FORT KNOX, Ky. –
In an ongoing effort to modernize its workforce and address critical occupational needs, the U.S. Army has updated its Civilian Acquired Skills Program.
The ACASP is designed for individuals who already possess key job skills and certifications acquired through civilian education, training or work experience. The program allows qualified applicants to apply their expertise directly to specific Army career fields, enabling them to bypass portions of initial training and begin their military careers at a more advanced level.
By streamlining the enlistment process for civilians with experience in in-demand fields, particularly healthcare, technical trades and electronic maintenance, the Army aims to fill critical roles more efficiently. The program is currently available for more than 40 career fields.
In addition to the opportunity to join at a higher rank, many of the jobs in this program also offer sign-on bonuses, and all participants are eligible to select their duty station of choice, pending availability. This ability to choose their first station provides applicants with greater predictability after completing basic combat training.
For example, those with two years of experience or a combination of formal training and hands-on experience maintaining Air Traffic Control communication systems, navigational aid systems, and landing systems can join the Army as an Air Traffic Control Equipment Repairer under the ACASP.
Similarly, applicants with international firefighter certification and related experience can bypass Advanced Individual Training.
While each job option has specific requirements, the general criteria for enlisting through ACASP include:
- Have verifiable work experience, training, or certification in a qualifying career field.
- Meet all standard Army enlistment requirements, including age, physical fitness, and background checks.
- Provide documentation of civilian-acquired skills, such as licenses, transcripts, or employer verification.
Current military occupational specialties included in ACASP:
- Plumber (12K)
- Firefighter (12M)
- Horizontal construction engineer (12N)
- Powerline distribution specialist (Reserve components only) (12Q)
- Interior electrician (12R)
- Carpentry and masonry specialist (12W)
- Air traffic control (ATC) operator (15Q)
- Human intelligence collector (35M)- languages that qualify (Arabic-Egyptian, Arabic-Syrian, Arabic-Gulf, French, Korean, Russian, Chinese-Mandarin (Standard), and Persian-Iranian (Farsi)
- Cryptologic linguist (35P)- language that qualifies (Korean)
- 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)
- Radiology specialist (68P)
- Pharmacy specialist (68Q)
- 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)
- Radar Repairer (94M)
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.