Army Career Program 35 (CP-35) serves as a cornerstone for the professional development of civilian employees within the Army’s intelligence community. This program is specifically designed for individuals in various General Schedule (GS) positions, starting from GS-05 and above, who contribute to the Army’s intelligence mission. Navigating the complexities of career advancement within the civilian sector of the Army requires a clear understanding of programs like CP-35. This guide aims to clarify what CP-35 is, who it benefits, and how it functions within the broader context of Army civilian career development.
What Exactly is Army Career Program 35 (CP-35)?
CP-35 is the designated Army career program tailored for Civilian Intelligence Personnel Management System (CIPMS) employees. It encompasses a range of positions primarily within the GS-132 (Intelligence) job series. However, its reach extends to other critical roles that are significantly intelligence-related. This includes GS-080 (Security) positions where intelligence duties constitute 51% or more of the job responsibilities, as well as GS-1701 and -1712 series (Trainers and Educators), and even Engineers and Scientists. The common thread uniting these diverse roles under CP-35 is their assignment to an organizational component actively engaged in performing an intelligence mission.
It’s important to note that CP-35 is not a blanket program for all Army civilian employees. Other CIPMS professional and administrative career paths are covered by different Army career programs that are more aligned with the specific nature of their duties. This targeted approach ensures that employees receive career development support that is relevant to their professional field and the unique demands of their roles within the Army.
How Does the Intelligence Career Development Program (ICDP) Relate to CIPMS and CP-35?
The Intelligence Career Development Program (ICDP) is a Department of Defense (DOD) wide initiative, centrally managed by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). ICDP is designed for civilian employees on a two-grade interval career path who are working within organizational components focused on general intelligence, counterintelligence, intelligence-related security, or cryptologic functions. Think of ICDP as the overarching framework for intelligence career development at the DOD level.
CIPMS, and consequently CP-35, operate in close alignment with the policies and procedures established by the ICDP. This ensures a degree of consistency and standardization in career development practices across the defense intelligence community. For CIPMS employees within the Army, CP-35 serves as the practical implementation of ICDP principles, adapting them to the specific context and needs of the Army’s civilian intelligence workforce. In essence, CIPMS and CP-35 mirror the broader DOD’s ICDP framework, providing a focused career development structure within the Army.
Can CIPMS Employees Participate in Multiple Army Career Programs?
Yes, CIPMS employees have the opportunity to broaden their professional horizons by registering in more than one Army career program. While an employee’s primary position dictates their main career program – typically CP-35 or another relevant Army program – there’s flexibility for those seeking additional development avenues.
CIPMS employees who have achieved personal competitive status, or have completed at least one year of continuous CIPMS employment, are eligible to voluntarily register in supplementary career programs. This is contingent upon meeting the specific qualification requirements set by the additional career program they wish to join. This provision allows employees to tap into diverse resources and training opportunities that might be beneficial for their career growth, even beyond the scope of their primary career program. It encourages proactive career management and the acquisition of a broader skillset.
What is ACTEDS and How Does it Fit into CP-35?
The Army Civilian Training, Education and Development System (ACTEDS) is a comprehensive framework that establishes the overarching training and development policies and guidelines for all Army career program employees. ACTEDS is designed to ensure a standardized and effective approach to civilian workforce development across the entire Army. Every Army career program, including CP-35, operates under its own specific ACTEDS plan.
The ACTEDS plan for CP-35 is meticulously crafted to foster a high level of professionalism among civilian intelligence professionals. It achieves this by clearly defining the competencies required for successful performance at each grade level or grade band within CP-35 positions. Furthermore, the plan outlines various methods for employees to attain these competencies, including on-the-job training, formal classroom instruction, and self-development initiatives. The CP-35 ACTEDS plan also identifies key positions within the career program, desirable professional traits, and model career progression patterns to help employees reach those key roles.
For CIPMS employees whose positions fall under career programs other than CP-35, they will utilize the ACTEDS plan specific to their respective career program. However, the CP-35 ACTEDS plan can still be a valuable resource for them, particularly for identifying intelligence-specific competencies or relevant courses that could benefit their professional development. Supervisors play a crucial role in this system by developing Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for employees in professional/administrative career paths. These IDPs are based on the appropriate ACTEDS master training plan and can be integrated into the Total Army Performance Evaluation System (TAPES) support form, which is the performance appraisal system for all Army civilians.
Understanding the Roles of ACPM and MACOM CPM
Within the Army’s career program structure, Activity Career Program Managers (ACPMs) and Major Command (MACOM) Career Program Managers (CPMs) are key figures providing guidance and support. ACPMs are appointed at the activity level by the Activity Commander for each career program represented. Their primary function is to offer technical advice and assistance to both the commander and the servicing Civilian Personnel Advisory Center on all matters related to career programs. Crucially, ACPMs serve as a direct point of contact for supervisors and employees, providing advice and guidance on career program opportunities and requirements. The CP-35 ACPM, in particular, is a valuable resource for CIPMS information for all CIPMS employees within their activity. In some instances, an ACPM might represent employees from multiple commands, depending on the serviced population.
MACOM Career Program Managers (CPMs) operate at the Major Command level, appointed by the MACOM Commander for each career program. They hold responsibility for career program matters across the entire MACOM. The CP-35 CPM serves as the central MACOM focal point for CIPMS issues and provides guidance and direction to ACPMs in the field. Beyond their advisory roles, CPMs are actively involved in the process of recommending and/or endorsing applications from career program employees for centrally or MACOM approved or funded training opportunities. Both ACPMs and MACOM CPMs are essential resources for navigating career development within CP-35 and accessing relevant training and advancement opportunities.
What is the Army Civilian Intelligence Orientation (ACIO) Course?
The Army Civilian Intelligence Orientation (ACIO) course is an introductory, self-paced learning module designed to provide newcomers to the intelligence field with a foundational understanding of the domain. Comprising eight lessons, the ACIO course covers essential topics such as intelligence processes, relevant security policies, the organizational structure of Army and national intelligence, and an overview of CIPMS.
The ACIO course is beneficial for all civilian employees who are new to the intelligence field, regardless of their specific job series or grade level. It is also appropriate for employees in support technician or clerical positions who want to gain a better understanding of the intelligence environment in which they work. Access to the ACIO course can typically be obtained through your ACPM or your servicing Civilian Personnel Advisory Center. It’s a valuable starting point for anyone embarking on a career within Army intelligence or seeking to enhance their understanding of this specialized field.
