The Army’s Commitment to MOS 51C Development
The U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center (USAASC) plays a pivotal role as the proponent for MOS 51C. USAASC oversees the complete lifecycle management of this vital NCO corps. This comprehensive responsibility includes recruitment strategies, retention programs, specialized individual training and education, strategic distribution of personnel, ongoing sustainment, professional development initiatives, and separation procedures. Reflecting the Army’s commitment to professional excellence, MOS 51C NCOs receive the same high-quality training opportunities in contracting offered to Army acquisition officers and civilian personnel through the Defense Acquisition University (DAU). Active component Soldiers typically attend the Mission Ready Airman Contracting Apprentice Course at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, or the Army Acquisition Basic Course at the Army Acquisition Center of Excellence in Huntsville, Alabama. Reserve component Soldiers primarily engage with DAU courses through distance learning platforms, ensuring accessibility and flexibility in their training.
Future Growth and Strategic Importance of MOS 51C
Looking ahead, the Army is committed to sustained recruitment efforts to expand the MOS 51C ranks. The goal is to onboard approximately 100 new professionals annually to achieve a long-term force structure target of 446 MOS 51C NCOs by FY13. As MOS 51C continues to mature and develop, these AL&T contracting NCOs will provide critical continuity and stability to the Army’s military contingency contracting workforce. They are expected to evolve into technical experts and proficient trainers in contingency contracting, offering invaluable mentorship to newly commissioned acquisition officers and Soldiers transitioning into MOS 51C. This structured growth ensures the Army maintains a highly skilled and experienced contracting cadre ready to meet future challenges.
Why MOS 51C is Indispensable to the Army’s Mission
Army contracting activities are fundamental to equipping warfighters with the necessary technology, supplies, and services. This support must be both responsive and innovative to meet the dynamic needs of military operations. MOS 51C officers are at the forefront of this effort, performing the essential function of providing forward contracting support in active war zones and during global humanitarian missions. Illustratively, in 2010 alone, the Army executed 108 contingency contracting missions across 39 countries. These missions encompassed critical combat support in theaters like Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as vital humanitarian relief operations in regions such as Haiti and Pakistan. Given the projected growth in global contingency contracting demands, MOS 51C Soldiers are crucial. They are challenged to step up and effectively execute these vital missions, directly contributing to the Army’s operational success and humanitarian impact worldwide.
Resource:
For further information on career development and opportunities within MOS 51C and CMF 51, please visit USAASC Career Development: Noncommissioned Officer MOS 51C and CMF 51.
