Welcome and thank you for visiting the Professional Development Toolkit website. The following resources are intended to provide professional development opportunities for America's Army; Army leaders of all ranks, Soldiers, Army civilians, and family members. As we remain committed to an all-volunteer Army that is the most decisive land force in the world, strengthening our Army Profession based on implicit and universal trust has never been more important. The contents of this page will include rich venues for professional development that include Senior Leader speeches, Institute of Land Warfare-sponsored (ILW) forums, panels and meetings that address a wide-range of professional topics such as leader development, enhancing Soldier capabilities, modernization, force structure and Army families.

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 Motorcycle safety month

Army to focus on motorcycle safety in May

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and while the nationwide campaign sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges drivers to... MORE about Army to focus on motorcycle safety in May

Strategy conference tackles Landpower, strategic issues facing the nation

Strategy conference tackles land power, strategic issues facing nation

Experts from academia, military and government converged on Carlisle Barracks, Pa., to discuss links between land power and vital strategic issues facing the nation... MORE about Strategy conference tackles land power, strategic issues facing nation

CAPE educates APG workforce on the Army Profession

CAPE educates APG workforce on Army Profession

Members of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command attended an Army Profession seminar conducted by the Center for the Army Profession and Ethic, or CAPE, here at... MORE about CAPE educates APG workforce on Army Profession

Sequestration impacting NTC

CSA: Sequestration to have cumulative impact

One of the effects of sequestration, which went into effect March 1, 2013, could be the reduction of the Army's end strength by 100,000, including some Guard and... MORE about CSA: Sequestration to have cumulative impact

NIE:  Delivering capabilities to todays Soldier

NIE: Delivering capabilities to today's Soldier

What does today's Soldier need? Still in its evolutionary state, the Network Integration Evaluation continues to make progress in achieving greater cost benefits and... MORE about NIE: Delivering capabilities to today's Soldier

Defense leaders: Interoperability vital to strategic land power

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Senior U.S. Army and Marine Corps leaders joined prominent members of academia and defense think tanks to discuss the vital role of land power... MORE about Defense leaders: Interoperability vital to strategic land power

Land power fundamental to strategic success within human domain

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- During the opening day of the 2013 Association of the United States Army's 2013 Winter Symposium and Exposition, senior leaders highlighted... MORE about Land power fundamental to strategic success within human domain

FOB Sharana Redistribution Yard

Sequestration may affect reset from Afghanistan

The reset of equipment returning from Afghanistan may be affected by sequestration, said the commander of U.S. Army Materiel Command. MORE about Sequestration may affect reset from Afghanistan

AUSA kicks off last winter symposium in Florida

AUSA kicks off last winter symposium in Florida

For 14 years now the Association of the United States Army has held its winter symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., but this year's event will be the last in the... MORE about AUSA kicks off last winter symposium in Florida

Army must shift focus from execution to preparation

Army must shift focus from execution to preparation

The Army must transition now from a force of execution to one of preparation, said the commander of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command. MORE about Army must shift focus from execution to preparation

Winter Wargame Unified Quest 2013

Army leaders plan for uncertain future

More than 100 leaders from across the Army, the Department of Defense, academia, and think tanks, met here this week at the "Winter Wargame Unified Quest... MORE about Army leaders plan for uncertain future

Sequestration could mean training reduction for 80 percent of ground forces

Sequestration could mean training reduction for 80 percent of ground forces

The Army's chief of staff told lawmakers in very clear terms what budget reductions under sequestration would do to Soldiers and Army readiness, on Capitol Hill, Feb... MORE about Sequestration could mean training reduction for 80 percent of ground forces

CSA testifies to Senate Armed Services Committee

CSA tells senators sequestration would impact readiness

Furloughs, budget cuts and curtailment of training could significantly impact Army readiness if sequestration is allowed to take place March 1, 2013, Chief of Staff of... MORE about CSA tells senators sequestration would impact readiness

Cone talks budget cuts, impacts to TRADOC mission, workforce

Cone talks budget cuts, impacts to TRADOC mission, workforce

Gen. Robert W. Cone, commanding general of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, hosted a town hall forum to share information directly with the TRADOC civilian... MORE about Cone talks budget cuts, impacts to TRADOC mission, workforce

Odierno visits 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division

CSA's strategic intent: Delivering strategic landpower in an uncertain world

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno discusses his vision for how the Army will operate in the future. MORE about CSA's strategic intent: Delivering strategic landpower in an uncertain world

