By Scott Greene, Chief, Leader Development Branch
The Civilian Education System (CES) essentially is the Army’s civilian version of professional military education (PME). The Army developed this multilayered level of courses to ensure that every civilian (regardless of rank) has the opportunity to learn and grow as a leader.
The foundation course is required for all new civilians. However, each of the other level of courses (basic, intermediate and advanced) is geared toward a target audience—for example, CES advanced is geared toward GS-13 to -15s. Beyond being a position requirement, CES is an opportunity to step outside of the office for a short period to learn about the bigger Army and how your role plays into the greater mission. In fact, one of the best things about attending a course like this is that your classmates will be from a variety of locations and organizations within the Army. My small group at the advanced course a few summers ago had individuals from audit readiness, the Office of General Counsel, the Army Museum, and staff from program executive offices. Personally, I really enjoyed the group exercises—working an international case, down to a national case, down to an Army case and then finally focusing on oneself. Everyone on the team brought a different perspective and I learned a lot. It was a growth experience for me to learn from individuals with varied backgrounds of experience and assignments.
A friendly reminder that there are three ways to get credit for CES: Take the actual course, have taken an equivalent Army course, or apply for constructive credit. Information on how to apply for constructive credit is listed below, if applicable to you.
https://www.atrrs.army.mil/CHANNELS/CHRTAS/default.asp?page=student/cesmfr.asp
APPLYING FOR CES CONSTRUCTIVE CREDIT
In order to process requests for CES constructive credit, applicants must submit a memorandum signed by their supervisor along with supporting documentation to the Army Management Staff College (AMSC) at constructivecredit@conus.army.mil.
As the proponent school, AMSC will review the applicant’s request and evaluate the applicant’s training, education and supervisory experience against the CES Critical Tasks/Learning Outcomes and associated leadership competencies (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced). This evaluation process may take up to 90 days. The applicant’s request will then be forwarded to HQDA, G-3/5/7, for final decision.
All requests must include the following documentation:
Request for CES Constructive Credit Memorandum
CES Quota Manager (Training Coordinator) Statement
Resume
Position/job description(s)
College/university transcript and course descriptions (if applicable)
Training program certificate(s)
Note: AMSC reserves the right to request additional documentation.
This article was published in the July DACM Newsletter.
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