FORT KNOX, Ky. –
New U.S. Army recruits can earn higher pay for previous experience in civilian trades through the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program.
More than 50 different part-time and full-time Army careers have advanced promotion opportunities for those who have already been trained and have experience in their field, like truck drivers and emergency medical technicians.
Individuals who qualify to enlist under ACASP are immediately promoted to the rank of specialist, which means more money and faster access to future leadership positions.
Depending on the selected military occupational specialty, recruits may be able to skip advanced training and head straight to their first duty station after basic training.
“The Army doesn’t require experience for enlisted positions, as we extensively train our Soldiers for their selected career field, but we welcome and value experienced individuals,” said Maj. Gen. Kevin Vereen, who leads the U.S. Army Recruiting Command here. “We are in competition for talent, and we are happy to reward those who come in with previously acquired skills.”
Unlike many Future Soldiers, those who join under ACASP will know exactly where they will be assigned after training when they sign their initial contract, offering predictability about their future.
There are different requirements and qualifications for every occupation in the program, so the experience needed to join as a carpentry and masonry specialist differs from that of a wheeled vehicle mechanic. For some professions, a certain number of years of qualifying experience or associated certification or degree could mean reduced or waived advanced training requirements.
For example, EMTs who have earned the National EMT Certification and completed the Red Cross Basic Lifesaver Course can reduce their time at advanced training when they enlist in the Army.
Similarly, applicants with a Commercials Driver’s License and two years of experience as a commercial driver can enlist in the Army as a motor transport operator with only four weeks of advanced training to complete rather than the normal 10 weeks.
Generally, enlisting via ACASP should not take longer than a standard enlistment. Skill certification paperwork is simply added to all the other enlistment documentation, and recruiters will assist with the paperwork requirements.
Read the personal stories of two Soldiers who joined under ACASP here.
Individuals can learn more about Army career options at www.goarmy.com and the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program by speaking with a local U.S. Army recruiter.
Current military occupational specialties included in ACASP:
Interpreter/translator (09L)
Plumber (12K)
Firefighter (12M)
Horizontal construction engineer (12N)
Powerline distribution specialist (Reserve components only) (12Q)
Interior electrician (12R)
Concrete and asphalt equipment operator (USAR and ARNG only) (12V)
Carpentry and masonry specialist (12W)
Air traffic control (ATC) operator (15Q)
Information technology specialist (25B)
Radio operator-maintainer (25C)
Cable systems installer-maintainer (25L)
Multimedia illustrator (25M)
Radio operator-maintainer (25C)
Nodal network systems operator-maintainer (25N)
Microwave systems operator-maintainer (25P)
Visual Information equipment operator-maintainer (25R)
Satellite communications systems operator-maintainer (25S)
Combat documentation/production specialist (25V)
Human intelligence collector (35M)
Cryptologic linguist (35P)
Musician (42R)
Special band musician (42S)
Orthopedic specialist (68B)
Practical nursing specialist (68C)
Operating room specialist (68D)
Dental specialist (68E)
Physical therapy specialist (68F)
Optical laboratory specialist (68H)
Medical laboratory specialist (68K)
Occupational therapy specialist (68L)
Nutrition care specialist (68M)
Cardiovascular specialist (68N)
Radiology specialist (68P)
Pharmacy specialist (68Q)
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist (68U)
Combat medic specialist (68W)
Eye specialist (68Y)
Cargo specialist (88H)
Watercraft operator (Seaman) (88K)
Watercraft engineer (Engineman) (88L)
Motor transport operator (88M)
Railway operations crewmember (USAR only) (88U)
Wheeled vehicle repairer (91B)
Utilities equipment repairer (91C)
Tactical power generation specialist (91D)
Allied trades specialist (91E)
Small arms/towed artillery repairer (91F)
Track vehicle repairer (91H)
Construction equipment repairer (91L)
Culinary specialist (92G)
Petroleum laboratory specialist (92L)
Shower and laundry specialist (92S)
Land combat electronic missile system repairer (94A)
Air traffic control (ATC) equipment repairer (94D)
Test, measurement and diagnostic equipment (TDME) maintenance support specialist (94H)