Workforce Development encompasses a wide range of activities, policies and programs employed by U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) to sustain and retain a viable civilian workforce that can support current and future best business practices within the organization. 

Learn more about the Workforce Development Reference Guide [PDF].

DIRECTORATE OF HUMAN RESOURCES | CHIEVRES (DHR)

Primary: 0032-68-25-9854

Primary: 0032-68-25-9854

Sunday Closed
Monday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday Closed

Building: 5

Rue Grande 56
Chièvres, 7950

NOTICE: DSN: 314-597-9854

Local programs

"Better Together"

The garrison holds regular training sessions for its employees online, which are hosted and recorded through a online conferencing application.

To learn more, visit the Workforce Development Microsoft TEAMs Channel. 

Mentorship Program

Mentorship is a powerful tool that helps to build competence, leadership skills, self-awareness and morale. Through this program, mentees can advance their confidence, skills, and capabilities; maximize their potential; and grow beyond their expectations. Soldiers and Department of the Army (DA) Civilians are encouraged to engage in mentoring activities beyond the chain of command. The Mentorship Program is voluntary and serves to promote learning and development among the U.S. Army’s future leaders.

Contact the Mentor Program Representative in your directorate/organization to sign up as a mentor or a mentee.

 

Civilian Education System (CES) 

The Civilian Education System (CES) is a progressive and sequential leader development program that provides enhanced educational opportunities for Army Civilians throughout their careers. Army Civilians will become multi-skilled, agile leaders of the 21st Century who personify the Warrior Ethos in all aspects, from warfighting support, to statesmanship, to enterprise management.

CES provides multiple levels of Civilian development to include:


Delivery Methods

Our course delivery methods include distributed learning (DL), resident instruction, and blended learning – a mixture of both DL and resident instruction. Our DL courses are available for all as self-development.

Funding

Most permanent Army Civilians and Local National employees are centrally funded — the Army pays for your tuition, travel, and per diem centrally. It does not come out of your unit budget. Military members, term and temporary employees, and non-Department of the Army employees are funded through their own organizations.

CES Underpinnings

The major underpinnings of CES are:

  • Student Centered — Focuses on the transfer of knowledge using the Army's Lifelong Learning Philosophy, with the emphasis on leader development.
  • Problem Based — Provides students with real-world issues and problems they will encounter as direct or indirect leaders.
  • Experiential — Allows students to practice new skills in an environment that minimizes risk, encourages participation, and offers immediate feedback.
  • Inquiry Based Learning — Focuses on questioning, critical thinking, and problem solving.
     

Foundation Course (All grades hired after September 2006)

The Foundation Course goal is to provide Army Civilians with an orientation to leader development concepts, build their careers and become Army Civilian leaders. The course objectives are to understand U.S. Army leadership doctrine; increase self-awareness, as it relates to their profession; understand team building, group dynamics, and effective communication; assess individual values and how they relate to professional ethics; understand how to manage professional advancement and leverage career potential; and complete administrative requirements expected of Army Civilians.

  • The Foundation Course is required for all Army Civilians employed after Sep. 30, 2006.
  • The Foundation Course is available through distance learning (DL) only.
  • Interns are required to complete the Foundation Course before completion of their intern program.
  • Applicants have 180 days from the date of enrollment to complete this course.
  • Applicant has unlimited attempts to pass all lessons with a score of 80% or higher.

Eligibility: The Foundation Course is available to all Army Civilians as a self-development tool.

Frequency: Initial entry; One time requirement

Time to Complete: 44.5 Academic Hours
 

Basic Course (GS-01 thru 09)

The Civilian Education System (CES) Basic Course is designed for the Army Civilian leader who exercises direct leadership to effectively lead and care for teams.  The Basic Course is required for GS 5–9 supervisors (and equivalent pay band/pay plan).  The Basic Course is encouraged, but not required, for those non-supervisor employees who seek supervisory and/or leader positions. The Basic Course can be completed in one of two ways:

  • The primary option is a 100% online course (Basic Course DL). This course is offered continuously and space is readily available for all prospective students in grades GS 1–9 or equivalent.
  • Prospective students may also request to attend a two-week resident course (Basic Course Resident). This face-to-face course is offered 15 times per year at Fort Leavenworth, KS. Seats are quota-managed and limited to 240 students per year.

