Acquisition training treks to Southwest Asia

Courtesy Photo | Intermediate Systems Acquisition course student David McDougal, assists Chris Fry, a Defense Acquisition University professor of Systems Acquisition Management, during a classroom discussion, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Sept. 15, 2008.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

09.20.2008

Courtesy Story

20th Public Affairs Detachment

By Jim Hinnant
401st Army Field Support Brigade

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Nearly 18 years ago, the U.S. Congress enacted the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act, a work of landmark legislation intended to improve the effectiveness of the people who manage and implement defense acquisition programs through education, training and work experience.

For the first time in Southwest Asia, 18 Soldiers, Army civilians and contractors completed the classroom portion of the Intermediate Systems Acquisition Course, Acquisition 201B, one of the most difficult professional certification requirements to obtain in the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics field.

"There are waiting lists in the states for this course," said Donald Hafner, training manager, 401st Army Field Support Brigade. "For these folks to be able to complete the 201B course here is a real plus."

"The complexity of the logistics business makes certification more important than ever," said Hafner. "It's more than just moving parts or supplies; it involves facilities, budgets, acquisition and more. Today's logisticians have to be knowledgeable in many areas."

Students traveled from Afghanistan and Qatar for the training.

"Certification really means something," said Jeff Patten, a professor of Systems Acquisition Management at the Defense Acquisition University's South Region Campus, located in Huntsville, Ala. "We have a professional logistics workforce."

According to Patten, one of the real benefits of the professionalization of the AT&L workforce is the ability to more efficiently get critical technology into the hands of the war-fighter.

"The [Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle] program is a great example," said Patten. "Two years ago, we didn't have them, and we have rolled them out quickly in a combat environment."

Patten says training like the Intermediate Systems Acquisition Course has been instrumental in the MRAP and other recent acquisition successes.

"This course is key. We teach students to work in an integrated product team and solve complicated acquisition problems," Patten added.

One student, who completed the course, says he came to the session looking to develop his logistics skills and prepare for career advancement, but found much more.

"I found the most beneficial part of the course was learning how a defense acquisition strategy plays out, from a need being identified and turned into a concept, to a finished product in the hands of the Soldier in the field," said Lewis Courtney, Department of the Army civilian, 401st AFSB. "The course opened my eyes to other areas in the acquisition, logistics and technology field."

Courtney said the course exceeded his expectations.

"The instructors from DAU were great," said Courtney. "Time flew by, and I was never bored."
"The greatest payoff from the training may be the focus it brings to that 'other thing' we do as logisticians," said Robert Williams, chief of staff and deputy to the brigade commander, 401st AFSB.

"Acquisition is, as are logistics and technology, one of our core competencies," said Williams. "This is one of the toughest courses to get, and bringing it here gets our folks closer to certification while helping us focus on the 'A' of A, L and T."

• Date Taken: 09.20.2008
• Date Posted: 10.07.2008 04:23
• Story ID: 24602
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW