Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army logo

Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army

America's link to the Army!

Introduction

Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army (CASAs) are business and community leaders appointed by the Secretary to advise and support Army leaders across the country. CASAs come from many professions including business, education, finance, industry, law, the media, medicine and public service. Each is proactively involved in the community and brings to the position an interest in the Army, a high degree of business and civic leadership and an ability to influence the public. CASAs are Special Government Employees who agree to serve as representatives of the Secretary of the Army without salary, wages or related benefits, and are afforded a 3-star protocol status.

CASAs bridge the gap between the Army and civilian community by disseminating information about the Army's objectives and major programs to the public through speeches, personal contact and participation in Army and community events. CASAs assist with recruiting by increasing the positive image of the Army and connecting Army recruiters to key influencers in the community.

CASAs provide individual advice to the Secretary of the Army on public sentiments toward the Army. CASAs work closely with Army leaders and installation commanders and serve as the Secretary' s liaison for Army National Guard and Army Reserve matters. They also engage with local, regional, and state officials, Federal Agencies, Members of Congress and their staff.

Each CASA is committed to supporting all Department of Army Civilians, Soldiers and their Families. In particular, CASAs partner with the Soldier for Life program to assist Soldiers as they transition from the Army.

CASA History

Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army (CASAs) was founded in 1916 during the World War I era as part of the Military Training Camps Association (MTCA). The MTCAs supported national defense through the military training of citizens who could be called to active duty in the event of war. In November 1922, Secretary of War John W. Weeks officially recognized the MTCA as a "cooperating agency," both to recognize its positive effect in preparing officers for war and to continue fostering voluntary military training. He approved a proposal by the MTCA that select members be appointed as civilian aides to the Secretary of War. In 1940, Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson kept the system of civilian aides intact and, during World War II, the Army called upon aides for important and, in some cases, highly confidential duties. It was in 1950 that Secretary of the Army Frank Pace, Jr. redesigned the program to promote better relations between the Army and civilian communities. The MTCA became part of the Office of the Secretary of the Army in 1953 and was redesignated as the CASA program. The CASA program office was relocated for administrative support to the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army in July 2010 and designated as the CASA Directorate. For 100 years, the CASAs have served as Army’s ambassadors in communities around the U.S. and its territories, providing critical connections to build partnerships and enhance relationships. Today, CASAs are business leaders, community leaders and force multipliers appointed by the Secretary to advise and support Army leaders.

THE CASA PROGRAM TURNS 100!

Proclamation.pdf [PDF - 621.7 KB]

FAQs

  • Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) are essential to the Army’s ability to connect with America by helping to build partnerships and strengthening relationships in their communities. The role of a CASA varies greatly based on geographic location; proximity to Army installations or activities and support of local recruiting brigades of battalions. Some of the common roles the CASAs play are below:

  • Recruiting is the #1 priority for CASAs. They support the Total Army Recruiting mission by using their community connections to link the Army to influencers within the community.

    CASAs support:

    Prospect Campaigns. Prospect campaigns are activities that ensure authentic access to high schools, trade schools, community colleges, colleges universities, pre-med, healthcare professional career schools and similar settings.

    Awareness Campaigns. Support activities that will reach the general public through participation in public activities such as parades, fairs, festivals, community celebrations, military open-house functions, job fairs, and public meetings.

    Tell the Army Story. Using media access and community engagement, CASAs facilitate meaningful interactions between Army recruiters, key influencers, and youth with a propensity to serve.

    CASAs are America's link to the Army! 

  • Each component faces unique challenges, and as leaders in their states or territories, CASAs play a unique role by being the Secretary’s link to the Guard and Reserve.  In particular, CASAs in states with little to no Active-Duty presence are almost exclusively involved with National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers. CASAs typically develop strong relationships with The Adjutant General (TAG) and reserve units since local need varies greatly.

  • CASAs support our Soldiers and their Families as they transition out of uniform by partnering with the Soldier for Life program. This includes taking care of the Soldier’s Families and assisting with job opportunities for transition Soldiers, veterans and their spouses.

  • In keeping with the Army People strategy, “Our people are our greatest strength and our most important weapon system” CASAs should seek to build mutually beneficial relationships within all segments of the multicultural communities they serve. They should also seek opportunities to upskill their cultural agility and exposure as they assist our Army in building lasting community-based relationships within their assigned regions of responsibility.

