Wednesday, October 22, 2014
What is it?
The Army Civilian Acculturation Program helps provide a positive introduction into the Army culture for newly hired Army civilians. The program establishes a standard way for civilians to quickly learn and develop an appreciation for the Army’s culture. The goal is for civilians to understand their role as members of the Army Profession and rapidly become productive members of the civilian corps.
The pilot program, which began Aug. 25, is the culmination of more than a year of work led by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command G-1/4, in conjunction with the Civilian Workforce Transformation Program and many individuals and organizations.
What has the Army done?
The Army is piloting the Army Civilian Acculturation Program at several installations across the Army to better integrate new civilian employees into the Department of the Army.
The program involves both onboarding and orientation for new employees. Onboarding is the strategic process of welcoming new employees, establishing responsibilities and familiarizing them with the Army culture.
Through the acculturation program, supervisors are responsible for the new employee’s development, project assignments, educational opportunities and career progression throughout the first year of the new hire’s employment. The program provides a variety of resource materials, including toolkits for the new employee, his or her sponsor and supervisor. This material will help the employee become a member of the Army Profession in accordance with Army Doctrine Publication (ADP) 1.
Why is this important to the Army?
Army civilians make up 60 percent of the Army’s generating force. Their expertise and competency are essential to the success of our Soldiers on the battlefield and to building a flexible, streamlined and responsive generating force.
The more civilian employees understand their role in the organization, the more enthusiastic, engaged and productive they will become. Army supervisors and leaders must build employee confidence by developing their character, competence and commitment as members of the Army Profession.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
Upon successful completion of the Civilian Acculturation Pilot program, TRADOC will recommend integration Army-wide in fiscal year 2015.
It will continue to provide a process for supervisors and employees to foster positive and productive working relationships. Through the program, Army civilians will gain a better idea of what it means to be members of the Army Profession and practice the profession consistent with Army values.
Resources:
Subscribe to STAND-TO! to learn about the U.S. Army initiatives.