WHAT’S NEW?

POSITION CODING AND CREDENTIAL POLICY FOR THE LIFE CYCLE LOGISTICS ARMY ACQUISITION WORKFORCE (AAW)

On Oct. 2, the Life Cycle Logistics (LCL) Army Acquisition Functional Leader (AAFL) signed the “Coding and Credential Policy for the Life Cycle Logistics Army Acquisition Workforce” memorandum. This document updates the Army’s policy for coding LCL AAW positions. It also recommends all AAW LCL professionals complete at least one Defense Acquisition University (DAU) credential every 48 months after achieving their required LCL certification level, or from the signature date on this memorandum, with compliance tracked by their supervisor. A copy of this memorandum can be found on the DACM Policy Library at https://asc.army.mil/web/document/position-coding-and-credential-policy-for-the-life-cycle-logistics-army-acquisition-workforce/.

FOUR MEMOS IN THE ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT (ETM) AND TEST AND EVALUATION (T&E) FUNCTIONAL AREAS

A total of four memos are now available for acquisition professionals in the ETM and T&E Acquisition Functional Area (AFAs) which include guidance and training recommendations to be applied toward the current two-year continuous learning cycle. Two of the four memos are AAFL-Recommended Credentials and Continuous Learning Points memos that are targeted towards AAW professionals in these two AFAs; the other two memos are FY25-FY26 Recommended Continuous Learning Opportunities, signed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense ETM and T&E Functional Area Leader and intended for defense acquisition workforce professionals.

AAW professionals should consult with their supervisors to choose continuous learning activities best suited to their position and individual development, ensuring completion of primary certification training requirements of their encumbered position within the allotted grace period. Continuous learning is an essential part of being an AAW professional and maintaining a technical edge. The memos can be found on each AFA webpage at https://asc.army.mil/web/dacm-office/functional-areas/. A collection of all memos can be found in the DACM Policy Library at https://asc.army.mil/web/alt-workforce-policy-procedure/.

Opportunities

OPEN TO CIVILIANS AND MILITARY – ANNOUNCING THE USSOCOM SPADE PROGRAM

Immerse yourself in a fast-paced, rewarding, joint acquisition environment at U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Also known as the USSOCOM Special Operations Forces (SOF) Peculiar Acquisition Development Experience (SPADE), the SPADE “Ghost” program provides acquisition professionals a 90-day TDY developmental experience at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. SPADE participants will gain exposure to tailored acquisitions, other transactional agreements, middle tier acquisitions and other innovative acquisition strategies. As a “Ghost,” you’ll engage in agile acquisition sprints to provide rapid capabilities to SOF Operators. Take advantage of this opportunity by expanding your network across multiple services, industries and program executive offices by attending multiple conferences and engagements.

The SPADE program is seeking participants who are highly motivated self-starters in the following areas:

• Military: Active Duty, Army Acquisition Corps Captains, Majors, SSGs and SFCs (MOS: 51As and 51Cs).
• Army Acquisition Workforce Civilians: GS-12s, GS-13s and NH-03s in Program Management, Contracting, Test or Engineering functional areas.

The deadline to apply is Dec. 31. For questions and how to apply, reach out today to christian.t.ray.mil@socom.mil.

APPLY NOW TO THE DAU SENIOR SERVICE COLLEGE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Now through Jan. 24, applications are being accepted for the Defense Acquisition University Senior Service College Fellowship (DAU-SSCF) program. DAU-SSCF is a 10-month educational senior leadership development opportunity sponsored by the Army Director, Acquisition Career Management (DACM) Office. DAU-SSCF is conducted under the auspices of the DAU through the Huntsville, Alabama; Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey; and virtual seminars. The virtual seminar is an excellent SSC/SSCF option for any interested and eligible acquisition workforce member located outside of Huntsville and Picatinny.

DAU-SSCF provides leadership and acquisition training to prepare senior level civilians for leadership roles such as product and project manager, program executive officer and other key acquisition leadership positions to include contracting. The DAU-SSCF program is also approved as a Military Education Level-1 (MEL-1) Senior Service College equivalent. For the O6 and GS-15 centralized selection list (CSL), an MEL-1 is required before assumption of command. DAU-SSCF is the only civilian fellowship approved by the Army. To learn more, go to https://asc.army.mil/web/career-development/programs/defense-acquisition-university-senior-service-college.