  • CASAs are often asked to speak at similar events listed above, as well as military and veteran services organization events. These events provide an opportunity to disseminate information about the Army and its priorities. The CASA Program Office regularly distributes Army talking points, top line messages, the Secretary’s priorities, and other pertinent information. However, most information can easily be found online or through your local Army contacts.

  • CASAs use their extensive outreach to support Soldiers and civilians while they serve. As the eyes and ears in the community, CASAs keep a pulse of the Total Army and provide genuine feedback on Army decisions and actions that affect Soldiers and families.

Find a CASA

Click below to find the CASA for your geographic location.

Find A CASA

SECRETARY OF THE ARMY CONDUCTS INVESTITURE CEREMONY

23 JANUARY 2024 SECRETARY OF THE ARMY APPOINTS THREE NEW CIVILIAN AIDES

101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION HOSTS 2024 CASA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

CASAs visit 101st Airborne Division during the 2024 Annual National Conference. Click here to read the full story.

The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the U.S, Army of this website or the information, products, or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and MWR sites, the U.S. Army does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this website.

11 OCTOBER 2023, HON CHRISTINE WORMUTH CONDUCTS INVESTITURE CEREMONY FOR TWO NEW CASAS

13 JULY 2023 SECRETARY OF THE ARMY APPOINTS FOUR NEW CIVILIAN AIDES

APPOINTEE CRITERIA TO BECOME A CASA

To be eligible, CASA nominees will—

  • Be a United States citizen of outstanding character, integrity, and patriotism.
  • Have a deep interest in military affairs.
  • Be a leader in community affairs.
  • Be in a position to disseminate information about the Army to a broad cross section of the public and to prominent citizens in their area.
  • Be able to interpret and affect public attitude toward the Army.
  • Be able and willing to devote a reasonable amount of time to the activities of a CASA.
  • Legally reside in the State or Territory the CASA is appointed to represent and be present in the State or Territory a minimum of 9 months a year. CASAs will notify the Program Office of extended absences to ensure sufficient coverage.
  • Not be an employee of the Federal Government as defined in 5 USC 2105.
  • Not be a Federal, State, or local elected or appointed official or employee.
  • Not be a paid employee of any political party.
  • Not be an active member of the National Guard or a member of the Ready Reserve (Selected), Individual Ready Reserve, or Standby Reserve.
  • Not hold financial interests or positions that pose an unresolvable conflict with the performance of their duties as a CASA. For the purposes of analyzing whether a nominee holds an interest, the interests of the nominee’s spouse and dependent children are attributed to the nominee.
  • The SECARMY reserves the right to waive any regulatory criterion when appointing a CASA.

CASA PROGRAM GOVERNING REGULATION

AR_1-15 Authenticated Regulation.pdf March 16, 2023 [PDF - 246.1 KB]

CASA PROGRAM DIRECTIVES

CASA Nomination and Selection Process [PDF - 77.4 KB]

CASA Overview [PDF - 145 KB]

Typical Duties of a CASA.pdf [PDF - 203.8 KB]

CONTACT US

Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army
105 Army Pentagon
Washington, DC 20310-0105

Email: usarmy.pentagon.hqda-oaa.mbx.casa@mail.mil

Vietnam War Commemoration

On 15 April, 2014, the CASA Program became a commemorative partner with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Partner Program which is designed for federal, state and local communities, veterans' organizations and other nongovernmental organizations to assist a grateful nation in thanking and honoring our Vietnam Veterans and their families. Commemorative Partners are encouraged to participate in the Commemoration of the Vietnam War by planning and conducting events and activities that will recognize the Vietnam Veterans and their families' service, valor and sacrifice.

Read the President's Proclamation of the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War (pdf).

Read the Thank You Letter to CASA from the Office of the Secretary of Defense (pdf).

Visit The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration

National POW/MIA Recognition Day on Friday, Tuesday, September 3 September 2024

COMMEMORATION OBJECTIVES
  1. To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.
  2. To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.
  3. To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.
  4. To highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War.
  5. To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.

View Objectives Poster (pdf)

CASA VIETNAM WAR COMMEMORATION ACTIVITIES

Kentucky (North) September 2014 - Jerry Cecil, CASA for Kentucky (North), helps kick off Kentucky's 10-year effort to honor Vietnam veterans. Read Article

War Commemoration Situational Report- 2015

VWC SITREP 2015 Issue 6.pdf [PDF - 185.2 KB]