Army must complete analysis before opening jobs to women

Army must complete analysis before opening jobs to women

Last month, the Secretary of Defense announced an end to the Direct Ground Combat Exclusion Rule for female Soldiers. But the Army wants commanders in the field to... MORE about Army must complete analysis before opening jobs to women

SMA

SMA on budget: 'Priority to warfighters'

Sequestration is a "huge concern for us," said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III. MORE about SMA on budget: 'Priority to warfighters'

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III at Command Sergeants Major Legal Orientation

Army launches legal course for sergeants major

The "Command Sergeants Major Legal Orientation" three-day pilot course opened Jan. 29, 2013, at The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center & School, on... MORE about Army launches legal course for sergeants major

CSA Speaks on Budget Crisis at AUSA

CSA warns of budgetary 'perfect storm'

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno said the greatest threat to America's national security is fiscal uncertainty and potential shortfalls that could... MORE about CSA warns of budgetary 'perfect storm'

Combat Engineers recount reasons for success in Afghanistan bomb-clearing mission

Combat Engineers recount reasons for success in Afghanistan bomb-clearing mission

Airborne combat engineers with 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, discussed how combining an infantry maneuver element with their route-clearance patrols... MORE about Combat Engineers recount reasons for success in Afghanistan bomb-clearing mission

Collaboration

Maneuver Center key player in Centers of Excellence collaboration

The Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, Ga., is playing a key role in one of the Army's largest internal collaboration efforts. MORE about Maneuver Center key player in Centers of Excellence collaboration

Viability of industrial base concern for Army aviation

Viability of industrial base concern for Army aviation

With already declining budgets, a potential sequester later this year, and a difficult economy, sustaining the industrial base that provides the Army with aircraft and... MORE about Viability of industrial base concern for Army aviation

AUSA: Army aviation

Army aviation facing 'exciting, uncertain future'

The current fiscal environment poses significant challenges for Army aviation, as well as the rest of the Army and the Defense Department, said Lt. Gen. James O... MORE about Army aviation facing 'exciting, uncertain future'

Aviation Panel at AUSA Symposium

Conventional, special operations forces aviation to continue collaboration as Army downsizes

Army aviation special operations and conventional aviation forces will continue to collaborate and forge bonds that will become tighter as the Army downsizes, SOF and... MORE about Conventional, special operations forces aviation to continue collaboration as Army downsizes

TRADOC talks Americas Army -- Our Profession

TRADOC talks 'America's Army -- Our Profession'

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command officially kicked off the year-long "America's Army -- Our Profession" education and training program by hosting a... MORE about TRADOC talks 'America's Army -- Our Profession'

Army Capstone Concept

Army's strategic vision plan unveiled

This month the latest U.S. Army Capstone Concept was released, which lays out how the will conduct future planning, organization and operations globally in support of... MORE about Army's strategic vision plan unveiled

Deep future

Army leaders probe 'deep future'

Trying to anticipate what the world might be like in 2030 would seem to be in the realm of science fiction writers. But the Army is interested too, and thinks it is... MORE about Army leaders probe 'deep future'

WLC Land Nav Course

New, longer Warrior Leader Course to launch with shorter days, land nav returns

When implemented Army-wide in January, the Warrior Leader Course will be a little bit longer and a little bit better, said the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy... MORE about New, longer Warrior Leader Course to launch with shorter days, land nav returns

TRADOCs Decisive Action Training Environment: Future training grounded in todays intelligence

Decisive Action Training Environment: Future training grounded in today's intelligence

To ensure Soldiers are trained and ready for any mission, the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command's Directorate of Intelligence created the Decisive Action... MORE about Decisive Action Training Environment: Future training grounded in today's intelligence

Operation Solemn Promise: Soldiers, civilians, asked to recommit themselves to Army Values

Operation Solemn Promise: Soldiers, civilians asked to recommit themselves to Army Values

A year after asking Soldiers and civilians to take a hard look at whether or not they truly embody the Army's Values in their daily lives during the launching of... MORE about Operation Solemn Promise: Soldiers, civilians asked to recommit themselves to Army Values

Westphal visits AMC

Under Secretary of the Army talks tough issues with AMC personnel

"We could never be the Army that we are -- not today, not yesterday -- without the civilian workforce that we have," began Under Secretary of the Army Joseph... MORE about Under Secretary of the Army talks tough issues with AMC personnel

