Monday, April 27, 2015
What is it?
The Army is redesigning its four-level Civilian Education System (CES) in order to professionalize the Army Civilian Corps in accordance with the Civilian Workforce Transformation initiative. The CES is a continuum of leader development that begins with the newly-hired Army professional and provides development opportunities throughout the professional’s career. Completing CES courses is recommended prior to selection for higher levels of employment and is required prior to attending advanced educational opportunities.
The CES redesign will support the secretary’s and chief of staff of the Army’s efforts to develop adaptive leaders who can operate in a complex environment. The redesign will also align civilian education with the education Soldiers receive during their careers. The CES adopts the Army’s five-tier structure with the foundation, basic, intermediate and advanced courses and continuing education for senior leaders.
What has the Army done?
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command is redesigning the CES to align with the Army’s leader development model and strategy, ground Army civilians in doctrine and ensure they receive the right education at the right time as they support the Army profession. Gaps have been identified and training is being developed to ensure the Army Management Staff College redesign is on par with the Department of Defense and Army leader development requirements.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
The Army continues to revise the Army Leader Development Strategy to address the future Civilian Leader Development Program. The Army is standardizing the educational and training requirements determination process for the Army Civilian Corps in order to optimize civilian leader development and technical competency.
Current and future initiatives include both enhanced opportunities for civilians as well as training for military leaders to build uniform/civilian teams. For example, starting in 2016, the Army will select civilians to attend the Command and General Staff Officer Course. Other initiatives include a presentation at the Army’s School of Command Preparation Brigade Commander/Command Sergeants Major Course, which will also be offered as an elective at the CGSOC.
Why is this important to the Army?
Faced with the complexity and uncertainty of the nation’s security environment and the increasing speed of change, the role of the Army civilian continues to evolve. The Army relies more and more on its civilian corps to provide continuity, corporate expertise and generate force support to Soldiers in the field. As a result, the Army must professionally develop civilian leaders to continue to take on greater levels of responsibilities and increased leadership roles to support and sustain the operational force under ever-changing, complex conditions.
Resources:
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