Army Career Program 35 (CP-35) is a crucial framework for civilian employees within the Army, specifically those in intelligence-related roles. This program is designed to foster professional growth and ensure a highly skilled civilian workforce supporting the Army’s intelligence missions. Understanding CP-35 is essential for career development within the Army’s civilian intelligence community.
Demystifying Army Career Program 35 (CP-35)
Army Career Program 35 (CP-35) serves as the designated career program for Civilian Intelligence Personnel Management System (CIPMS) employees. This encompasses individuals in positions at the GS-05 level and above who are classified within specific General Schedule (GS) job series. These series include GS-132 (Intelligence), GS-080 (Security) when their duties are more than half intelligence-focused, GS-1701 and GS-1712 (Trainers and Educators), as well as Engineers and Scientists engaged in intelligence-related work. Crucially, these positions must be within an organizational component that is actively performing an intelligence mission to fall under CP-35. For CIPMS employees in other professional or administrative career paths, different Army career programs will apply, aligned with the specific duties of their roles.
Understanding the Intelligence Career Development Program (ICDP) and CIPMS Relationship
The Intelligence Career Development Program (ICDP) is a Department of Defense (DOD)-wide initiative managed by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). ICDP is designed for civilian employees in two-grade interval positions who are assigned to organizations involved in general intelligence, counterintelligence, intelligence-related security, or cryptologic functions. CIPMS, the Civilian Intelligence Personnel Management System, aligns its career development policies and procedures closely with the framework established by the ICDP. This ensures a consistent and standardized approach to career progression for civilian intelligence professionals across the DOD.
Can CIPMS Employees Register in Multiple Army Career Programs?
The answer is yes. While your primary career program is determined by your position—either CP-35 or another relevant Army career program—CIPMS employees have the flexibility to register in additional career programs on a voluntary basis. This option is available to those with personal competitive status or who have completed one year of continuous CIPMS employment. To register for additional programs, employees must meet the specific qualification requirements set by the desired career program. This allows for broader career development opportunities and skill diversification for civilian employees within the Army.
ACTEDS and CP-35: Your Pathway to Professional Development
The Army Civilian Training, Education and Development System (ACTEDS) is a comprehensive system that establishes the overarching policy and guidance for training and professional development across all Army career programs. Each Army career program, including Army Career Program 35, has its own specific ACTEDS plan tailored to its unique requirements. The ACTEDS plan for CP-35 is specifically crafted to cultivate a high level of professionalism among civilian intelligence professionals. It achieves this by clearly defining the competencies required for successful performance at each grade level or grade band. Furthermore, the plan outlines various methods for acquiring these competencies, such as on-the-job training, formal classroom instruction, and self-development activities. The CP-35 ACTEDS plan also identifies key positions within the intelligence career field, desirable professional traits, and model career progression patterns to help employees reach those key positions.
For CIPMS employees whose positions fall under career programs other than CP-35, they will utilize the ACTEDS plan relevant to their specific career program. However, the CP-35 ACTEDS plan can still serve as a valuable resource for intelligence-specific competencies or courses that may be beneficial for positions in other career programs as well. Supervisors play a crucial role in this process by developing an Individual Development Plan (IDP) for each employee in the professional/administrative career path. These IDPs are based on the appropriate ACTEDS master training plan and can be integrated into the Total Army Performance Evaluation System (TAPES) support form, which is the performance appraisal system for all Army civilians. The CP-35 ACTEDS plan is a living document, with the second edition having been published in September 1993, and is regularly updated to reflect the evolving needs of the intelligence community.
ACPM and MACOM CPM Roles: Your Support Network within CP-35
Activity Career Program Managers (ACPMs) and Major Army Command (MACOM) Career Program Managers (CPMs) are key personnel within the Army career program structure, providing essential support and guidance to civilian employees. ACPMs are appointed by the Activity Commander for each career program represented at their activity. Their role is to offer technical advice and assistance to both the commander and the servicing Civilian Personnel Advisory Center on all matters related to career programs. Crucially, ACPMs also serve as a direct point of contact for supervisors and employees, providing advice and guidance on career program opportunities and requirements. The CP-35 ACPM is a particularly valuable resource for all CIPMS employees at an activity, serving as a central source of CIPMS-related information. In some instances, an ACPM may represent employees from multiple commands, depending on the nature of the population they serve.
MACOM Career Program Managers (CPMs) are appointed by the MACOM Commander for each career program and hold responsibility for career program matters across the entire MACOM. The CP-35 CPM acts as the MACOM’s focal point for CIPMS issues and provides guidance and support to ACPMs in the field. In addition to their broader responsibilities, CPMs are actively involved in the process of recommending and endorsing applications from career program employees for centrally or MACOM-approved or funded training opportunities. Both ACPMs and MACOM CPMs form a critical support network, ensuring civilian employees have access to the resources and guidance they need to navigate their careers within Army Career Program 35.
Army Civilian Intelligence Orientation (ACIO) Course: Your Entry into the Intelligence Field
The Army Civilian Intelligence Orientation (ACIO) course is an essential introductory program for civilians entering the intelligence field. This self-paced course consists of eight lessons designed to provide a foundational understanding of the intelligence domain. Key topics covered in the ACIO course include intelligence processes, relevant security policies, the organizational structure of Army and national intelligence agencies, and an overview of CIPMS. The ACIO course is designed to be beneficial for all civilian employees who are new to the intelligence field, regardless of their specific job series or grade level. It is also appropriate for employees in support technician or clerical positions who want to gain a better understanding of the intelligence environment. The ACIO course is readily accessible and should be available through your ACPM or your servicing Civilian Personnel Advisory Center, making it an easily obtainable and valuable resource for anyone beginning their career journey in Army civilian intelligence.
In conclusion, Army Career Program 35 provides a structured and supportive framework for civilian professionals in Army intelligence. Understanding its components, from ACTEDS and IDPs to the roles of ACPMs and CPMs, and resources like the ACIO course, is crucial for navigating and maximizing your career within this vital field.
