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By: Jennifer B. Sheridan, Special Operations Center of Excellence (SOCoE), Civil Affairs Force Modernization Proponent
CP26 analysts are some of the most versatile and sought-after experts in the Army civilian workforce. They work in budgeting, force structure, force development and modernization and documentation of force documents like TOEs, MTOEs and TDAs. Analysts work to develop both the operating and generating force to ensure that the Army is ready for the future fight.
CP26ers work at different echelons in the Army institutional force—HQDA, ACOMs, ASCCs, DRUs and other specialized places like Centers of Excellence (CoEs) and proponency offices. As Civil Affairs (CA) force modernization analysts we are entrusted to advocate for and assist in designing the best CA force for the Army while ensuring the holistic health of Career Management Force (CMF) 38. Working in the Special Operations Center of Excellence, located at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center & School is exciting—being on the forefront of a relatively new directorate within CA proponency with unique Active Component, Reserve Component, Army Special Operations Force and General Purpose Force considerations; along with the potential advent of the seventh Army Warfighting Function: engagement, which, if implemented, has broad implications for the mission of CA forces.
However, working in this proponency is also challenging, as the commander of SOCoE is both the force modernization and branch proponent for three Army branches: Civil Affairs, PSYOP and Special Forces. This authority is granted by AR 5-22, The Army Force Modernization System, which establishes: “policies, duties, responsibilities and relationships applicable to Army Force Modernization Proponent System.” While this might seem fairly straightforward, the ability to perform proponent functions are often stymied by SOCoE’s higher headquarters relationship with USASOC, and the division of the CA force. The realignment and redesignation of the CA forces has created much unnecessary confusion and conflict. In addition, those in CMF 38 and who work in CA proponency, are often faced with the fact that the Army does not have a good grasp on the function, mission, and therefore utilization of CA forces. The unique challenges with CA highlight the importance of well-trained management analysts to advocate, provide analysis for and recommend the best course of action for senior leaders.
To this end, I recently completed the mobile DOD Decision Support Course (DDSC) in April 2016 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. While branded as a course for budgeteers, as a force modernization analyst I found it very applicable to my position. This course offered invaluable insight in to the methodology and mechanics of decision making and challenged us, as analysts, to make logical, reliable and valid recommendations to our senior leaders. The cornerstone to this course was the Decision Support Model: (1) Identify the issue; (2) Analyze the issue; (3) Develop alternatives; (4) Evaluate the alternatives; and (5) Make a recommendation. This approach is similar to many other kinds of processes presented in Army classes, but this course highlights the importance and mechanics of issue identification, and challenges analysts to: review the problem definition and scope, clarify the goal and brainstorm solutions. Given the unique challenges and dynamics associated with being a non-TRADOC Center of Excellence responsible for a branch that has split: funding, authorities and designations, this course has provided immediate benefit and applications for CA proponency.
As a former HQDA ACTEDs intern, I firmly believe in the importance of education and continuing education for careerists. I feel this is how we develop better courses of action and enable senior leaders to make more informed decisions. The HQDA CP26 Proponency Office offers the DDSC, and many other centrally funded training courses, for management analysts that develop, refine, or refresh manpower and force management skillsets. I encourage other careerists to take advantage of the training offered and attend training that will help you best prepare the Army for the future fight.
| Date Taken: | 08.02.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 08.04.2016 10:37 |
| Story ID: | 206052 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | FORT LIBERTY, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 148 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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