At JRTC, Army training for DATE with hybrid threats

Army training for DATE with hybrid threats

Last month, about 1,200 Soldiers parachuted into the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La., to participate in a "Decisive Action Training... MORE about Army training for DATE with hybrid threats

Senior leader panel discusses ready, resilient Army

The Army has a window of opportunity that will help shape the force for the next 20 years, said Lt. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg, the Army's G-1. The general also said... MORE about Senior leader panel discusses ready, resilient Army

U.S. Army adapting to face deep future threats

Army adapting to face 'deep future' threats

During the recent 2012 Association of the United States Army's Annual Meeting and Exposition, members of the Institute of Land Warfare's "Thinking Past Tomorrow... MORE about Army adapting to face 'deep future' threats

Army leaders say 'agile' force needed for uncertain future

The Army is taking a series of strategically minded and carefully crafted steps to position the force for a full range of potential missions in an unpredictable, yet... MORE about Army leaders say 'agile' force needed for uncertain future

New Warrior Leader Course to begin in January

New Warrior Leader Course to begin in January

Preparing Soldiers for the Army of 2020 means restructuring a critical link in the Noncommissioned Officer Education System chain that prepares Soldiers for future... MORE about New Warrior Leader Course to begin in January

Leadership resolves to find right family programs

Leadership resolves to find 'right' family programs

In a town hall meeting with Army spouses, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno reiterated the Army's commitment financially to do everything possible to... MORE about Leadership resolves to find 'right' family programs

ARCYBER commander

ARCYBER working to build joint-info environment

Army leaders addressed the growing arena of cyberspace and the threats it presents during the "Cyber Domain and LandWarNet: Powering the Army" panel at the... MORE about ARCYBER working to build joint-info environment

Regional alignment

Army partnering for peace, security

The Army is working diligently to prevent war in the future through select Army units, partnered with allies and specific nations around the globe; a strategy it terms... MORE about Army partnering for peace, security

Shyu lead AUSAs Modernization Panel

Shyu outlines strategic modernization planning approach

Army acquisition is in the early stages of refining an integrated, multi-pronged strategic approach to equipment modernization which seeks to harvest key lessons... MORE about Shyu outlines strategic modernization planning approach

CSA

CSA: Trust is bedrock of Army Profession

"Our profession is built on the bedrock of trust," said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno. "Trust is earned. It is not given. It is not... MORE about CSA: Trust is bedrock of Army Profession

Westphal: Maintaining a connection with American public critical to the future of the Army

Westphal: Maintaining connection with American public critical to future of Army

"Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army are critical in connecting our Army with the American public, " said Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W... MORE about Westphal: Maintaining connection with American public critical to future of Army

Heavy Hitters in Mock Battle

Army leaders discuss service's future role in land power

For more than 10 years, the Army has been engaged in two wars. As a result, the Army has not been as engaged as it would like to have been either globally, or with all... MORE about Army leaders discuss service's future role in land power

Versatility critical to future Army capabilities

Versatility critical to future Army capabilities

The Army is looking ahead as it prepares for the security challenges of 2020 and beyond. During the 2012 Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting and Exposition... MORE about Versatility critical to future Army capabilities

Surgeon general, families, experts talk resiliency, mental health at AUSA

Surgeon general talks resiliency, mental health, at AUSA

Emotional pain is real, the Army surgeon general told a group of Soldiers, family members and family readiness group leaders in Washington, D.C., Oct. 23, 2012. MORE about Surgeon general talks resiliency, mental health, at AUSA

Soldiers, civilians to see results of Army Profession Campaign

Soldiers, civilians to see results of Army Profession Campaign

Soldiers and Army civilians will start to see the implementation of the Army Profession Campaign beginning in January, senior Army leaders said, Oct. 22, 2012. MORE about Soldiers, civilians to see results of Army Profession Campaign

October 23, 2012 -- CSA Remarks at AUSA Eisenhower Luncheon (As Delivered)

Remarks delivered by U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno at the 2012 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition during the... MORE about October 23, 2012 -- CSA Remarks at AUSA Eisenhower Luncheon (As Delivered)

Army will prepare for future with regionally aligned forces

Army will prepare for future with regionally aligned forces

Future Army forces must be tailored to meet local requirements, must be rapidly deployable at lower echelons, and must be scalable from squad to corps level, said... MORE about Army will prepare for future with regionally aligned forces

