Army Management Staff College launches new Action Officer Development Course

By David HoweyOctober 18, 2018

AMSC Launches new Action Officer course
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Army Management Staff College is launching a newly-designed version of its classic Action Officer Development Course. This newly-redesigned AODC has been available for students in the Army Learning Management System since 1 October, 2018.

"Our goal... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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New Action Officer course features updated software
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The AODC was completed by countless Soldiers and Army Civilians since the early 2000s. The software that was originally used to develop the course became obsolete and the course reverted to what is known as "flat files," static document files with n... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Leavenworth, Kan. -- Army Management Staff College is launching a newly-designed version of its classic Action Officer Development Course. This newly-redesigned AODC has been available for students in the Army Learning Management System since 1 October, 2018.

"Our goal with the AODC has always been to provide students with a value-added learning experience. This redesign helps us do that more smoothly and efficiently," said Kim Summers, Director of the Army Management Staff College.

The AODC was completed by countless Soldiers and Army Civilians since the early 2000s. The software that was originally used to develop the course became obsolete and the course reverted to what is known as "flat files," static document files with no interactivity and little student control.

In FY 2018, AMSC put the AODC through a soft revision of both the content and the presentation of the content.

This means that students now click through guided screens with graphics and text that lead them through the content. Doctrinal references were updated to insure that students have access to the most current Army sources. The course also contains "take-aways" in the form of downloadable files with all of the course material.

In August, 2018, 27 students, both Army Civilian Corps members and Soldiers from all over the Army completed a group trial, commonly known as a pilot. A group trial helps validate both the lesson content and the technical navigation of the course. After a 12-day pilot period, the newly-designed course was validated.

"The practices throughout this Action Officer Development Course are vital in any career field and can be applied to day-to-day activities, events and long-range planning. We all work more effectively when we know how to navigate resources, work as a team and plan efficiently," said Holly DeCarlo-White, USAG Stuttgart, one of the students who completed the group trial.

The term Action Officer, while not always part of a formal job description, applies to anyone who takes actions on the part of a senior leader to solve a problem, research an issue, implement a new policy, or coordinate actions with peer, subordinate, or high-level organizations.

The AODC contains topics such as problem solving, coordinating, briefing, professional ethics, time management, meeting management, persuading, negotiating, and writing.

"The interactive format and checks on learning were easy to follow. This training provides a foundation that is essential to an ever changing workforce," said DeCarlo-White.

Army interns are required to complete the AODC as part of their intern program according to AR 350-1. Any other Soldier or member of the Army Civilian Corps can take the AODC as self-development.

To register for the AODC, Army Civilian Corps members and Soldiers should go through the Civilian Human Resources Training Application System (CHRTAS) website at https://www.atrrs.army.mil/channels/chrtas/student/logon.aspx

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CHRTAS