PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - The Armament University here hosted a month-long, in-person Army Civilian Education System (CES) Advanced course, producing 64 graduates at a commencement on April 12.
CES is a progressive, sequential leader-development program that provides enhanced educational opportunities for Army Civilians throughout their careers.
The CES Advanced Course prepares upper grade (GS 13-15) U.S. Army civilian leaders to assume increasing levels of responsibility and leadership within organizations. The course is a prerequisite for enrollment in any Army Senior Enterprise Talent Management (SETM) program, including the Senior Service College Fellowship Program.
The course consists of two phases. The first phase is completed online, while the second can either be conducted virtually or in-person. This no-cost course allowed participants to train at Picatinny instead of a four-week temporary duty assignment to the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
“Advanced Course graduates are skilled in leading complex organizations in support of national security and defense strategies, managing organizational resources, leading change, inspiring vision, and creativity, directing program management, and integrating Army systems,” said Joel Lesh, training specialist at the Armament University.
The 64 graduates came from various organizations. Forty were with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center (from both Picatinny Arsenal and Watervliet Arsenal locations), 16 from the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO AA), three from the Army Contract Command New Jersey, three from the Network Enterprise Center, and three from the U.S. Army Garrison Picatinny Arsenal.
“I attended the CES Advance course to enhance my leadership skills with new tools, techniques, and perspectives,” said Aisha Mims, a general engineer (software/sustainment) with the Armaments Center. “It is excellent for refreshing individuals as they prepare for increasing levels of responsibility and leadership within organizations. It helped to show me different perspectives on leadership and followership, which is needed when dealing with a multi-generational workforce.
James Vanatta, a Program Analysis Project Officer, part of JPEO AA’s Director Joint Services, had a very similar experience in attending the Advanced course.
“This course provided me valuable insights into effective communication, conflict resolution, strategic thinking and personal as well as professional growth,” he said. “I was provided leadership strategies that not only applied to the individual employee but to the enterprise as whole, which provided me greater clarity into what a leadership should strive for, as well as providing me additional tools to increase my breath of knowledge.”
The Civilian Education System, administered by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command through the Army Management Staff College, provides centrally funded progressive leader development courses for the Army's civilian workforce commensurate with that of uniformed members.
CES courses are aligned with a civilian employee's grade level, similar to how the Army has identified grade requirements in the Noncommissioned Officer Education System, Warrant Officer Education System, and Officer Education System.
Eligibility is based on the following grade levels, with priority given to supervisors, managers, and team leaders, in accordance with Army Regulation 350-1, Army Training and Leader Development.
-- Basic Course: GS-01 to GS-09 or equivalent pay band
-- Intermediate Course: GS-10 to GS-12 or equivalent band
-- Advanced Course: GS-13 to GS-15 or equivalent band
-- Continuing Education for Senior Leaders: GS-14 to GS-15 or equivalent
Picatinny’s largest tenant, the DEVCOM Armaments Center, operates the Armament University, which offers a wide variety of courses appropriate for entry level, journeyman, and advanced audiences.
The Armament University specializes in enhancing the professional development of engineers and scientists through in-house technical classes and special on-the-job training.
Prerequisites for Advanced Course
Foundation Course (required only for individuals hired after September 30, 2006).
Advanced Course DL Phase 1 must be complete before the instructor-facilitated Phase 2.
Army Civilians must have a current performance rating of successful or above and have a good conduct standing.
If you are interested in attending a future course, contact the Armament University training administrator at 973-724-6501.
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