job skills training and industry-recognized credentials to enhance their employment prospects after leaving the military.

Who is eligible for the CSP? The CSP was created for “high risk” Soldiers (by regulation: age 18-24, first term enlistment, involuntarily separating due to force shape, rapid separation from active duty, or medical separation). However, all transitioning service members receiving an Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions discharge are welcome to attend a CSP.

Are Army National Guard and Army Reservists eligible? Eligible service members must complete at least 180 continuous days on active-duty status and are expected to be discharged or released from active duty within 180-days. 

Can MEB Soldiers participate in a CSP? Soldiers enrolled into IDES or assigned to a Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) may begin a CSP immediately following their Medical Retention Determination Point (MRDP). 

Is participation in the CSP mandatory for transitioning soldiers? No, participation in the CSP is voluntary. However, it is highly encouraged for Soldiers who want to enhance their career prospects and gain valuable skills before transitioning to civilian life.

When can I start a CSP? Soldiers may begin a CSP no earlier than 180-days from their separation/retirement date (not terminal leave date). The 180 days from discharge requirement is statute from 10 U.S. Code § 1143 (Employment assistance), section1143 (e)(2)(B): “A member of the armed forces is an eligible member for the purposes of a program under this subsection if the member …is expected to be discharged or released from active duty in the armed forces within 180 days of the date of commencement of participation in such a program.”  There is no Exception to Policy as this is a statute and not policy.

How long can I participate in a CSP? Program duration is based on a three-category structure:

Category I: E1-E5
Can participate in a CSP up to 120 days. Approval authority is the First field grade Commander with UCMJ authority.

Category II: E6-E7, WO1-CW3, and O1-O3
Can participate in a CSP up to 90 days. Approval authority is the First O6 Commander with UCMJ authority.

Category III: E8-E9, CW4-CW5, O4 and above
Can participate in a CSP up to 60 days. Approval authority is the First General Officer in the Soldier's Chain of Command.

The DCS, G-1 is the approval authority for all exceptions to policy (ETPs).

Do I need to request Administrative Absence if I'm staying within 50 miles? No. Soldiers must attend in a present for duty status for an on-installation, or off-installation CSP that is geographically co-located with their duty station and not to exceed a 50-mile distance.

Do I have to return to my duty station after I complete the CSP? 
Soldiers who request and have command recommended approval to not return to their PDS upon completion of their approved in-person CSP outside the 50-mile radius (including in-person OCONUS to CONUS) must have an approved Exception to Policy (ETP) from HQDA, G-1 (DAPE-PR), Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief of Compensation and Entitlements. Guidance for ETP is located in MILPER 25-116:   
https://www.hrc.army.mil/Milper/25-116

Can you do a CSP OCONUS? When it comes to CSP participation in other countries we are very limited in what can be done because of SOFA restrictions and the Tri-Service Contract. Transitioning Soldiers stationed at OCONUS garrisons are encouraged to utilize Administrative Absence to attend CSPs at CONUS garrisons where they are likely to transition from military service and/or later reside as Veterans. Soldiers can also consider virtual CSP options.

Can you only participate in CSP on ETS or Personal Leave? CSP is intended to be used as non-chargeable leave prior to ETS/terminal leave. CSP is not intended to be used in conjunction with any other type of leave.

Can you do a CSP past your ETS date? Participants can stay in a CSP past their ETS date, we do like to ensure they will be financially stable enough to do so since they’ll no longer be receiving their Army paycheck.

Can you use TA for CSP? No. The Army doesn’t pay for CSP classes. CSP programs are either free (typically sponsored by the company hosting the program) or paid for using the G.I. Bill and/or grants.

What is the difference between the CSP and DoD SkillBridge? The Army Career Skills Program (CSP) and the Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge program are both initiatives that aim to assist transitioning service members in gaining civilian job skills and improving their employment prospects. However, there are some key differences between the two programs: CSP:

• The Army Career Skills Program is administered by the U.S. Army. CSP providers have agreements in place with Army garrisons and must meet strict program outcomes of 85% graduation rate, 100% interview rate and 90% job offers to ensure programs are effective and provide quality careers.
•  DoD SkillBridge: The DoD SkillBridge program is a broader initiative that encompasses all branches of the military. It allows active-duty service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard to participate in civilian job training and internships during their last 180 days of service.

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