CSAs blueprint for Army

CSA draws blueprint for complex global environment

The Army has revised much of its doctrine over the last year and will release more top-level doctrine over the next 10 months to lay out how it will operate in an... MORE about CSA draws blueprint for complex global environment

AUSA Annual Meeting

AUSA forums to be webcast live

Soldiers and employees who cannot attend this year's Association of the U.S. Army annual meeting and exposition can still watch events and panels online by visiting... MORE about AUSA forums to be webcast live

FORSCOM Commander at AUSA breakfast

Guard, Reserve to strengthen regional alignments

Gen. David. M. Rodriguez, commander of U.S. Army Forces Command, provided his views on the way ahead for the Guard and Reserve during the Association of the U.S... MORE about Guard, Reserve to strengthen regional alignments

AUSA ILW Contemporary Military Forum

Army launches smart Operational Energy use campaign, identifies 10 initiatives

The Army launched "The Power is In Your Hands" campaign Oct. 23, 2012, to encourage Soldiers to use energy smarter on the battlefield. MORE about Army launches smart Operational Energy use campaign, identifies 10 initiatives

McHugh speaks at 2012 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition

Army will do its job with less, secretary says

With budget cuts already in place, and more cuts possible next year -- the Army can expect there to be fewer resources around to accomplish a mission that will likely... MORE about Army will do its job with less, secretary says

Army plans easier access to doctrine by 2015

Army plans easier access to doctrine by 2015

The Army plans to have a new, easy-to-use method for Soldiers to access manuals and other military publications by 2015. MORE about Army plans easier access to doctrine by 2015

Under Secretary Westphal

Westphal: Collaboration with industry saves Army money

Industry forums such as this week's Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting and Exposition can save the Army money through collaboration on best business... MORE about Westphal: Collaboration with industry saves Army money

CSA speaks to reporters

Odierno: Building trust with media important

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno told members of the 10th Annual Military Reporters and Editors Conference that he can't remember a time when trust was ever... MORE about Odierno: Building trust with media important

Army retightens fitness standards for PME

Army tightens fitness standards for students entering professional military education

Pre-war height, weight and physical fitness standards are coming back for Soldiers entering professional military education courses, on or after Nov. 1, 2012. MORE about Army tightens fitness standards for students entering professional military education

Army announces optimization of Intermediate Level Education

The Department of the Army announced today changes to improve Officer Intermediate Level Professional Military Education. MORE about Army announces optimization of Intermediate Level Education

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler III

SMA tours Fort Sill, talks Army future

The Sergeant Major of the Army visited Fort Sill, Okla., last week, meeting with Soldiers and their families, and observing training on the installation. MORE about SMA tours Fort Sill, talks Army future

Broadening Opportunities Program

Odds improve for Soldiers aiming for fellowships

Before last year, Soldiers applying for fellowships or scholarships could only choose one program per year. If they didn't get that program, they'd likely miss the... MORE about Odds improve for Soldiers aiming for fellowships

Partnering with local nationals

Leaders look at Army of the Future

As the Army transitions away from wartime commitments, what should the strategic focus be for future challenges and what will the Army of tomorrow and beyond look like? MORE about Leaders look at Army of the Future

Odierno to War College students:   Education, adaptability key to future of Army

Odierno to War College students: Education, adaptability key to future of Army

The Army Chief of Staff spoke to the Army War College student body Aug. 13, 2012, about strategic leadership and the strategic environment, through the lens of Army... MORE about Odierno to War College students: Education, adaptability key to future of Army

Master Fitness training, new doctrine among topics discussed during CSA visit to TRADOC

Odierno discusses Master Fitness training, new doctrine during TRADOC visit

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno traveled to U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command headquarters at Fort Eustis, Va., July 31, 2012, to receive briefings... MORE about Odierno discusses Master Fitness training, new doctrine during TRADOC visit

Carter describes possible unintended effects of sequestration law

Carter describes possible unintended effects of sequestration law

While the Defense Department can foresee the harmful effects of sequestration, the nature of the legislative mechanism makes it impossible to devise a plan that... MORE about Carter describes possible unintended effects of sequestration law

Hammack addresses AUSA

Behavioral changes hold key to energy efficiency throughout Army

The Army's energy chief continues to press home the need for energy efficiency saying that stewardship of water and power resources begins with behavioral changes by... MORE about Behavioral changes hold key to energy efficiency throughout Army

21st Century Training

TRADOC leaders discuss future fight, way ahead with 21st century training

A focus on revitalizing home station training and incorporating more challenging leader development are two components set to earmark the Army's way ahead for the... MORE about TRADOC leaders discuss future fight, way ahead with 21st century training