Both versions of the Basic Course require completion of the Foundation Course as a prerequisite.

Frequency: One time requirement

Time to Complete: Resident = 2 weeks; DL= Self-paced not to exceed 180 days

 

Intermediate Course (GS-10 thru 12)

The goal of the Intermediate course is to educate civilians to be more adaptive, innovative, self-aware, and prepared to effectively lead and care for personnel and manage assigned resources. The Intermediate Course is designed to prepare participants for increasing responsibilities to exercise direct and indirect supervision. Students enhance their leadership abilities and develop skills to manage human and financial resources, displaying flexibility and resilience with a focus on the mission. This course is a combination of dL and three weeks of resident instruction.  The Intermediate Course is required for GS 10–12 supervisors (and equivalent pay band/pay plan).  The Intermediate Course is encouraged, but not required, for those non-supervisor employees who seek supervisory and/or leader positions.

Pre-Requisites: Must have graduated from the Foundation Course if you are an Army civilian hired after September 2006.

Special Information: Must graduate from 1-250-C61 (DL), Phase 1 prior to registering for the resident phase 2. CES courses are centrally funded for most Department of the Army Civilians.

Frequency: One time requirement

Time to Complete: Resident = 3 weeks; DL = Self-paced not to exceed 180 days

 

Advanced Course (GS-13 thru 15)

The Advanced Course focus is on Army Civilians skilled in leading a complex organization in support of national security and defense strategies; integrating Army and Joint systems in support of the Joint Force; inspiring vision and creativity; implementing change; and managing programs. The Advanced Course is conducted through blended learning - DL and four weeks resident training. Resident training is taken after successful completion of the DL and takes place in a university setting encompassing a classroom environment and small group seminars. The Advanced Course is required for GS 13–15 Supervisors (and equivalent pay band/pay plan). The Advanced Course is encouraged, but not required, for those non-supervisor employees who seek supervisory and/or leader positions.

Pre-Requisites: Must have graduated from the Foundation Course if you are an Army civilian hired after September 2006.

Special Information: Student must have graduated from the Advanced Course dL phase 1 prior to registering for the resident phase 2.

Frequency: One time requirement

Time to Complete: Resident = 4 weeks; DL = Self-paced not to exceed 180 days 

 

Continuing Education for Senior Leaders (CESL) (GS-14 & 15)

The CESL courses provide the continuing education sustainment program that brings senior level Civilian leaders together to discuss current and relevant issues facing the Army. The program's intent is for leaders to return to the program continuously to refresh and receive updates on current Army initiatives. The CESL course is conducted through blended learning - DL and four and a half days resident training. The DL consists of reading materials and written assignments. CESL resident training consists of both small and large group activities. The course structure is a combination of guest speakers and interactive exercises.

Pre-Requisites: Student must have graduated from the Advanced Course (or equivalent) and the Foundation Course if you are an Army civilian hired after September 2006.

Special Information: CES courses are centrally funded for most Department of the Army Civilians.

Frequency: One time requirement

Time to Complete: Resident: 4.5 days

 

Supervisor Development Course (All Supervisors)

The SDC provides supervisors with knowledge necessary to successfully manage work processes and lead in the Army Environment. The Supervisor Development Course is a web-based course with lessons that focus on supervising Civilian employees and is required for all Civilian and military personnel who supervise Army Civilians. The Supervisor Development Course must be completed within the first year of placement in a supervisory position in accordance with the one-year supervisory probationary period. Supervisors are required to complete this course as refresher training every three years. Supervisor Development Course is available to all Army employees as a self-development tool.

Applicants have 120 days from the date of enrollment to complete. There is one final exam associated with this course that is comparable in difficulty with a graduate level college comprehensive examination. Applicant has 2 attempts to pass the final exam and must score an 80% or above to pass.

