VICENZA, Italy – Spc. Ayla Bonner, a soldier with the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade, is spending the final months of her Army service building skills for her future beyond the military. She is one of several soldiers at U.S. Army Garrison Italy participating in a hands-on internship through the Career Skills Program (CSP).
Bonner is currently interning with the Sports, Fitness and Aquatics program, part of the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare & Recreation at USAG Italy. Her internship combines work as a social media assistant with training to become a certified personal trainer.
“I think it’s the best program the Army has to offer for young Soldiers who are deciding to get out,” Bonner said. “It gives you the opportunity to go anywhere and intern for anything.”
The Career Skills Program, managed by the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) office, helps Soldiers gain civilian work experience while they are still on active duty. Participants can spend up to four months interning with approved employers, developing job skills and exploring career options.
Greg Storch, the CSP coordinator for USAG Italy, said the program is designed to help Soldiers move smoothly into civilian life.
“The program was created to help transitioning Soldiers move into their ideal career situation,” Storch said. “Whether you want to learn a skill, gain experience, or secure a job offer, CSP has a lot of options.”
Staff Sgt. Christopher Burton is another Soldier using CSP to prepare for his next chapter. After a recent assignment with U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Burton began an internship in February focused on martial arts and Army Combatives training. He started a jiu-jitsu club and now supports expanded Combatives instruction at the fitness center for local units.
“The Army gives you a chance to start your transition and focus on what you want to do next,” Burton said. “It’s four months to prepare yourself for the civilian world.”
Josh Grant, a former paratrooper and now the sports and fitness manager in Vicenza, said CSP is effective for Soldiers who take initiative.
“We have the resources. We have the facilities. We can give you time,” Grant said. “We were able to give [Burton] as much time as he needed to fully embed into the training he wanted to do, so he could take it into the civilian world.”
Soldiers interested in the Career Skills Program can contact the USAG Italy Transition Assistance Program office for more information about available internships, how to apply, and eligibility requirements.
