Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) by Soldiers

Q: How do I get connected with a citizen?
A: This program is authorized by your military service unit.  Contact your military unit POC or contact the Citizen Soldier Connection program directly by calling 719-667-2883.

Q: Do I have to have a citizen connection to fulfill my military obligations?
A: No. The Citizen Soldier Connection program is exclusively voluntary. We suggest you read the mission and purpose of CSC to better understand why this organization has been established. This may help you see the benefits that could be available to you through the program.

Q: What if we just don’t get along? Do we have to continue to get together?
A: No. The program is voluntary. You may wish not to continue your relationship. We ask that you contact the CSC office to let them know you will not continue with the relationship and let them know if you wish to try to connect with another citizen.

Q: Do I have to invite my citizen to Ft. Carson?
A: Although it is recommended that you do so, it is not mandatory. The goal of the program is to help soldiers develop friendships in the community. Such friendships can be helpful to you in finding things to do, useful services you may need, and even for mentoring purposes. Friendships are the most valuable possession one can have.

Q: Do I have to spend money on the citizen I’m connected with?
A: No. Nor will your citizen have to spend money on you for gifts and the like. The Joint Ethics Regulations prohibit military personnel from receiving lavish gifts. Refer to those regulations on the CSC web site. Any spending you may wish to do should be motivated or prompted by your desire to be a friend to your citizen.

DISCLAIMER The Citizen Soldier Connection ("CSC") is a voluntary program for both citizens and soldiers. While CSC facilitates the connection between citizens and soldiers in order to accomplish the mission of CSC and, thereby, to benefit soldiers and citizens, CSC does not assign soldiers or citizens to one another. The connection of individuals is based on an apparent match that takes into consideration a variety of factors, including information provided by both soldiers and citizens, which leads to the introduction of a soldier and citizen to one another. Once the introduction is made, it is solely for the soldier and citizen to decide whether to establish and pursue a relationship and activities contemplated by the mission of CSC. CSC provides no assurance that the connection will work to the satisfaction of anyone, in either the short or long term, and CSC makes no guaranties as to the quality or success of the connection. Further, CSC makes no promises and bears no responsibility regarding the character, conduct or actions of any participants in the program. The soldier and citizen each fully accepts and bears any and all risks associated in any manner with the activity, conduct, misconduct, actions or inactions of the person with whom they choose to establish a connection. Each soldier and citizen who chooses to participate in the CSC program must, as a condition of participating in the program, sign and deliver to CSC a CSC Participant Waiver and Release Form.