The U.S. Army is committed to fostering the professional growth of its civilian workforce through a comprehensive system of career programs. These initiatives, often referred to within the framework of Career Program 19 and the broader Army Civilian Career Program (CPP), are designed to cultivate talent and provide Army Civilians with opportunities to achieve their career aspirations.
Diverse group of Army civilians collaborating in an office setting, representing professional development and career growth.
Understanding Army Civilian Career Programs
The Army recognizes 31 specialized professional communities, each representing a distinct Career Program. Every Army Civilian is assigned to a Career Program based on their Position Description, ensuring that their skills and roles align with structured development pathways. The fundamental purpose of the Army CPP is to optimize the capabilities of the Army Civilian Corps, creating an environment where every civilian employee can pursue their professional goals and contribute effectively to the Army’s mission.
The Army CPP provides a framework of structured plans, processes, and activities that support the systematic development of Army Civilians. This encompasses organizational, occupational, and individual growth throughout their careers. This system emphasizes progression through targeted Training, Education, and Professional Development (TE&PD) programs, alongside assignments that broaden knowledge, enhance skills, and increase responsibilities. Ultimately, the CPP is about empowering Army Civilians to take charge of their career trajectory.
While the Army provides the framework and resources, the responsibility for career advancement rests with each individual Army Civilian. Employees are encouraged to define their career objectives and actively engage with their supervisors and Career Program Managers (CPMs) to strategize and implement plans to achieve these goals.
For detailed information on specific career paths and resources, visit the Civilian Human Resources website.
https://www.milsuite.mil/book/community/spaces/civ-hr/civilian-career-programs-management
For descriptions of each Civilian Career Program, you can find more information HERE.
Developmental Assignment Program (DAP)
One key component of Army Civilian career development is the Developmental Assignment Program (DAP). Designed for junior- to mid-level employees (GS7-GS13 or equivalent), DAP offers multifunctional training and assignments to enhance experience and prepare individuals for greater responsibilities. These 90-day assignments are strategically designed to cultivate well-rounded employees and improve communication across the organization.
The DAP directly supports leadership training and functional expertise, aligning with key organizational goals focused on leader development and service culture. By providing developmental assignments across various functional areas, DAP contributes to building a versatile and adaptable workforce committed to delivering exceptional installation services. The program aims to foster organizational development, leading to improved service delivery, enhanced work performance, and increased employee contributions to current and future Army missions. Participation in DAP requires recommendations through the supervisory chain, selection by a DAP board, and final approval from the Deputy Garrison Commander (DGC).
Eligibility for DAP extends to USAG Daegu Appropriated-fund employees (GS7-GS13), Non-appropriated fund employees (NF-5 and below comparable to GS7-GS13), and equivalent Foreign National employees. If you are interested in exploring developmental assignment opportunities, please reach out to Workforce Development at (315) 763-4928.
Local & Centrally Funded Training Opportunities
In addition to structured programs like DAP, Army Civilians have access to various local and centrally funded training opportunities. These resources offer no or low-cost training, either within Area IV, CONUS, or virtually, addressing 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. Examples include Monthly Lunch and Learn Sessions, which will be announced when they resume.
By actively engaging with career program 19 initiatives and utilizing available resources like DAP and local training, Army Civilians can take proactive steps in shaping their careers and maximizing their contributions to the U.S. Army.
