The Army understands that its civilian workforce is a vital component of its overall strength. To ensure that civilian employees have every opportunity to grow and excel, the Army has established a comprehensive system of Army Civilian Career Programs. These programs are designed to cultivate talent, enhance skills, and guide civilians towards fulfilling and impactful careers within the Department of the Army.
Two soldiers in uniform are talking to a civilian woman in an office, signifying career program guidance and support for army civilians.
At the heart of the Army Civilian Career Program (CPP) are 31 distinct career programs, each representing specialized professional communities across the Army. Every Army Civilian is assigned to a Career Program based on their position description, ensuring that their career path is recognized and supported. The fundamental aim of this system is to maximize the collective talent of the Army Civilian Corps, providing each individual with the resources and opportunities to achieve their career aspirations.
The Army CPP offers structured frameworks, processes, and activities that facilitate the systematic growth of Army Civilians throughout their careers. This encompasses organizational, occupational, and individual development, covering the entire civilian human capital life cycle. Career progression is achieved through a combination of training, education, and professional development (TE&PD) programs, as well as strategic assignments that broaden knowledge, refine skills, and foster increased responsibility.
Ultimately, the Army Civilian Career Program is about empowerment. While the Army provides the framework and resources, the responsibility for career advancement rests with the individual Army Civilian. Civilians are encouraged to proactively define their career goals and engage in open communication with their supervisors and Career Program Managers (CCPMs), or Army Civilian Program Managers (ACPMs), to develop effective strategies for achieving these goals.
To delve deeper into specific career paths and opportunities, Army Civilians are encouraged to explore the dedicated Career Program (CP) pages. These resources offer detailed information and guidance tailored to each professional community.
For detailed descriptions of each Civilian Career Program, further resources are available to help you understand the breadth and depth of opportunities within the Army Civilian Corps.
View Career Program Descriptions
Developmental Assignment Program (DAP)
Recognizing the importance of versatile and well-rounded employees, the Army offers the Developmental Assignment Program (DAP). This initiative is specifically designed for junior- and mid-level employees, providing multifunctional training and assignments to broaden their experience and prepare them for greater responsibilities. These 90-day assignments are instrumental in fostering well-rounded personnel and enhancing communication across organizational lines.
The DAP directly supports functional and leadership training, which are cornerstones of leader development initiatives within the Army. By providing developmental assignments across various functional areas, the DAP aligns with the Army’s objectives to cultivate agile and adaptable leaders. The program aims to build a multi-skilled workforce committed to delivering exceptional installation services to the Army community. Participation in the DAP requires recommendations from the supervisory chain of command, selection by the DAP selection board, and final approval from the Deputy Garrison Commander (DGC).
Eligibility for DAP opportunities extends to USAG Daegu Appropriated-fund employees (GS7 through GS13), Non-appropriated fund employees (NF-5 and below, in positions comparable to GS7 through GS13), and equivalent Foreign National employees.
For those interested in exploring developmental assignment opportunities, further information can be obtained by contacting Workforce Development at (315) 763-4928.
Local & Centrally Funded Trainings
To further support the professional growth of its civilian workforce, the Army provides access to a range of no or low-cost training opportunities. These resources, available both locally and virtually, address the specific learning needs of civilian employees. The topics and methods of these training sessions are continuously adapted based on the evolving needs of Garrison employees. Monthly Lunch and Learn sessions are also offered, providing accessible learning opportunities, with announcements for resumed sessions to be forthcoming.
