Program Management

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Overview

Acquisition professionals in the Program Management functional area are concerned with all functions of a program management office to accomplish program objectives for the development, production, deployment, and sustainment of systems to meet the user’s operational needs.

The Program Management functional area is supported by:

Maj. Gen. Christopher Schneider (Army Acquisition Functional Leader)

Maj. Gen. Schneider entered the Acquisition Corp 2005 and served in numerous assignments to include: (LTC/COL) Assignment Officer in the Human Resources Command, Alexandria, Virginia; Product Manager for Soldier Maneuver Sensors in PEO Soldier; Branch Chief for the Acquisition Branch in the Human Resources Command; Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition; Project Manager for Soldier Sensors and Lasers and as the Assistant Program Executive Officer (APEO) for Futures and Integration in PEO Soldier. Project Manager for the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, a Rapid Prototyping initiative in PEO Soldier; Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology). He recently served as the Program Executive Officer for PEO Soldier. Read full bio here.

Marty Zybura

Mr. Marty Zybura (Army Acquisition Functional Advisor)

Mr. Zybura comes to ASA(ALT) after serving as the acting Deputy Program Executive Officer (DPEO) at PEO EIS. Prior to assuming his role as the acting DPEO he served as the PEO EIS Chief of Staff and was responsible for overseeing many of the organization’s day to day operations and initiatives. Mr. Zybura began his Army career as a Soldier. While on active duty he served as chief of staff of the Army Contracting Command (ACC) at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. He was the principal assistant to the commanding general and was responsible for planning, coordinating, directing, supervising, and training more than 200 headquarters staff members. He also coordinated support and oversight of two one-star subordinate commands and six subordinate contracting centers. Read full bio here.

Workforce Demographics

(Data current as of 31 December 2024)

PM Demographic Graphic

Top 5 Civilian Occupational Groups/Military Functional Areas

Occupational Groups

Certification

DAWIA Grace periods for Program Management

Practitioner = 5 years
Advanced = 4 years

Enlarge certification policy

DAWIA Certification Policy for AAW

Exam Prep Course and Certification Exam

Eligibility and Registration

Link to DAW Position Category Description

Competencies

Screenshot of competencies

View the Certification and Development Guides in DAU’s iCatalog

Continuous Learning

Defense Acquisition Workforce Professional Currency

AAFL Recommended CLP Memorandum:
https://asc.army.mil/web/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CLPs-for-PM-Acquisition-Functional-Area-Signed.pdf

Thumbnail of CLP Memo
Thumbnail of DACM CLP policy document

CLP Glide Path:
https://asc.army.mil/web/document/fy25-fy26-continuous-learning-point-clp-glide-path/

DACM CLP Policy:
https://asc.army.mil/web/document/continuous-learning-point-policy-and-implementation-guidelines-for-the-army-acquisition-workforce/

Update to FY25-26 Recommended Continuous Learning Opportunities and FY26 Approved Certification Courses for the Program Management Functional Area:
https://asc.army.mil/web/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FY25-26-PM-FAL-Memo-Update-May-2025_signed.pdf

Credentials

Defense Acquisition Credentials provide the knowledge and associated skills needed to perform job-centric, niche, and/or emerging functions in the defense acquisition environment. They are intended to enhance specific skills and improve performance in the workplace. Whether you manage capability requirements, acquire services/systems, or sustain capabilities, earning credentials can build your competence, confidence, and value to your organization and the DOD.

DAU credentials Program: https://www.dau.edu/credentials
View latest credentials: https://icatalog.dau.edu/onlinecatalog/tabnav_credentials.aspx

Career Models

CIVILIAN

OFFICER

AAC-Officer-Career-Timeline_-02220223-v2-002-scaled

The Army DACM Office has developed Career Models for each acquisition functional area, which are intended as notional guides for professional growth and a well-rounded acquisition experience. Acquisition workforce employees, along with their supervisors, should use these models as tools for developing a plan to advance throughout one’s acquisition career.

Resources