by Cheryl Marino
FORT BELVOIR, Va. (Jan. 9, 2024) — the Army Acquisition Workforce (AAW) is a highly skilled and capable group of professionals, and keeping it that way depends on accessing the right talent, forecasting future needs, identifying necessary training and certifications, and creating the policies and regulations necessary to administer programs. According to Army AL&T editor-in-chief Nelson McCouch III, “it takes an incredibly talented team of Army Acquisition Workforce members, in conjunction with their industry partners, to create modern-day systems and platforms.”
In the Winter 2024 issue, Army AL&T examines some of the vital functions that the AAW performs, and the skills and professionalism needed to take a requirement from idea to reality. Read how:
- Updated return-to-work guidance is issued but, for Army agencies, embracing new norms is not one-size-fits-all in A NEW NORMAL.
- Find out how things are going two years after the implementation of Back-to-Basics in NAVIGATING ELECTIVE LEARNING.
- A DOD summer internship offers students hands-on experience to start federal civilian careers upon graduation. Learn more in BUILDING THE BENCH OF ACQUISITION TALENT.
- The Army, with George Mason University, is researching new methods to predict future workforce trends and requirements. Don’t miss the WORKFORCE FORECAST.
- DOD’s Public-Private Talent Experience participants spend up to six months with an industry partner. Read more in INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE.
- The Army is rethinking what’s possible to build the workforce of tomorrow in A FORCE IN FLUX.
- Project Manager Close Combat Systems maximizes employee participation to improve the organization. Read how in EMPOWERED WORKFORCE.
As always, Army AL&T relies on contributions from you, members of the AAW and our stakeholders. For more information on how to publish an article in Army AL&T magazine, go to https://asc.army.mil/web/publications/army-alt-submissions/ to see our writers’ guidelines, upcoming deadlines and themes.
Army AL&T Winter 2024 Issue
FROM THE AAE
The Army acquisition community is making good progress in developing digital skills and knowledge for artificial intelligence and machine learning efforts, which will ensure the Army will be equipped with the advanced digital technology it will need to fight and win on the battlefield of the future.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, most federal employees were sent home to work. Three years later updated return-to-work guidance is issued but, for Army agencies, embracing new norms is not one-size-fits-all.
Two years after its implementation, Back-to-Basics puts the onus on individuals, supervisors and commands to determine which additional training is needed for each specific person.
BUILDING THE BENCH OF ACQUISITION TALENT
A DOD summer internship program offers college students hands-on experience and a leg up to start their federal civilian career upon graduation.
FACES OF THE FORCE: SARA CRAIG
Operating outside your comfort zone.
The Army is partnering with George Mason University to research new machine learning methods to forecast future workforce trends and requirements.
Through the DOD’s Public-Private Talent Experience, a developmental program for civilian acquisition workforce professionals, participants spend up to six months with an industry partner.
The Army is rethinking what’s possible to build the workforce of tomorrow and create a workplace that is “a magnet, not a mandate.”
Project Manager Close Combat Systems is taking initiatives to develop employee soft skills, empowering their workforce to excel in their careers and improve the organization.
FACES OF THE FORCE: MARCOS SANCHEZ
It grows as it goes.
FEATURE ARTICLES
The Army’s new chief information officer discusses his vision for the OCIO and getting the right data to Soldiers.
The mess versus the mesh.
FACES OF THE FORCE: KEVIN VANYO
A broad sampling.
Technology development agreements drive chemical-biological defense efforts.
A new non-profit robotics team hopes to build a network that would aid reach of Picatinny Arsenal’s STEM office.
FACES OF THE FORCE: CHAD J. MARSHALL
A calmer career approach.
New project management offices at Program Executive Office – Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors better support cyber capabilities.
COMMENTARY
Creating cultures that embrace the changing nature of work.
WORKFORCE
FROM THE DACM: BUILDING AN ACQUISITION LEADER PIPELINE
The Army must give its workforce the necessary experience to meet the demands of the future.
FACES OF THE FORCE: TINESHA NICHOLAS
Develop a career roadmap.
CAREER NAVIGATOR: REELING IN NEW FISH
Updated hiring practices will draw in a diverse civilian workforce.
Army civilian pursues a change in career path.
For more ways to read Army AL&T, go to https://asc.army.mil/web/army-alt/. Stay in touch with USAASC for the latest in AL&T news and information!
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