The U.S. Army recognizes the importance of professional growth for its civilian workforce, offering 31 specialized Army Civilian Career Programs. These programs are designed to cultivate talent and provide every Army Civilian with opportunities to achieve their career aspirations. Your Position Description automatically assigns you to a Career Program, mapping your role within the Army’s broader organizational structure.
What are Army Civilian Career Programs?
The Army Civilian Career Program (CPP) is a comprehensive system that strategically manages the professional development of Army Civilians. It provides structured plans, processes, and activities that guide systematic growth at organizational, occupational, and individual levels. Throughout your civilian career lifecycle, the CPP offers a pathway for advancement through targeted training, education, and professional development (TE&PD) initiatives. These opportunities are designed to broaden your knowledge base, refine your skills, and prepare you for roles with increasing responsibility.
U.S. Army Civilian Career Programs logo symbolizing growth and opportunities for civilian employees.
The fundamental goal of the Army CPP is to maximize the collective talent within the Army Civilian Corps and to empower each civilian employee to pursue their unique career goals. While the Army provides the framework and resources, ultimately, taking ownership of career development is the responsibility of each Army Civilian. To make the most of these opportunities, Army Civilians are encouraged to define their career objectives and actively collaborate with their supervisors and Career Program Managers (CPMs), or Army Career Program Managers (ACPMs), to develop effective strategies for achieving these goals.
For detailed information about your specific Career Program, explore the Civilian Human Resources community page: Civilian Career Programs Management. ✪ You can also find descriptions of each Civilian Career Program HERE.
Developmental Assignment Program (DAP)
For junior to mid-level employees seeking to expand their skillset, the Developmental Assignment Program (DAP) offers invaluable multifunctional training and assignments. These 90-day assignments are strategically designed to enhance the experience of participants, preparing them for greater responsibilities and fostering improved communication across different organizational functions. The DAP focuses on developing well-rounded employees who are adaptable and ready to contribute to various aspects of the Army mission.
The DAP strongly supports functional and leadership training, aligning with key pillars of leader development within the U.S. Army Garrison Daegu’s strategic plans. By providing developmental assignments across diverse functional areas for up to 90 days, the program directly supports the objectives of the Installation Management Command’s (IMCOM) Campaign Plan. The primary aim is to cultivate a group of agile and adaptable leaders and a workforce equipped with multiple skills, all dedicated to enhancing installation services for the Army community. Participation in the DAP contributes to organizational development by fostering innovative approaches to service delivery, improving work performance, and maximizing the value of each employee’s contribution to current and future IMCOM missions. Eligibility for developmental assignments requires recommendations through the supervisory chain of command, approval from the DAP selection board, and final approval by the Deputy Garrison Commander (DGC).
DAP Eligibility
The DAP is open to junior and mid-level USAG Daegu Appropriated-fund employees (GS7 through GS13), Non-appropriated fund employees (NF-5 and below, comparable to GS7-GS13), and equivalent Foreign National employees. This program is an excellent pathway to gain multifunctional training and assignments, strengthen your professional experience, prepare for increased responsibilities, improve organizational communication, and become a more versatile and valuable asset to the Army.
If you are interested in a developmental assignment and want to learn more, please contact Workforce Development at (315) 763-4928.
Local & Centrally Funded Training Opportunities
Beyond structured programs, the Army provides access to various no or low-cost training opportunities. These resources, available in Area IV, within the Continental United States (CONUS), or virtually, offer education tailored to the evolving learning needs of civilian employees. The delivery methods and topics are continuously updated based on feedback and requirements identified by Garrison employees. One such initiative is the Monthly Lunch and Learn Sessions, which will be announced when they resume, offering accessible and convenient professional development opportunities.
