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Credentialing

Monday, July 29, 2013

What is it?

Credentialing is the process of meeting certain professional and technical standards and earning industry recognition in the form of a credential - a civilian certification or government license. Using a career-long approach, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command has developed credentialing programs that are designed to both enhance Soldier skills and professionalism while serving, and increase their employability after the Army. Programs focus on first-term and mid-career Soldiers in the training base.

What has the Army done?

In support of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012, TRADOC G-3/5/7’s Training Integration Directorate began developing pilot programs with TRADOC schools. The Transportation School partnered with the Department of Transportation to help motor transport operators obtain commercial driver’s licenses. The Ordnance School provides Automotive Service Excellence credentialing tests to Soldiers attending the Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic Advanced Leader and Warrant Officer Basic Courses. As part of the White House “We Can’t Wait” initiative, the Ordnance School also registered 201 Soldiers for a credentialing program with the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. The Quartermaster School provided 330 Soldiers with the opportunity to test for Manufacturing Skills Standards Council certifications. The Joint Culinary Center of Excellence has a voluntary two-year apprenticeship program for food service specialists, initiated during advanced individual training and completed during the Soldier’s follow-on assignment. The program is currently available at Forts Bragg, N.C., Fort Hood, Texas, Fort Campbell, Ky., Fort Drum, N.Y., and Fort Stewart, Ga. TRADOC’s Signal Center of Excellence also has credentialing programs in place with Microsoft, Cisco and CompTIA for Signal Soldiers assigned to information assurance-coded positions throughout the Army.

What continued efforts does the Army have in the future?

The Army will continue to work with civilian credentialing agencies to identify and expand additional opportunities for Soldiers in other military occupational specialties. In the future, Soldiers will be introduced to credentialing opportunities when they enlist at the Military Entry Processing Station. These opportunities will be reinforced at their first duty station, throughout their career and during their separation from the military prior to transitioning into the civilian sector.

In addition to the Army’s current credentialing programs, Soldiers can research individual credentialing opportunities in their specialty on the Credentialing Opportunity On-Line website or by accessing the Army Career Tracker.

Why is this important to the Army?

The Army is moving toward a more holistic approach in taking care of Soldiers, from enlistment through separation. TRADOC’s credentialing initiatives support this approach by enhancing Soldier skills and professionalism while serving, and increasing their employability after the Army.

Resources:

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