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FY25 LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AND ACQUISITION DEVELOPMENT (LEAD) PROGRAM

Don’t miss out on taking your professional development to new heights with the FY25 LEAD program. The LEAD application window closes on Dec. 20. This premier 24-30 month leadership development program offers training through a series of education, leader development and broadening assignments to build skills required for positions of greater responsibility. LEAD is designed to enhance the leadership acumen of the Army’s civilian acquisition workforce. Participants are provided centrally funded leadership training and developmental assignments within the acquisition community. For more details go to https://asc.army.mil/web/career-development/programs/lead/.

DIGITAL UPSKILLING OPPORTUNITIES IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly integrating itself in the framework of the digital world and part of this shift is how it can be applied in your daily acquisition work. As a member of the AAW, you are invited to explore DAU’s AI credential and AI playlist, which are expertly curated to give you a comprehensive understanding of AI topics.

The DAU AI credential is designed for defense acquisition professionals aiming to manage AI projects effectively. It combines commercial online training with DOD-specific insights, covering AI definitions, technologies, the AI ecosystem and data and algorithmic ethics. This program culminates in a Coursera course on “Ethics in the Age of AI,” featuring practical ethics activities and a capstone exam. Additionally, the credential helps contextualize this knowledge within DOD acquisition projects, emphasizing DOD’s Responsible AI mandate and how to align acquisition phases with industry best practices and emerging AI policies and standards. Alongside the credential, DAU offers a curated AI playlist, providing easy access to expert-selected resources on AI topics.

Before leveraging these DAU offerings, we highly recommend you take time to listen to Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, Data, Engineering and Software’s (DASA DES) recent “Tech Talk” exploring the groundbreaking role of AI and the Army’s Unified Data Reference Architecture. In the talk, Dan Andrew guides listeners through the latest advancements and discusses how these technologies are revolutionizing military capabilities, decision-making and mission readiness. You can access the DASA DES Tech Talk at this CAC-enabled link in milSuite: https://www.milsuite.mil/video/watch/video/72719.

Whether you’re an AI enthusiast, a tech-savvy professional or simply curious about the future of defense technology, leverage DAU’s credentials and resources and stay tuned to our USAASC social media channels for MORE opportunities to deepen your understanding of AI.

OFFICERS – ADVANCED CIVIL SCHOOLING

The Army DACM Office is pleased to announce the Advanced Civil Schooling (ACS) Winter Moving Cycle “ACS 26-01” application window is currently open. The ACS program allows Army acquisition officers a chance to pursue advanced degrees in acquisition or business-related disciplines at civilian universities on a full-time, fully funded basis. ACS also unlocks enhanced skills and acquisition experience through top-tier university programs. This opportunity is open now and closes on March 1, 2025. The program runs from Oct. 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026.  Go to the ACS webpage to learn more about the application process and eligibility: https://asc.army.mil/web/career-development/programs/advanced-civil-schooling/

Reminders

NEW HIRES – AAW ONBOARDING COURSE IS AVAILABLE

If you were recently hired into the AAW, you’ll want to sign up for the “Welcome to the Army Acquisition Workforce” course. This course should be completed within the first few months of joining the acquisition workforce as it offers a dynamic overview of:

• The Army Acquisition Workforce.
• Training and certification standards.
• Tools and resources.
• Career models.
• Development and leadership opportunities.
• Staying connected.

To access and begin taking the course, navigate to the Army Training Information System (ATIS) Learning home page at https://learn.atis.army.mil/moodle. (Chrome or Edge browsers are recommended.)

• Login to EAMS-A-Single Sign-On (CAC login).
• Click the CATALOG tab.
• Locate the Welcome to the Army Acquisition Workforce course in the list of Published courses, or enter the course name in the Search field, and click the search icon.
• Select the Register & Launch button, which will take you directly where you can launch the Learning Assignment(s) required for the course.

There is a downloadable resources guide included with the course. You are highly encouraged to download and save a copy of this resources guide for your records. Once you have closed the course topic, your completion will show up on your ATIS LEARNING MY CERTIFICATES page. Click the certificate File icon to view and download the course certificate of completion.