From Army Ranger to CBP: Christopher Nastari’s SkillBridge Journey

After more than two decades of military service, Christopher M. Nastari knew his next chapter would require more than simply finding another job. He needed an opportunity to translate the leadership, operational experience, and discipline developed throughout his Army career into a new mission. 

The Department of War (DoW) SkillBridge internship program with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided that opportunity.

Today, Nastari serves as a Sector Enforcement Specialist in Orlando, Florida, where he applies the skills developed during more than 20 years of military service to support federal law enforcement and national security missions.

Looking back on his Army career, Nastari finds it difficult to identify a single defining moment. Instead, his service was shaped by experiences that challenged him as a leader and gave him opportunities to serve alongside and mentor others.

One of the most significant was leading soldiers during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan during the global war on terrorism.

"Guiding infantrymen in high-stakes environments remains the most profound responsibility of my life," Nastari said.

His military accomplishments also included graduating from U.S. Army Ranger School, the Army's premier leadership course, and later returning to serve as a Ranger Instructor during the mountain phase. In that role, he helped develop the next generation of Army leaders by teaching and mentoring soldiers through one of the military's most demanding leadership environments.

As retirement approached, he began looking for an opportunity to continue serving while learning how his military experience could translate into the federal civilian workforce.

He discovered the DoW SkillBridge program during a military career fair, where he spoke with several CBP officers. Recognizing the connection between his background and CBP's mission, they encouraged him to contact Jeff Jack, CBP's Veterans’ Employment Program Manager.

Nastari said Jack immediately provided clear direction and helped him navigate the process.

"He immediately squared me away by clearly outlining the application process, coordinating the necessary administrative requirements and aligning my military skill set with the right operational fit," Nastari said.

With Jack's guidance, Nastari was able to complete the necessary requirements and begin his CBP SkillBridge internship in Orlando just a few months later.

His internship placed him in the CBP Watch, where he was surrounded by experienced professionals who played an important role in his transition.

Nastari specifically credited his trainer, Mr. Castro, for providing extensive operational knowledge and mentorship. Supervisors and watch commanders also remained closely involved in his development, helping him gain practical skills and understand CBP's operational environment.

The experience provided something Nastari considered especially important after more than 20 years in the military: a bridge between the culture he knew and the civilian organization he was preparing to join.

"Leaving an organization that you have spent over 20 years in is a massive cultural and logistical shift," he said.

While CBP offered a more flexible and collaborative workplace, Nastari found the agency's mission-driven environment familiar.

He also appreciated the support provided to transitioning service members. CBP leadership worked with him when he needed to attend Department of Veterans Affairs appointments and complete retirement-related requirements, allowing him to manage the personal demands of transition while remaining focused on his internship.

For Nastari, the SkillBridge experience became much more than an opportunity to observe CBP operations. It gave him the chance to demonstrate what his military experience could contribute to a federal law enforcement organization. 

During his internship as a Sector Enforcement Specialist, Nastari conducted law enforcement database research, tracked subjects and assets, developed threat assessments, prepared incident reports and safety recommendations, and provided information supporting operational planning and officer safety.

The internship also provided exposure to air, ground, and maritime operations while allowing Nastari to coordinate with and support more than 15 federal agencies.

"During my internship, I was able to support federal law enforcement operations and see firsthand how multiple agencies work together," Nastari said.

The experience gave him a new way to describe his military skills.

"I was able to say, 'This is what I can do for a government organization as a civilian,’" he said.

That translation became one of the most important aspects of his transition.

By the time he transitioned into his current position, Nastari was already familiar with CBP's terminology, information systems, operational processes, interagency relationships, and professional culture.

"When I entered my current position, I wasn't starting from zero," Nastari said. "I already understood the mission, the systems, the operational environment, and how I could contribute to the agency from day one."

For transitioning service members considering SkillBridge, Nastari recommends approaching the program with the mindset of someone beginning a new career — not someone finishing an old one.

"Don't treat SkillBridge as your last military assignment," he said. "Treat it as the first 90 to 180 days of your next career."

Nastari also believes SkillBridge provides an advantage that cannot be replicated by simply submitting a resume through USAJOBS.

"The program gave me an opportunity to get inside CBP, learn the organization, demonstrate my abilities in the actual work environment, and build relationships before competing for permanent federal employment," he said.

A traditional application can communicate a candidate's qualifications, but SkillBridge gave Nastari months to demonstrate his professionalism, work ethic, adaptability, and ability to contribute to the organization.  

"Instead of being only a resume in a large applicant pool, I had the opportunity to show CBP how I can add value to the organization," he said.

His journey demonstrates that a successful military transition does not require leaving behind the skills and values developed through service. Instead, it requires learning how to translate those strengths into a new environment.

From leading infantrymen in combat and mentoring soldiers as a Ranger Instructor to supporting federal law enforcement operations as a Sector Enforcement Specialist, Nastari has continued to serve through every chapter of his career.

To learn more about participating in DoW SkillBridge either as a CBP hiring manager or a transitioning service-member from any branch in the military, please contact Jeffrey R. Jack at jeffrey.r.jack@cbp.dhs.gov.

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.