The U.S. Army is committed to fostering professional growth within its civilian corps through a robust system of Career Programs. These programs, encompassing 31 specialized communities, are designed to recognize and cultivate the unique talents each Army Civilian brings to their role. Every Army Civilian is assigned to a Career Program based on their position description, ensuring personalized development pathways are readily accessible.
Soldiers collaborating over a map, symbolizing teamwork and career progression in Army civilian programs
What is the Army Career Program System?
The Army Civilian Career Program (CPP) is a structured framework designed to support the systematic growth of Army Civilians throughout their careers. It provides a roadmap for professional development, offering targeted training, education, and diverse assignments. This approach ensures civilians gain broader knowledge, refine their skills, and take on increasing responsibilities, ultimately maximizing their contribution to the Army’s mission. The goal of the Army CPP aligns with the principle of maximizing the potential of the Army Civilian Corps, empowering individuals to achieve their career aspirations within a supportive and structured environment. While the Army provides the framework and resources, the onus is on each Army Civilian to actively engage in their career journey.
Taking Ownership of Your Army Civilian Career
Army Civilians are empowered to take charge of their professional trajectories. This involves setting clear career goals and proactively collaborating with supervisors and Career Program Managers (CCPMs), or Army Civilian Program Managers (ACPMs) where applicable, to devise effective strategies for achieving these goals. Open communication and a proactive approach are key to leveraging the opportunities offered by the Army CPP.
Developmental Assignment Program (DAP)
For junior to mid-level employees, the Developmental Assignment Program (DAP) offers invaluable opportunities for multifunctional training and skill enhancement. These strategically designed 90-day assignments broaden employee experience and foster well-rounded professional development, while also improving communication across different organizational functions. The DAP is a key component of leader development initiatives, supporting the Army’s commitment to building agile and adaptable leaders. By providing exposure to various functional areas, DAP cultivates a multi-skilled workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional installation services to the Army community. Participation in the DAP requires recommendations from the supervisory chain, selection board approval, and final authorization from the Deputy Garrison Commander (DGC), ensuring a structured and merit-based selection process.
Eligibility for DAP
The DAP is specifically tailored for junior and mid-level USAG Daegu Appropriated-fund employees (GS7-GS13), Non-appropriated fund employees (NF-5 and below, comparable to GS7-GS13), and equivalent Foreign National employees. This program serves as a catalyst for career advancement, equipping participants with the diverse skills and experiences necessary for future leadership roles and broader responsibilities within the Army Civilian Corps. Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to Workforce Development at (315) 763-4928 to explore DAP opportunities further.
Local & Centrally Funded Training Resources
The Army provides a range of accessible and cost-effective training resources to support the continuous learning and development of its civilian workforce. These opportunities, often available in Area IV, CONUS, or virtually, are tailored to address the evolving learning needs of civilian employees. The formats and topics of these training sessions are regularly updated based on feedback from Garrison employees, ensuring relevance and responsiveness to current needs.
Monthly Lunch and Learn Sessions
Keep an eye out for the resumption of Monthly Lunch and Learn Sessions, valuable informal learning opportunities designed to enhance professional knowledge and skills. Announcements regarding session schedules and topics will be made available as they are scheduled.
For more detailed information about specific Career Programs, please visit the Civilian Human Resources portal: https://www.milsuite.mil/book/community/spaces/civ-hr/civilian-career-programs-management
For descriptions of individual Civilian Career Programs, click HERE
