Competition

THE PENTAGON, DC, UNITED STATES

11.02.2016

Courtesy Story

U.S. Army Career Program 26

**By: Ms. Beryl Hancock, Chief, Manpower Policy, Plans and Program and Chief of the CP26 Proponency Office**

The Random House dictionary defines competition as a “contest for some prize, honor or advantage.” Competitiveness is the drive to achieve. Athletes compete for titles. Politicians compete for votes and elected offices. As manpower and force management professionals, we compete for positions and advancement. We can also compete for career enhancing opportunities such as training, educational programs or development assignments. In our rapidly changing workforce, we know we need to improve our skills and knowledge to gain that competitive edge, but we do not really know what gives us that edge. As the CP26 proponent, I am often asked: What is it that makes someone competitive when it comes to securing new positions or professional development opportunities?

As I see it, there are three dimensions that define competition in our chosen discipline – education, training and job experience. Together these three highlight our accomplishments and reveal our willingness to seek challenges.

We generally start a career with some level of education, be it a high school diploma, a college degree or something in between. Educational credentials open doors by showing a commitment to achieve recognized levels of knowledge.

To learn our manpower and force management discipline and enhance our skills, we pursue specific training courses such as the Manpower and Force Management Course, PPBES or Combat Doctrine Training. Training venues such as these cover the technical aspects of our work and prepare us to step up to new challenges. We also attend technology-based courses to equip ourselves with the computer and systems skills required for our work.

In performing our jobs, we learn by doing and acquire the valuable expertise that only comes through on-the-job experiences. We broaden our perspectives and expand our expertise when we take on different positions and/or responsibilities in functions or organizations.

Our Army, as a complex and geographically dispersed organization, offers us a tremendous advantage for enhancing our manpower and force management expertise through promotions, lateral assignments and mobility. We can change jobs, functions, career fields and locations to suit our interests or career needs.

Keeping a good balance between the three dimensions is important. Too much education and we may be perceived as “professional students.” Too little education or training and we can be seen as unwilling to step up to new challenges. The same goes for job experience. Too long in one job can make us appear narrow in focus and too little time in positions may give the impression that we are “shopping around.”

No single dimensions stands alone when it comes to competing for a new job or professional development. All three dimensions – education, training and job experience – are important elements. Together they demonstrate our competence and commitment and indicate our potential. Ultimately it is that competence and commitment that makes us stronger competitors for career advancement or professional development opportunities.

• Date Taken: 11.02.2016
• Date Posted: 11.02.2016 10:19
• Story ID: 213596
• Location: THE PENTAGON, DC, US
• Hometown: MANASSAS, VA, US