Watts brings energy to USACAPOC (A)

FAYETTEVILLE, NC, UNITED STATES

02.11.2011

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Andy Yoshimura 

U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – This was not your typical graduation for Ebony Watts as she completed the Manpower and Force Management DA Intern Program. Watts did not don the traditional cap and gown as she did when she graduated from Virginia State University nor did she walk the stage along with hundreds of other graduates.

On Jan. 31, 2011, Watts is the first and only graduate from the United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) from this program.

Organized in 1973, the Manpower and Force Management Civilian Career Intern Program, called by its program code, (CP 26) provides a structure for the intake, assignment, promotion, career development, career management, and professional enhancement of Army civilians in grades GS-5 through GS-15 supporting manpower management and force development.

For Watts, the Program allowed her an opportunity to come into a position at a GS-7 level during her internship then eventually getting promoted to a GS-11 level position upon her completion of the two- year program. Watts also has an opportunity for a promotion to GS-12 after an additional year in her new position, should the section deem it warranted.

“This program is worthwhile during my two-year internship,” said Watts. “I was trained to do the work or job I will do when my internship is complete. I have received irreplaceable training, experience and knowledge.”

“The CP26 field of study is one of the best programs I have ever worked in or with,” said Mattie K. Palmer, Senior Management Analyst of USACAPOC (A). “The DA Intern Program not only affords the student the ability to go to school with no worries of finances since the program is paid by the Army, but the student is able to learn in a military environment by military instructors about ‘How the Army Runs’ and the student knows what the Army expects when they graduate.”

This Department of the Army Intern Program affords many students the opportunity to come directly out of college and begin in a Management career field. Students are immediately taught what it takes to become a Management Analyst through resident courses, on-line instruction and on-the-job training which affords a mentor or Team Leader to assist with their training and course scheduling.

This program also allows for rapid promotion, whereas someone else applying for the same job or position would have remained at the same grade or position they originally applied for. This program further prepares an employee for managerial positions much sooner than someone who has not gone through the same process.

“This program has made it easier for me in reference to my current position because it ties everything together,” said Watts. “Things start to come together in one big picture, how the government works and how things flow together, like one big lifecycle."

Those who are interested in the Manpower & Force Management Career Program 26 should refer to the CP26 website at http://www.cp26.army.mil. Information pertaining to this program and requests for future funding and/or submission of DA Intern applications can be found at this website.

• Date Taken: 02.11.2011
• Date Posted: 02.11.2011 15:21
• Story ID: 65268
• Location: FAYETTEVILLE, NC, US