Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army

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.

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]