The Army Field Support Center (AFSC), a critical component of the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), marks its 50th anniversary, highlighting decades of dedicated service and significant career opportunities within the Army Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program. For half a century, AFSC has played a vital role in ensuring the right intelligence professionals are in place to support INSCOM, the Army, and the broader Joint Force. This milestone provides an excellent opportunity to explore the history of AFSC and the diverse career paths it offers to both Soldiers and Civilians seeking to excel in military intelligence.
Established on July 1, 1965, as the U.S. Army Administrative Survey Detachment (ASD) at Fort Holabird, Maryland, AFSC initially focused on managing intelligence-based civilian career programs. Starting with a small team of 14 uniformed personnel and 300 civilians, the command’s mission was clear: to provide essential support to the intelligence community.
As Fort Holabird closed in 1973, ASD relocated to Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, expanding its scope to include programs for Soldiers alongside its established civilian career program. This evolution led to the incorporation of key initiatives such as the GREAT SKILL Program (GSP), the Army Attaché Management Division (AAMD), and the Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program (MICECP). Today, headquartered at Fort Meade, AFSC continues to champion these programs, offering unparalleled opportunities within the army military intelligence field.
Colonel Eric D. Zimmerman, AFSC commander, emphasized the significance of this anniversary: “Fifty years is an outstanding achievement. This is an opportune time to inform Soldiers and Civilians regarding the outstanding career and broadening opportunities available at AFSC.” His words underscore the command’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing fulfilling career paths within military intelligence.
Sergeant Major Ayman H. Gomaa, AFSC’s sergeant major, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The GSP, AAMD, and MICECP are amazing programs with opportunities that are still mostly unknown to the force.” This highlights a core mission of AFSC: to attract and develop the most capable individuals for the demanding field of military intelligence through specialized programs like the military civilian excepted career program.
Looking forward, AFSC is dedicated to enhancing awareness of its primary objective: to identify and cultivate the most promising Soldiers and Civilians for careers in Military Intelligence. “For the next 50 years and beyond, AFSC will continue serving and surpassing its vision to be the premier force provider of intelligence professionals,” stated Zimmerman, reinforcing the long-term commitment to excellence and career development within the army military intelligence civilian excepted career program.
Exploring Key Career Programs at AFSC
AFSC manages several pivotal programs designed to cultivate expertise and provide unique career trajectories for both military and civilian personnel. These programs are central to the command’s role as a premier force provider within the intelligence community.
The GREAT SKILL Program (GSP)
The GREAT SKILL Program (GSP) is a highly selective initiative focused on developing Soldiers for sensitive and complex classified operations. According to Colonel Zimmerman, “The GSP identifies, selects, trains, assigns and retains Soldiers conducting sensitive and complex classified operations.” This program offers five distinct career tracks within the Army, Department of Defense, and National Agencies, providing Soldiers with opportunities for significant national and global impact.
Selection for the GSP is rigorous, requiring candidates to demonstrate exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, initiative, leadership potential, critical thinking, and a strong ethical foundation. Successful candidates receive specialized, non-traditional training tailored for unique assignments and benefit from nominative assignments focused on long-term, repetitive missions. The GSP is a prime example of an army military intelligence career program designed for ambitious Soldiers.
Army Attaché Management Division (AAMD)
For Soldiers seeking international exposure and diplomatic roles, the Army Attaché Management Division (AAMD) offers assignments within the Defense Attaché Service (DAS) at U.S. embassies worldwide. “AAMD is currently recruiting noncommissioned and warrant officers to serve within the Defense Attaché Service across the globe,” Zimmerman noted.
AAMD Soldiers play a crucial role in representing the Department of Defense to host-nation governments and militaries. They advise U.S. Ambassadors on military matters and coordinate political-military actions, contributing significantly to U.S. diplomatic missions abroad. Sergeant Major Gomaa emphasized that “The DAS represents the Department of Defense to the host-nation government and military, assists and advises the U.S. Ambassador on military matters.” This program provides an exceptional army military intelligence career path with a focus on international relations and diplomacy.
Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program (MICECP)
The Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program (MICECP) is a cornerstone of AFSC’s civilian career programs. Sergeant Major Gomaa described MICECP as “a valuable career program which supports Army commands with highly skilled civilian human intelligence and counterintelligence professionals.” This centrally managed program trains and assigns civilians to rewarding positions globally, specializing in Human Intelligence (HUMINT) and Counterintelligence (CI).
MICECP actively recruits for Intelligence Operations Specialist positions (Job Series 0132), seeking DoD-certified polygraphers, Army/DCITA-certified forensic examiners, and CI Agents with OFCO experience. Colonel Zimmerman highlighted the ideal candidate profile: “it is highly desired that applicants have CI and/or HUMINT experience in multiple theaters; have operational experience as well as staff experience; and CI or HUMINT experience in a deployed environment.” The MICECP is a vital military intelligence civilian excepted career program offering diverse and challenging opportunities for civilian professionals.
Conclusion
As the Army Field Support Center celebrates 50 years of service, it stands as a testament to the critical role of intelligence and the dedication of its personnel. Through programs like GSP, AAMD, and MICECP, AFSC continues to be the premier force provider of intelligence professionals, offering exceptional army military intelligence civilian excepted career program opportunities. For those interested in contributing to this vital mission, further information is available through the AFSC website: The AFSC home page (INSCOM).
