Military Occupational Specialty 51C, Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology Contracting Noncommissioned Officer
What is it'
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 51C, Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (AL&T) Contracting Noncommissioned Officer (NCO), is a highly critical career field established in December 2006 to meet the Army's continuously increasing need for contingency contracting officers in the modular force. The Army is currently recruiting NCOs, in both the active and reserve components, who are interested in reclassifying to MOS 51C and meet reclassification prerequisites. Applicants must be in the ranks of promotable sergeant, staff sergeant, or sergeant first class with less than 10 years of service. Those with 13 years' service may receive waivers.
What has the Army done'
The U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center serves as the proponent for MOS 51C and is responsible for the life-cycle management process of the Army's new contracting NCO corps, which includes recruitment, retention, individual training and education, distribution, sustainment, professional development, and separation. MOS 51C NCOs will receive the same Defense Acquisition University (DAU) training opportunities in the contracting field that are available to the Army's acquisition officers and civilians. Active component Soldiers will attend the Mission Ready Airman Contracting Apprentice Course, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, or the Army Acquisition Basic Course, Army Acquisition Center of Excellence, Huntsville, Ala. Reserve component Soldiers will take courses through DAU distance learning.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future'
In the future, the Army will continue its recruiting efforts to add approximately 100 new members to the MOS each year to reach the long-term goal of 446 by FY13. As MOS 51C matures, AL&T contracting NCOs will provide continuity and stability for the Army's military contingency contracting workforce. They will become contingency contracting technical experts and trainers for newly accessed acquisition officers and Soldiers who reclassify into MOS 51C.
Why is this important to the Army'
Army contracting activities require technology, supplies, and services for our warfighters through responsive and innovative support. MOS 51C officers have the vital job of providing forward contracting support to ongoing war zone and humanitarian missions worldwide. In fact, the Army conducted 108 contingency contracting missions in 39 countries in 2010, including combat support missions in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti and Pakistan. As contingency contracting needs around the world continue to grow, MOS 51C Soldiers must rise to the challenge to accomplish these critical missions.
Resource:
<a href="http://asc.army.mil/career/programs/nco/default.cfm'purpose=nco"target="_blank">USAASC Career Development: Noncommissioned Officer MOS 51C and CMF 51</a>
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