FREQUENCY: ONCE EVERY 3 YEARS TIME TO COMPLETE: 39 Academic hours

 

Resident Supervisor Development Course (All Supervisors)

- This four day course is designed to arm supervisors on Fort Campbell with the knowledge and information they will need to best lead the installation workforce. It is a one-time requirement for all supervisors. Please note that this course is NOT in lieu of the mandatory online Supervisor Development Course. For more information on where to send seat requests, contact Workforce Development at 315-763-4928.

 

CES Equivalency/Constructive Credit

Course credit may be requested using the (equivalency or constructive) credit process and may be granted in certain circumstances in lieu of course attendance. Failure to upload your packets using the correct process may result in non-recommendation or delay. Course credit does not count as a course completion, nor does it count as course graduation. It simply means you are not required to take the CES course that is equivalent to the course(s) you have already completed.

Equivalent Credit - Employees who have equivalent Professional Military Education (PME), Civilian legacy or other-service PME courses that are NOT listed on their ATRRS training record may manually upload the certificate(s) in CHRTAS to gain equivalent credit for CES courses. Use these instructions to request equivalency credit through CHRTAS.

Constructive Credit - Constructive course credit may be granted to individuals who clearly demonstrate the requisite competencies and have achieved the same learning outcomes as the comparable CES course. This is generally available to Civilians who have come to the Army from the private sector and do not have prior professional military education (PME). The Army Management Staff College will review submitted documentation of completed leader training and education, supervisor experience and at least 5 years supervising Civilian employees. Only specific documentation listed in the instructions will be reviewed for consideration. 

For more information on classes, visit the United States Army Combines Arms Center.

Register for all courses through CHRTAS and follow the instructions provided in system generated emails.

Army-wide programs

Individual Development Plan

The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is the tool that you will use to determine your personal and professional goals. You and your supervisor will work together to create your IDP, and it will include all training and leader development activities that will lead to the attainment of your goals, within the context of the organization’s mission. The critical element of an IDP is communication between you and your supervisor. To create/access your IDP, visit the MyBiz website. 

Army Career Tracker

Army Career Tracker (ACT) is a leadership development tool that integrates training and education into one personalized and easy-to-use website. Users can search multiple Army education and training resources, monitor their career development and receive personalized advice from their supervisor and Army leadership.

Visit the Army Career Tracker website to:

  • Track & plan your career in one place
  • Enhance, personalized career development
  • Navigate your career
  • Follow the Professional Development Model (PDM)
  • Build Your Personalized Career Path
  • Manage Your Career Goals
  • Search for Courses & Duty Positions
  • Collaborate with Your Leader

Training 

Mission and job-related training is required to support Army goals by improving organizational performance at every level. This includes training that supports the Army’s strategic plan and organization objectives; improves an employee’s current job performance and/or competencies or closes an existing competency gap; allows for expansion or enhancement of an employee’s current job by developing new competencies; enables an employee to perform needed or potentially needed duties outside the current job at the same level of responsibility; meets organizational needs in response to human resource plans and re-engineering, downsizing, or other program changes; develops employee competencies to facilitate career progression; or supports of recruitment strategies for "hard to fill" jobs.

Your training may be funded by your Career Program, your command/organization, or Headquarters, Department of the Army, depending on the specific course or program. It is important to know which career program you belong to so you can find the specific information for your career program. When you look at your position description under the position assignment title, you will see career program.

It will list the career program number. If your command or organization is funding your training, you will have to work with the command training manager to apply for a course or program. Your supervisor is always required to approve your training activity, regardless of the source of funding. Each program or course will have specific eligibility requirements and prerequisites, and you must meet these before you apply for the program or course.

Army Civilian Training, Education and Development System (ACTEDS)

The Army Civilian Training, Education and Development System (ACTEDS) is a Department of the Army (DA) system, whose main purpose is to provide Army managers and careerists with policy and supporting guidance for systematic, competency-based career planning and development. This system blends on-the-job training (OJT), with formal education and classroom training, collaborative distance learning, developmental assignments, self-development activities, and more. Requirements in this ACTEDS plan are specific to the Army Intelligence Career Program (CP-35) in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). DCIPS is an excepted service civilian personnel system for the DOD Intelligence Community (IC). Visit the ACTEDS website for more information on specific career program training plans. 

