Advanced Civil Schooling (ACS) provides Army Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) a fully funded, full-time opportunity to pursue an advanced graduate degree in an acquisition discipline at civilian universities. The U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center (USAASC) Army Director for Acquisition Career Management (DACM) Office fully funds board-selected NCOs enrolled in advanced education programs.

On this page you will find information to help you launch into a fully funded graduate degree program, stay connected while within the program, and ease your transition back into the workforce once you’ve graduated.

As part of ACS, 51C NCOs are eligible for a 12-18-month NPS – Curriculum 815 Program at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA, which awards a Master of Science (MS) in Defense Contract Management and focuses on interdisciplinary skills that integrate management theory, accounting, economics, finance, behavioral science, management theory, operations/systems analysis, and specific courses in acquisition and contracting. The curriculum is designed to empower Noncommissioned Officers with the necessary skills to serve effectively in systems buying offices, field contracting offices, contract administration offices, and contracting policy offices.

Visit the NPS 815 webpage on the NPS website learn more about the program.

Application Process:

1. Decide where to apply. NCOs must apply to NPS815. An NCO may apply for a top-tier business school(must be DACM approved) but it is not mandatory to do so. ***Note: You can often reduce tuition costs by negotiating directly with the school, securing a scholarship or fellowship, or applying to a range of schools. Tuition is divided into two categories: $28,001 to $48,000; and $28,000 and below.
2. Take appropriate admissions tests (e.g., the GMAT or GRE), if required
3. Secure letters of recommendation for civilian schools
4. Apply to schools
5. Receive conditional acceptance letter
6. Receive movers message from ATS Management Board
7. Submit packet to ACS Board
8. Receive results
9. Start school

Army Acquisition NCO Advanced Civil Schooling Application, Selection and Attendance Policy and Procedures

Key Dates:

Announcement Opening: August 10, 2026
Announcement Closing: December 11, 2026
Applicant Selection Notification Date: o/a January 2027
Program Start Date: July 2027

FAQs:

How do I stay connected to the Acquisition career field while attending civilian school?

You aren’t on your own. The Army Acquisition School (TAAS) through the ACS program manager provides touchpoints and mid-schooling syncs. These sessions keep your professional development on track and prep you for the high-impact assignments waiting for you after graduation.

Who is my CAPPMIS / IDP supervisor while I am out of the force?

Please contact the ACS program manager to assist in switching your IDP to the Army DACM ACS point of contact.

Does the Army DACM fund special projects while I am participating in ACS?

The Army DACM Office provides limited funding for travel related to defense-specific research and thesis topics. Additionally, based on availability of funds, the Army DACM Office provides funding for defense-related certifications. Contact the ACS program manager at your school or at the Army DACM Office for more information.

How can I reintegrate into an assignment after graduation?

The Army DACM Office also sponsors out-briefs and exit surveys to ensure a smooth transition from classroom to workplace.

NCO ACS Example Documents:

• Example DA 4187
• Example of DA 1618
• Acknowledgement of Responsibilities
• ACS Nomination Form_EXAMPLE
• ACS Nomination Form_BLANK
• Example of Letter to the Board
• Example of Letter of Recommendation
• Example of Additional Duty Service Obligation
• Example of Branch Manager Acknowledgment Memorandum
• Sample ATIS AFT/WHtR

Contacts: