Elizabeth Aslakson | Military Families Magazine | Feb. 8, 2022
Soldiers preparing to exit their military career now have an added financial resource in their transition toolbox.
Army Emergency Relief (AER), the Army’s official nonprofit, has launched an Army-wide assistance program to provide funding to participants of the Career Skills Program (CSP) — a program that aids soldiers in their career transition.
AER has pledged $3 million in support to CSP, by making grants available to soldiers. The grants, which could support 2,000+ soldiers in total, are available for travel, lodging, business attire, relocation expenses, and other out-of-pocket costs that could be associated with CSP.
“Asking for help is a strength,” said retired Army Col. Sean Ryan, director of marketing and communications for AER, when describing AER’s Career Skills Program Assistance (CSPA).
While on active duty, soldiers know that to be combat ready “all soldiers and their families have to be taken care of so soldiers can accomplish the mission at hand,” Ryan said in an interview via email and phone.
After 29 years of serving himself, including multiple deployments to the Middle East, Ryan personally understands this same state of readiness applies when prepping for the civilian world and the importance for military families to be aware of programs supporting this transition.
Furthermore, he recognized the hesitancy service members may have when asking for help, even in times of need that is no fault of their own.