There are several courses and programs that are open to Army civilians. They require the completion of the target Civilian Education System course and have an eligibility requirement of 3 years in an Army Civilian position. These courses are listed and described on the Civilian Training and Leader Development website. 

All employees must take initial and recurring mandatory training, as directed by executive order, Federal statute, DoD and Army regulations, and local command policy. Most mandatory training can be found in Army Regulation 350-1, Training and Leader Development. You must communicate with your supervisor or command training manager to ensure you are aware of mandatory and required training.

Mandatory Supervisor Training 

The Supervisor Development Course (SDC) is an online course and is mandatory for all Army professionals (military and civilian) who supervise Army Civilians. It is required within the first year of assignment to a supervisor position and is required every three years thereafter. If you are in a supervisor position, you must complete this course. Some commands offer a resident supervisor training course to supplement the SDC, but the SDC must still be completed for credit. The SDC is also recommended for Civilians who are not supervisors, as it contains a wealth of information that is relevant to all employees.

You may enroll in the SDC through the Civilian Human Resource Training and Application System (CHRTAS) website. Login to your profile, select the ‘Apply for Training’ link, select ‘Civilian Education System’, and then click on the ‘Supervisor Development Course’ tab.

Civilian Education System

The CES is comprised of core leader education courses and is based on leader competencies from the Office of Personnel Management Executive Core Qualifications, the Department of the Defense Leadership Competency Framework, as well as Army Doctrine Publication 6-22, Army Leadership. The Army Management Staff College is the proponent school for the CES courses. These courses are conducted at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Each course is comprised of a distance learning phase and a resident phase.

Completion of both phases is required for course credit, although the distance learning phase alone may be completed for self-development. All Army Civilians are required to take the CES course that is targeted to their grade levels. If you have completed a professional military education (PME) course in the Army or another service, you may be eligible to receive credit in lieu of taking your targeted CES course. To determine if you qualify, go to the CHRTAS website and log in using your CAC card or SSN and birth date. You must create or update your profile before you will be able to continue. Once you have created or updated your profile, click on the CES Eligibility and Completion Status link to see your target course and completion status. As a new civilian, (regardless if prior military or not), you will be required to complete the Foundation Course, regardless of your current grade level or targeted course.

Here are list of the courses:

  • The Foundation Course (FC) is a fully online course. The course focuses on competencies required to lead self, and has important information for new Army Civilians. This course is required for all Army Civilians hired after 30 September 2006.
  • The Basic Course (BC) is a blended learning course, with an online and resident phase (2 weeks). The course focuses on leading teams and projects, and is the target leader development course for Civilians in grades GS-1 to GS-9 and comparable pay grades and bands.
  • The Intermediate Course (IC) is a blended learning course, with an online and resident phase (3 weeks). The course focuses on leading people, and is the target leader development course for Civilians in the grades GS-10 to GS-12 and comparable pay grades and bands.
  • The Advanced Course (AC) is a blended learning course, with an online phase and resident phase (4 weeks). The course focuses on leading organizations and programs and is the target leader development course for Civilians in the grades GS-13 to GS-15 and comparable pay grades and bands.
  • The Continuing Education for Senior Leaders (CESL) Course is a blended learning course, with an online phase and resident phase (1 week). The course focus is leading institutions, and is geared towards Civilians in the grades GS-14 to GS-15 and comparable pay grades and bands.

Competitive professional development programs

There are several courses and programs that are open to Army Civilians, they require the completion of the target CES course, and have an eligibility requirement of 3 years in an Army Civilian position. These courses are listed and described on the Civilian Training and Leader Development website and the ACTEDS website. When you have reached your career conditional status, you may be eligible to apply for some of these programs. Check the individual eligibility requirements for each program.

