Participation and Eligibility
To take advantage of a Career Skills Program (CSP) opportunity, you must meet a specific set of criteria. Participation is a privilege authorized by your command and is limited to one program during your transition period.
Eligibility Checklist
To be eligible, you must meet these four core requirements:
- Be in Your Transition Window: You must be within 180 days of your final separation or retirement date.
- Complete Transition Requirements: You must have already met all TAP Career Readiness Standards.
- Receive Command Approval: Your participation must be formally approved by the appropriate commander in your chain of command.
- Meet Program-Specific Standards: Be aware that each program may have its own unique application and screening requirements.
| Category | Rank | Duration | Approval Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | E1-E5 | Up to 120 days | First field grade Commander with UCMJ authority |
| II | E6-E7, WO1-CW3, and O1-O3 | Up to 90 days | First O6 Commander with UCMJ authority |
| III | E8-E9, CW4-CW5, O4 and above | Up to 60 days | First General Officer in the Soldier's Chain of Command with GCMCA |
CSP Pathways
As you prepare for your transition, you have three primary pathways for your Career Skills Program. Each is designed to fit different career goals and requires a different level of personal involvement.
Army Approved CSPs:
- What It Is: These are established, pre-vetted programs with formal agreements already in place at your installation. They are approved by Army leadership (HQ IMCOM and HQDA G-1) and your local Garrison Commander, making this the most straightforward option.
- Best For: Soldiers who want to join a ready-to-go program with a trusted local provider.
- Find a Program: Visit the CSP Locations Page for a complete list.
DoW SkillBridge Programs:
- What It Is: These are nationwide programs offered by companies that have a direct partnership (MOU/MOA) with the Department of War. They cover a wide range of industries, from IT and energy to manufacturing and transportation.
- Best For: Soldiers seeking opportunities with specific national-level companies or industries that may not have a local Army-approved program.
- Find a Program:
- See the list of Authorized SkillBridge Organizations.
- Learn more at the DoW SkillBridge Website.
Individual Internship Programs:
- What It Is: This path allows you to create your own internship. You are responsible for finding a company, explaining the program, and securing their agreement to host you as an intern.
- Best For: Highly motivated Soldiers who have a specific career field or company in mind that is not available through the other pathways.
- Important: This option is not pre-approved. You must coordinate a legal review with the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) to formalize the agreement.
Army Emergency Relief (AER) Assistance
Transitioning Soldiers participating in a CSP may be eligible for an AER grant to help off-set some of their costs. AER provides zero-interest loans and grants to alleviate financial stress for Soldiers and their Families.
New AER Portal for Assistance
As of 17 March 2025, eligible Soldiers can apply for assistance through the new online AER Portal. Your unit leadership is still a key part of the process, and you should always discuss your needs with your First Sergeant or Commander before applying.
Who is Eligible?
Financial assistance is primarily offered to active-duty Soldiers in the ranks of E-1 through E-6 and their Families. However, AER may assist other ranks by exception, based on their unique financial situations. When assistance is approved, funds can be transferred rapidly via Zelle or by direct deposit within 24-48 hours.
Family members outside a 50-mile radius of an Army installation should contact the American Red Cross at 877-272-7337 for assistance.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
All Career Skills Program (CSP) support is now managed centrally by the CSP Virtual Center. Counselors are available to assist you with all pathways, from enrollment in Army-Approved CSPs to the application process for Individual Internships.
Your First Step: Contact the CSP Virtual Center
- Phone: 1-800-325-4715
- Email: usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-tap-career-skills-program@army.mil
Army Approved CSPs & DoW SkillBridge Programs:
The process for these programs is streamlined and does not require an agreement packet. Contact the CSP Virtual Center directly. A counselor will provide you with program details, eligibility requirements, and all necessary forms for enrollment.
Individual Internships:
This pathway is for self-sourced opportunities and requires a formal agreement and review process.
Step 1: Contact the CompanyReach out to the point of contact (POC) for your chosen company to inquire about their specific application process and confirm they will host you as an intern.
Step 2: Request and Complete the Application Packet
Contact the CSP Virtual Center to receive the Individual Internship Agreement packet.
Step 3: Complete the Agreement Form
This is a multi-part document:
- Part I (Soldier): You enter your information and details about the internship.
- Part II (Company/Provider): The company POC must sign, formally agreeing to the Army CSP policy.
- Part III (Legal Review): Submit the completed packet to your unit's Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) for a mandatory legal review.
- Part IV (Final Submission): Once the legal review is complete, contact your local TAP center for signature in Part 4 by the Transition Services Manager (TSM) or Transition Services Specialist (TSS).
- Return completed agreement packet to the CSP Virtual Center to complete your application.
Questions? Visit the FAQ page.
Get in Touch
To ensure your question is directed to the right team, please select the path that best describes you.
For Transitioning Soldiers
If you are an active-duty Soldier with questions about program eligibility, application processes, or specific opportunities, this is your direct line to our support team.
For Industry & Training Providers
If you represent a company or training organization interested in becoming a partner, please use this channel to connect with our program managers.