The U.S. Army employs a vast civilian workforce, and to ensure effective career progression and management, it utilizes Career Programs. These programs, defined and managed under Army Regulation (AR) 690-950, provide a structured framework for civilian employee development, training, and mentorship, mirroring the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) system used for military personnel.
Career Programs are functional groupings of civilian positions, categorized by Occupational Series. This system facilitates a lifecycle approach to career management, ensuring that civilian employees have clear pathways for advancement and skill enhancement throughout their careers within the Army. Just as an MOS or Branch Code identifies a military member’s functional area, a Career Program designation aligns with a civilian position based on its specific responsibilities and duties.
These programs are integral to Department of Defense (DoD) initiatives aimed at improving workforce competency. They support the implementation of competency-based workforce assessments, the identification of Mission Critical Occupations (MCOs), and the establishment of Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) functional communities. By aligning civilian roles within these frameworks, the Army ensures a skilled and ready civilian workforce capable of supporting critical missions.
Currently, there are 31 distinct Career Programs encompassing the entire Army civilian workforce. This includes positions across various funding sources, such as Appropriated Fund (APF), Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF), Direct Hire Foreign Nationals, and Federal Wage System (FWS) employees. This comprehensive coverage demonstrates the Army’s commitment to professional development for all its civilian personnel.
Each of these 31 Career Programs represents a diverse range of occupational specialties. Examples include crucial fields such as Human Resource Management, Engineering and Science, Medical services, Legal professions, Comptrollership, Contracting and Acquisition, and Information Technology Management. This breadth highlights the diverse skill sets and expertise managed within the Career Program framework.
To guide career progression, each Career Program publishes specific training and development plans. These plans outline progressive career paths, recommending relevant training courses and beneficial position assignments at each stage. These resources are readily accessible to employees through the Army Career Tracker (ACT), an online platform designed to support civilian career planning.
Leadership and oversight are critical components of Career Program Management. Each program is led by an appointed Functional Chief, a senior official, often a Senior Executive Service (SES) member or General Officer. This Functional Chief is responsible for the overall integration and management of training, education, and professional development opportunities within their respective Career Program.
To assist the Functional Chief in the day-to-day management and oversight, a Functional Chief Representative (FCR) is also appointed. The FCR serves as the Army Component Functional Community Manager and works in coordination with the OSD Functional Community Manager at the Department of Defense level. This collaboration ensures that each Career Program community possesses the functional proficiency necessary to effectively support both Army and Department of Defense missions.
For those seeking more detailed information on Career Program management and the specifics of AR 690-950, the following resources are available:
- Army Regulation (AR) 690-950, Career Program Management, 16 November 2016: The official document outlining the policies and procedures for Career Program Management.
- Army Career Tracker: https://actnow.army.mil/wps/myportal/act/plan/pdm: An online platform for accessing career plans and development resources.
- Career Program Proponency Division MilSUITE site: https://www.milsuite.mil/book/community/spaces/Civ-HR/civilian-career-programs-management: A collaborative online space for information and resources related to civilian career programs.
By leveraging these resources and understanding the framework of Ar 690-950 Career Program Management, Army civilians can effectively navigate their career paths and contribute to the Army’s overall mission readiness.