  • Academic Degree Training (ADT) Program is a tuition assistance program for those who are seeking an academic degree in a field related to the performance of your official duties. You will be eligible for this program when you have completed 3 years as an Army Civilian. You may apply for this competitive program through your command/organization or through your career program. 
  • The Senior Enterprise Talent Management (SETM) Program is designed to afford selected GS-14 to GS-15, or equivalent Army senior civilians, an exceptional professional development, senior level education or experiential learning opportunity. There are four components to SETM, each focusing on a different type of training or developmental experience. It is a great opportunity to do something outside of your organization or your career program. You must carefully review the eligibility requirements of each component, as they are not the same.
  • The Enterprise Placement Program (EPP) is open to GS-15s, or equivalent employees, who apply and are selected as Army Enterprise Employees. Army Enterprise Employees are slated for consideration for placement into positions across the Army that will broaden their skills and prepare them for greater challenges.
  • SETM-Temporary Duty is a short-term developmental assignment program for GS-14 to GS-15s, or equivalent employees. Participants are temporarily assigned to work on a special command-nominated project as part of a working group or to fill a "critical need" detail for a period not to exceed 179 days.
  • Senior Service College (SSC) is open to applicants in grades GS-14 to GS-15, or equivalent employees, who have competed their core CES requirement (Advanced Course) and have 3 years in a permanent Army Civilian position. Applicants compete for limited number of seats at the US Army War College or the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. Attendance at SSC is designed to expand the participants' knowledge of the national security mission, understanding of complex policy and operational challenges faced by senior DoD and Army officials.
  • The Defense Senior Leader Development Program is a DoD funded program and an Army component of SETM. 

Command and career program sponsored leader development programs

Many commands, career programs, and organizations conduct leader development programs for their Civilian employees at all levels. Commonly, they include mentoring and coaching from senior leaders in the organization, developmental assignments, shadowing senior leaders, and participation in special projects. You should talk with your supervisor if you are interested in any of these opportunities.

  • The Defense Civilian Emerging Leader Program (DCELP) is targeted to GS-7 to GS-11 Army Civilians who are in the Human Resources Management and Financial Management career programs, as well as those who are in positions coded as Acquisition Workforce. This program is limited to these career fields by law. It is a 10-month program that consists of participants from all services and defense agencies, and consists of multiple 1 and 2 week courses. Travel to the program location in Southbridge, Massachusetts is required for attendance. Participants are selected by an Army board.
  • Defense Senior Leader Development Program (DSLDP) is targeted to GS-14 to GS-15 Army Civilians from all career programs. It is a 2-year program with participants from all services that consists of seminars, a 10-month Senior Service School attendance, and a developmental assignment. Students must have 3 years in a permanent Army position in order to be eligible to apply. Participants are placed in a new job upon graduation. Participants are selected by the SETM program, followed by a DoD board.
  • Department of Defense Executive Leader Development Program (ELDP) is targeted to GS-12 to GS-14 Army Civilians in all career programs. It is a rigorous 10-month program that consists of classroom activities and short term deployments to various military training bases. This program requires a high level of physical activity, and a medical clearance is required for participation. Participants are selected by an Army board.

Additional Resources

Army Career Tracker

This is an Army portal for Soldiers and civilian employees to track their training, education and experiential learning opportunities. U.S. employees can update their individual development plans (IDP) on this system.

Army Civilian training, Education and Development System (ACTEDS)

The system provides information on civilian professional development opportunities including CIVILIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM (CES) classes, Senior Enterprise Talent Management Enterprise (SETM) Program, Enterprise Talent Management (ETM), and other leadership programs.

College of Installation Management (CIM)

The website provides course listings and registration for IMCOM employees.

GoArmyEd

 This is an Army portal for Soldiers and civilian employees to apply for educational opportunities.

Local Programs

  • "Better Together": Contact your supervisor.
  • USAG Benelux Mentorship Program: Contact your organization mentorship program representative or the Directorate of Human Resources at DSN 597-9860.
  • USAG Benelux Job Swap Program: Contact Directorate of Human Resources Civilian Personnel at DSN 597-5583.

Army-Wide Programs and Resources