Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) civilian Airmen are significantly enhancing their professional capabilities through the Civilian Development program. In Academic Year 2023, over 650 individuals were chosen to participate in various Civilian Development opportunities, marking a substantial investment in the future of the Air Force civilian workforce. This achievement underscores the Air Force’s commitment to fostering continuous learning and professional growth among its civilian personnel.
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Lorna B. Estep, AFMC Executive Director, emphasized the value of this program, stating, “These Airmen have worked extremely hard to be selected for these opportunities. The skills they will acquire through these courses will continue to benefit not only Air Force Materiel Command, but the United States Air Force.” This highlights the dual benefit of the Air Force Civilian Career Broadening Program: enhancing individual skills while simultaneously strengthening the overall Air Force mission readiness.
Broadening Horizons Through Civilian Development
The Civilian Development program offers a diverse portfolio of educational and training initiatives tailored to meet the evolving needs of the civilian workforce at all career stages. These opportunities span a wide spectrum, from acquiring associate to advanced college degrees at prestigious military and civilian institutions, to attending rigorous military professional education programs. Furthermore, the program facilitates valuable fellowships with influential think tanks and industry leaders, participation in scientist or engineer exchange programs, and numerous other avenues for professional development. This comprehensive approach ensures that Air Force civilians have access to the resources they need to excel in their current roles and prepare for future leadership positions.
AFMC Civilians: Leading the Way in Program Participation
The commitment of AFMC civilians to professional development is clearly demonstrated by their outstanding participation in the Civilian Development program. AFMC civilians submitted over 1,600 applications, representing more than 36% of the total 4,400 applications from across the entire Department of the Air Force for these highly competitive opportunities. Impressively, with 658 individuals selected, AFMC civilians constitute over 46% of the 1,548 Department of the Air Force civilians chosen for program participation department-wide.
Monique Allshouse, AFMC program coordinator, expressed pride in these results: “Our AFMC civilian workforce continues to excel at a high level, and the large number of selectees for Civilian Development programs demonstrates the high caliber and professional potential of our team. We are extremely proud of the results and look forward to seeing our civilian Airmen grow through these programs.”
Academic Year 2023 Program Results Breakdown
The selection process for the Air Force Civilian Career Broadening Program is rigorous and multifaceted. Applications for prestigious boarded programs, such as Air War College and the Department of Defense Executive Leadership Development Program, undergo review by Senior Executive Staff and general officers. Individual Career Field Teams evaluate applications for other developmental programs like Education with Industry and the Civilian Leadership Course.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the AFMC selection results for Academic Year 2023:
Overall Program Wide Selection Results:
- AFMC: 658 individuals selected
Non-Boarded (Development Team Approved) Programs:
- Primary: 493 individuals selected
- Alternates: 69 individuals selected
Boarded Operational Developmental Education:
- Primary: 20 individuals selected
- Alternate: 6 individuals selected
Boarded Senior Developmental Education:
- Primary: 22 individuals selected
- Alternate: 37 individuals selected
Civilian Strategic Leader Program (CSLP):
- 10 individuals selected
Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program (ESEP):
- 1 individual selected
Cultivating a Culture of Continuous Learning
The overarching goal of the Air Force Civilian Career Broadening Program is to foster a culture of continuous learning and development within the civilian workforce. This investment ensures that civilians are not only proficient in their current roles but also equipped with the leadership skills necessary for future challenges. By providing these diverse opportunities, the Air Force strengthens its civilian corps, enhancing its capacity for innovation and mission success.
For a comprehensive list of AFMC civilians selected for Civilian Development opportunities in Academic Year 23, refer to the AFMC CD selection list. To explore the various opportunities available through the Air Force Civilian Career Broadening Program, please visit https://www.afpc.af.mil/Civilian-Career-Broadening/Civilian-Development/.
