The U.S. Army is proactively strengthening its scientific and engineering workforce through the Army Career Program 16 Proponency Office. This initiative is designed to provide robust career development opportunities for civilian non-construction scientists and engineers, ensuring the Army retains its edge in technological advancement and expertise.
U.S. Army Research Laboratory scientists Dr. Govind Mallick and Dr. Lily Giri collaborating on research, exemplifying career advancement opportunities available through the Army Career Program 16 Proponency Office.
Established in 2014, the Army Career Program 16 Proponency Office, or CP-16, addresses the critical need to cultivate and retain talent within the Army’s science and technology sectors. With a significant portion of the existing workforce nearing retirement eligibility, CP-16 is instrumental in preventing knowledge gaps and maintaining critical competencies. This forward-thinking approach ensures a seamless transition and continued operational readiness by investing in the professional growth of its civilian employees.
Dawn Folck, deputy activity career program manager for CP-16 with the Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, emphasizes the program’s importance in the face of workforce transformation. “The Army wants to invest in the workforce… to make sure we don’t end up with huge gaps in our competencies,” she stated. This investment is realized through a comprehensive suite of opportunities offered by the Army Career Program 16 Proponency Office.
These opportunities encompass various avenues for professional development, including funding for advanced academic degrees at the master’s and doctorate levels. CP-16 also facilitates developmental assignments, internships, and both short-term and long-term training programs. For the approximately 18,500 Army civilian employees within CP-16’s 60 job series, this represents an invaluable resource for career progression and skill enhancement.
Despite its establishment in 2014, awareness of the Army Career Program 16 Proponency Office and its benefits remains limited among eligible personnel. Ms. Folck notes, “It’s so new that many scientists and engineers are not aware of it.” This underscores the importance of disseminating information about the program and encouraging eligible civilian scientists and engineers to explore the funding and developmental opportunities available to them. The Army Career Program 16 Proponency Office represents a significant investment in the future of the Army’s scientific and engineering capabilities, offering a pathway for dedicated professionals to advance their careers while serving the nation.
Related Links:
- Army ACTEDS Catalog
- Civilian Workforce Transformation CP description
- Army Career Tracker
- Army.mil: Science and Technology news
- GoArmyEd
