FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Don Busbice was recognized earlier this month as the first person to complete the first three phases of the Fort Jackson Army Training Center’s newly implemented Civilian Workforce Development Training program, earning a Civilian Achievement Medal, among other incentives.
The program is governed by a Fort Jackson regulation adopted in May.
“I looked at it like, ‘I can learn something,’” Busbice said of the program, the first three phases of which are mandatory for ATC personnel. Busbice is a specialist in the Safety Office. “They really did a great job. I really enjoyed the training.”
Sean O’Brian, post safety director and point of contact for the CWDT, said the program is about ensuring civilians get the same level of leadership training as their military counterparts.
“I think we have the obligation to our civilians to further their education and careers,” he said. “Our Civilian Workforce Development program pulls it down to the ATC level.”
The program includes some Army-wide Civilian Education System courses, as well as some that are Fort Jackson specific. Participants receive time-off awards for completing the first two phases and upon completion of Phase III receive a time-off award, USATC diploma, commanding general’s coin and a Civilian Achievement Medal. Phases IV and V are considered advanced training; Phase V is for civilians GS-13 and above.
“I’m going to keep on going with this and I’m going to see how far I can go,” Busbice said. But he warns that the courses do require hard work. “It’s not something you can click your way through.
You need to study, you need to live it, you need to learn it.”
Individual supervisors should be contacted for information on how to register for courses.
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Army Civilian leaders learn about education and career development opportunities
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