Participation and Eligibility
Soldiers are authorized to participate in one Army Career Skills Program during their last 180 days in the Service. They can either participate in a CSP, DoD SkillBridge Program, or an Individual Internship Program. The CSP is a Commander’s program and a Soldier’s participation in a CSP must be approved by the authorized approval authority in the Soldier’s chain of command.
- Soldier must be within 180 days of their separation/retirement date
- Soldier must have completed TAP Career Readiness Standards requirements.
- Soldier must have Commander approval.
- Programs may have additional requirements.
CSP Pathways
Army Approved CSPs:
Programs that have already been vetted and received approval by HQ IMCOM, G-1 or HQDA G-1 for Soldier participation at one or more Army installations. These are garrison commander approved programs in which the approved Army CSP providers sign an Installation MOU/MOA.
Programs that have already been vetted and received approval by HQ IMCOM, G-1 or HQDA G-1 for Soldier participation at one or more Army installations. These are garrison commander approved programs in which the approved Army CSP providers sign an Installation MOU/MOA.
- Visit the CSP Locations Page for more information and a list of programs.
DoD SkillBridge Programs:
Programs in which the DoD establishes a MOU/MOA with industry partners to provide Soldiers opportunities in a variety of fields, such as energy, information technology, manufacturing, retail, transportation, civil service and more. These programs are not vetted or approved by HQ IMCOM, G-1 and require a SJA legal review.
- Visit the DoD SkillBridge Website for more information.
Individual Internship Programs:
Soldiers are required to locate the company, explain the Army’s program to the company, and get the private company to agree to participate in the program. Individual internships are a good fit for Soldiers who want to pursue careers in a desired field or with a specific company/organization for which the CSP does not have a current approved program. These programs are not vetted or approved by HQ IMCOM, G-1 and require a SJA legal review.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Army Approved CSPs:
Visit your local TAP center for enrollment assistance and required forms.
DoD SkillBridge Programs and/or Individual Internships:
Visit your local TAP center for installation specific processes and forms. Complete the documents and steps below.
- Step 1: Contact the DoD SkillBridge or Individual Internship POC and ask about their specific application process.
- Step 2: Complete the Individual Internship/ DoD SkillBridge packet.
- IMCOM Form 45
- Absence Request Form (IPPSA-CSP Administrative Absence) - If applicable
- Agreement for Army CSP Individual Internship/Approved DoD SkillBridge Program
- Step 3: Send the completed packet with supporting documentation to the local TAP office.
The Agreement for Army CSP Individual Internship/Approved DoD SkillBridge Program has four parts:
Part I - Soldier enters their information as well as an overview of the company and information about the proposed internship and any training specifics. The company may be able to assist with this information. Additional information can be included as an attachment.
Part II - The provider/agency POC will sign. In the drop-box at the top select either “Individual Internship” or “Soldier Requesting to Attend Approved DoD SkillBridge Program”. Once selected, verbiage will populate in the field below stating that the provider agrees to the Army CSP policy.
Part III - Send the packet and supporting documentation to the local unit JAG for a legal review.
*Check with your local TAP center for installation routing procedures.
Part IV - Send completed packet and supporting documentation to your local Tap Center for HQ IMCOM final review and final signature. At that point, all requirements to participate in a CSP will be completed.
Questions? Visit the FAQ page.