The U.S. Army is proactively investing in its civilian workforce, particularly scientists and engineers, through the Army Career Program 16 (CP-16). This initiative is designed to bolster career development and ensure the Army retains critical expertise in the face of potential workforce transitions.
Dr. Govind Mallick and Dr. Lily Giri investigate sample structure at U.S. Army Research Laboratory, highlighting Army Career Program 16 opportunities for scientists and engineers.
Recognizing that a significant portion of its experienced employees are approaching retirement eligibility, the Army established the CP-16 Proponency Office in 2014. This strategic move aims to mitigate the risk of losing invaluable scientific and engineering knowledge. Army Career Program 16 serves as a vital tool in the Army’s workforce transformation efforts, proactively addressing competency gaps.
Dawn Folck, deputy activity career program manager for CP-16 with the Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM), emphasizes the program’s significance: “The Army wants to invest in the workforce as part of the workforce transformation to make sure we don’t end up with huge gaps in our competencies.”
Who Benefits from Army Career Program 16?
Army Career Program 16 is tailored for civilian non-construction scientists and engineers within the Army. This encompasses approximately 18,500 employees across 60 job series. Despite its launch in 2011 and the establishment of the CP-16 Proponency Office in 2014, awareness of Army Career Program 16 remains limited among eligible personnel.
Opportunities Offered by Army Career Program 16
Army Career Program 16 provides a range of opportunities for professional growth, including:
- Academic Degrees: Funding is available for Master’s and Doctorate degrees, potentially covering the full cost of tuition. This represents a significant and underutilized resource for advanced education.
- Developmental Assignments: Opportunities for broadening experience through diverse roles and projects.
- Internships: Practical, hands-on experience to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Training: Short-term and long-term training programs, including industry-specific training, to keep skills sharp and up-to-date.
Folck highlights the untapped potential of Army Career Program 16 for academic advancement: “This is a funding source that is not being used to its fullest to pursue academic degrees.”
Take Advantage of Army Career Program 16
For civilian scientists and engineers seeking to advance their careers within the U.S. Army, Army Career Program 16 offers substantial support and resources. Eligible individuals are encouraged to explore this program to enhance their expertise, contribute to the Army’s mission, and secure a strong future.
Related Resources:
- Army ACTEDS Catalog
- Civilian Workforce Transformation CP description
- Army Career Tracker
- Army.mil: Science and Technology news
- GoArmyEd