Network Integration Evaluation, Agile Process bring about fundamental change

Network Integration Evaluation, Agile Process bring about fundamental change

Experts from U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command discussed the Network Integration Evaluations and the Agile Process during the Virginia Peninsula General Douglas... MORE about Network Integration Evaluation, Agile Process bring about fundamental change

TRADOC commander outlines transition to the Army of 2020

TRADOC commander outlines transition to Army of the Future

The commanding general of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command had an opportunity to share his thoughts on the Army of the Future with the local chapter of the... MORE about TRADOC commander outlines transition to Army of the Future

CSA Visits Fort Hood

Army chief talks Warfighter, future force during Fort Hood visit

The future Army force must be able to respond to complex missions quickly with flexibility and adaptability in all formations, explained Chief of Staff of the Army... MORE about Army chief talks Warfighter, future force during Fort Hood visit

Chandler urges NCOs to promote culture of professionalism

Chandler urges NCOs to promote culture of professionalism

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Chandler touted a culture of professionalism as he toured Fort Bliss, Texas, June 20, 2012. MORE about Chandler urges NCOs to promote culture of professionalism

Odierno addresses Armys future, budget cuts

Odierno addresses Army's future, budget cuts

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno answered questions about the future of the Army, June 20, 2012, at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington... MORE about Odierno addresses Army's future, budget cuts

McHugh discusses Army of today, Army of the Future

McHugh discusses Army of today, Army of the Future

The Army's not going anywhere, Secretary of the Army John McHugh reassured Soldiers, Army civilians and their families in a recent interview. MORE about McHugh discusses Army of today, Army of the Future

Panel discusses leaders education supporting Mission Command

Army Learning Model is key in Mission Command education

Implementing the Army Learning Model to accomplish mission command was discussed by Army leaders during the Mission Command Leader Education Panel at the AUSA Mission... MORE about Army Learning Model is key in Mission Command education

Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal met with senior leaders to learn more about TRADOCs top initiatives

Westphal looks ahead to Army of the Future

With significant budget cuts coming over the next several years, the Army has embraced the need to adapt, seeing it as an opportunity to become a stronger, better... MORE about Westphal looks ahead to Army of the Future

Mission Command Symposium panel addressing

Army's top signal officer: Everything is network dependent

Army leaders discussed the future of the Army's network during the Network-Enabled Mission Command panel at the Association of the United States Army Mission Command... MORE about Army's top signal officer: Everything is network dependent

Mission Command Symposium discusses staff tasks

Battlefield complexity brings new command, staff tasks

A group of military experts gathered to discuss how future commanders will need to be taught to succeed in an environment future generations could never have imagined... MORE about Battlefield complexity brings new command, staff tasks

Army Learning Model to begin fiscal year 2015

Army Learning Model to begin fiscal year 2015

Army senior cohorts gathered at Fort Eustis, Va., June 5-6, 2012, for the Basic Officer Leaders Course Conference to discuss how the Army Learning Model can assist... MORE about Army Learning Model to begin fiscal year 2015

Future Games gives leaders tools to chart Armys future

Future Games gives leaders tools to chart Army's future

The Army's role in the nation's future defense strategy is becoming broader and the Training and Doctrine Command is working to ensure that it is ready. MORE about Future Games gives leaders tools to chart Army's future

Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III shares his philosophy on what it means to be an Army professional

Chandler visits TRADOC, discusses Army professionalism during conference

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III discussed Army professionalism and senior enlisted leader expectations of new officers during the Basic Officer Leader... MORE about Chandler visits TRADOC, discusses Army professionalism during conference

Captains Career Course

Captains Career Course undergoing change

The Army is currently in the process of redesigning part of a component of the Officer Education System to better meet the requirements of an expeditionary force. MORE about Captains Career Course undergoing change

SecArmy: Language, culture vital for future missions

McHugh: Language, culture vital for future missions

Secretary of the Army John McHugh said that language and culture skills are critical for the successful accomplishment of missions overseas today and in the future... MORE about McHugh: Language, culture vital for future missions

CSA on Capitol Hill

Odierno: Sequestration could lead to hollow Army

It's possible the Army could be cut to 400,000 if the sequestration option spelled out in the Budget Control Act of 2011 goes into effect, the Army's chief of staff... MORE about Odierno: Sequestration could lead to hollow Army

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2013 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

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