New tool available to track civilian development

  • Published
  • 82nd Force Support Squadron
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Air Force's now has a tool available to help civilians and military supervisors of civilians to better track the appropriate level of development on the Civilian Force Development Reference Center.

The CFDR provides the civilian force a developmental framework that is similar to those of officer and enlisted personnel. That means about 5,000 civilians on Sheppard could benefit from this professional development curriculum.

Much like active duty Airmen, the program begins with basic introductory courses upon employment by the Air Force. The types and levels of courses advance as the civilian advances in their career and position.

All civilians are expected to continuously pursue professional development at the appropriate level. Below are some of the programs available to meet this expectation:

New Employee Orientation
· Provide basic Air Force knowledge to all new civilians
· Computer-base training comprise of seven modules
     · Air Force Core Values
     · Air Force Heritage
     · Air Force Core Competencies
     · Air force Customs and Courtesies
     · Force Development
     · Health, Safety, and Security
     · Personnel Administration
· Website: https://afkm.wpafb.af.mil/community/views/home.aspx?Filter=OO-DP-MC-14

Annual Civilian Training Program
Provide supervisors and employees with information to determine how a specific training course meets mission objective; placement based on prioritization and funding

Civilian Acculturation and Leadership Training (CALT) Program
· Modeled on the Officer Training School curriculum, provides similar knowledge and skill used to develop officers
· Two-week formal indoctrination in leadership, communication and warfighting
· Eligibility - GS7-13 or NSPS equivalent with no prior military experience

AETC Civilian Tuition Assistance Program
· Restricted to one course per term
· Course approved at all levels--must be mission related. Courses at the doctorate level must be job related
· Major command elective program; funded at the discretion of the MAJCOM commander

Supervisory Training
· USAF Supervisor's Course - this basic course provides leadership and management skills required for first level supervisor
· Civilian Personnel Management Course - this course provides military and civilian supervisors an understanding of applicable personnel law and regulations
· Military Personnel Management Course - this course provides civilian supervisors of military members the basic skills, knowledge and abilities required to supervise enlisted and officer personnel
· Register for courses online at the Virtual Campus Website: https://afkm.wpafb.af.mil/community/views/home.aspx?Filter=OO DP-MC-15

Civilians Professional Military Education (All non-resident)
· Squadron Officer School - GS9 -12 or NSPS equivalent
· Air Command and Staff College - GS-12/13 or NSPS equivalent (Pay Band 2), minimum of two years AF civil service and bachelor's degree. Enroll at ACSC website: http://www.acsc.au.af.mil/distance-learning.asp
· Air War College - GS-14/15 or NSPS equivalent (Pay Ban 3), minimum of two years AF civil service and bachelor's degree. Enroll at AWC website: http://www.au.af.mil/au.awc-ns.htm

OPM/Leadership Training
· Submit your career experience into the civilian development plan (CDP) at this website: https://www.t-cdp.hq.af.mil/Presentation/authorization/Login.cfm
· View the OPM website at http://www.leadership.opm.gov/ since courses vary from year to year

The Civilian Force Development Resource Center is your starting point for all force development issues and is located on the Air Force Portal. From within the portal, navigate as follows: AF Portal > Life & Career > Force Development > Civilian Force Development Reference Center or click here.

Use of the Civilian Force Development Resource Center and related tools is not mandatory. The Air Force has developed this site to provide civilians with similar developmental opportunities and programs provided to our military counterparts. Throughout the month of June, the Force Development Flight will provide a series of briefings on the Civilian Force Development Reference Center through unit commander's calls and base theater calls.

For more information on this new professional development tool, please call Louise Jones at 676-4845 or send an e-mail to louise.jones@sheppard.af.mil.