Training the Army Acquisition Workforce

An integral part of the mission of the assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics, and technology ALT is to educate and train the men and women of our Army ALT workforce, who strive daily to provide high-quality, cutting-edge products for our soldiers. To this end, and in accordance with the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act DAWIA, the director, acquisition career management DACM must ensure the readiness and sustainment of a professional civilian and military active, reserve, and National Guard acquisition workforce by promoting leadership and professional development. The DACM provides a wide range of recruitment and retention incentives, training, education, and leadership programs to ensure a professional Army Acquisition Corps. To date, the Army ALT workforce consists of over 42,000 civilians and 1,600 officers and noncommissioned officers, for a total workforce in excess of 43,500. They specialize in 14 acquisition career fields ACFs to support the warfighter. The Army has implemented dozens of programs to support the ALT workforce and their commitment to learning and successfully executing mission-critical tasks. These programs focus on certification, leadership, professionalism, and experiential career-broadening opportunities. This article highlights some of the programs that best represent the diversity of Army acquisition career development.