The Army Field Support Center (AFSC), a crucial component of the Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), proudly marked its 50th anniversary, highlighting decades of unwavering service to the Military Intelligence community. For half a century, AFSC has been instrumental in strategically positioning skilled personnel, ensuring the right individuals are in the right roles at the right time, thereby bolstering INSCOM, the wider Army, and the Joint Force’s capabilities. This milestone anniversary provides an opportune moment to reflect on AFSC’s enduring legacy and shed light on the remarkable career opportunities, particularly within the Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program (MICECP), available to both Soldiers and Civilians.
Established on July 1, 1965, at Fort Holabird, Maryland, the AFSC initially functioned as the U.S. Army Administrative Survey Detachment (ASD). Its primary mission was to expertly manage intelligence-focused civilian career programs. Starting modestly with just 14 uniformed members and 300 civilians, the command’s significance and scope have expanded dramatically over the years. In 1973, with the closure of Fort Holabird, ASD relocated to Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, further evolving its mission to encompass programs catering to both Soldiers and Civilians. These vital programs include the GREAT SKILL Program (GSP), the Army Attaché Management Division (AAMD), and most notably, the Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program (MICECP). AFSC headquarters remains at Fort Meade, continuing its critical support to these programs which are essential for maintaining a robust and effective military intelligence force.
“The GSP, AAMD, and MICECP are amazing programs that present largely untapped opportunities within the force,” emphasized Sgt. Maj. Ayman H. Gomaa, AFSC’s sergeant major, highlighting the potential for professional growth and impactful service within these initiatives.
As AFSC commemorates its 50th year, its leadership is actively working to enhance awareness of its core mission: to identify, cultivate, and integrate the most talented Soldiers and Civilians into its esteemed community of Military Intelligence professionals. The Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program (MICECP) stands out as a cornerstone of this mission, offering unique and rewarding career paths for civilians dedicated to serving in intelligence roles.
Looking ahead, AFSC is committed to building upon its distinguished history. “For the next 50 years and beyond, AFSC will continue to strive to be the premier force provider of intelligence professionals, supporting a regionally aligned Army and the broader U.S. Intelligence Community,” stated Col. Eric D. Zimmerman, AFSC commander, underscoring the command’s forward-looking vision and dedication to sustained excellence.
Delving into the Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program (MICECP)
The Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program (MICECP) is a crucial asset for Army commands, providing them with highly specialized civilian human intelligence (HUMINT) and counterintelligence (CI) professionals. This program is designed to centrally manage, rigorously train, and strategically assign civilian personnel to critical positions worldwide.
Specifically, MICECP focuses on recruiting and developing Intelligence Operations Specialists in the 0132 Job Series. These professionals are trained to execute highly specialized operational intelligence functions within the Army, playing a vital role in national security. Currently, MICECP is actively seeking individuals with expertise in niche areas such as DoD-certified polygraphy, Army/DCITA-certified forensic examination, and CI Agents with OFCO (Operational Field Counterintelligence) experience.
Ideal candidates for the MICECP typically possess a diverse background, including CI and/or HUMINT experience across multiple theaters of operation. Operational and staff experience, along with prior deployments, are highly valued, given the rotational nature of assignments and the variety of roles within the program. This ensures that MICECP professionals are well-prepared to handle the dynamic and demanding nature of military intelligence operations globally.
Other Key AFSC Programs: GSP and AAMD
While the Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program (MICECP) is a primary focus, AFSC also manages other significant programs that contribute to the strength of the military intelligence community:
The GREAT SKILL Program (GSP): This program identifies, selects, trains, assigns, and retains Soldiers for sensitive and complex classified operations across five specialized career tracks. GSP Soldiers undertake rigorous assessment and selection processes, requiring exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, initiative, leadership potential, critical thinking, and a strong ethical foundation. Selected Soldiers gain access to unique opportunities, including high-impact national and global missions, specialized training, and focused, long-term assignments, fostering significant professional growth.
Army Attaché Management Division (AAMD): AAMD offers Soldiers the chance to represent the Army within U.S. embassies through the Defense Attaché Service (DAS). These Soldiers become integral members of U.S. Embassy staffs, contributing to the diplomatic mission abroad. DAS personnel act as liaisons between the Department of Defense and host-nation governments and militaries, advising U.S. Ambassadors on military matters and coordinating political-military actions within their areas of responsibility. AAMD actively recruits noncommissioned and warrant officers for these crucial global roles.
A Legacy of Service and Future Opportunities
For 50 years, the Army Field Support Center has been a cornerstone of the U.S. Army’s intelligence capabilities. Through programs like the Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program (MICECP), GSP, and AAMD, AFSC continues to cultivate and deploy top-tier intelligence professionals. As AFSC embarks on its next chapter, it remains dedicated to its vision of being the premier force provider in the intelligence domain, ensuring the U.S. military remains at the forefront of global security.
For those interested in exploring career opportunities within AFSC and its programs, particularly the Military Intelligence Civilian Excepted Career Program (MICECP), further information is available on the AFSC website: https://www.inscom.army.mil/MSC/AFSC.aspx. This 50th anniversary serves not only as a celebration of past achievements but also as a call to action for the next generation of military intelligence professionals to join the ranks of AFSC and contribute to its vital mission.
