Crane Army Civilians: A Part of Something Bigger

Photo By Thomas Peske | Crane Army Ammunition Activity Commander Col. Michael Garlington administers the Army Civilian Oath to rail workers as Naval Facilities Engineering Command Crane’s rail operations transfer over to the U.S. Army. As new Army Civilians, the rail workers support the Army by transporting conventional munitions safely and efficiently (U.S. Army photo by Thomas Peske).  

CRANE, IN, UNITED STATES

10.17.2018

Story by Thomas Peske 

Crane Army Ammunition Activity

What does it mean to be an Army Civilian? Most Crane Army employees already know that it is something greater than any 9-5 job in the region. After all, how many regular jobs begin with the employee taking the same oath as Army officers who solemnly swear they will support and defend the Constitution? And like their unformed counterparts, Army Civilians are expected to uphold the Army Ethic on and off duty. They understand their efforts, whether directly or indirectly, on the product Crane Army produces and ships is essential to the readiness of every man and woman in uniform. It is not always clear to CAAA employees how they fit into the bigger Army nor that they are part of a true profession.

Far removed from battlefields and training areas, it can be easy to lose sight of how Crane Army fits into the larger structure of the U.S. Army. Many employees know that the Army is comprised of three components – the Army National Guard, the Army Reserve and the regular Army. However, many Crane employees are not aware that the Army is made up of two communities of practice - the Profession of Arms (Soldiers) and the Army Civilian Corps. Each component and community of practice is essential to completing the Army’s mission of decisively winning on the battlefield and returning home safely.

The members of the Army profession, Soldiers and Army Civilians, create and strengthen the Army culture of trust as they live by and uphold the Army Ethic. As professionals, each member of the Army team fulfills its role differently, but is interdependent on each other for success.

Established June 19, 2006 (previously known as Department of Army Civilians), the Army Civilian Corps consists of experienced personnel committed to serving the nation. As the largest civilian group within DoD, Civilians have honorably served within the Army since its establishment by the Continental Congress.

Army Civilians are an integral part of the Army team, providing mission-essential capability, stability and continuity during war and peace. The Army Civilian brings different skill-sets, perspectives and backgrounds to the total Army for the important mission of national security. Serving in the Army Civilian Corps is more than just a job, it is a profession where individuals can develop critical technical and leadership skills.

Beyond the initial oath taken, Army professionals live by a set of characteristics that define how to serve the country. These characteristics include honorable service, military expertise, stewardship of the profession and esprit de corps. At the center of those characteristics is trust, the bedrock of the Army profession. Trust between leaders, peers and subordinates. Trust between Soldiers and Army Civilians. Trust between the Army and the American people.

Locally at Crane, the Army Civilian is vital to ensuring the munitions readiness of not just the Army, but the entire Department of Defense, will be met every day. It is understanding what is expected to get the job done and striving to improve upon it. It is seeing that there are paths to improve and grow both in technical skills and as a leader within the organization. Being an Army Civilian is serving as a professional the U.S. Army and the country every day.

Crane Army Ammunition Activity produces and provides conventional munitions requirements in support of U.S. Army and Joint Force readiness. It is one of 14 installations of the Joint Munitions Command and one of 23 organic industrial base installations under the U.S. Army Materiel Command, which include arsenals, depots, activities and ammunition plants.

• Date Taken: 10.17.2018
• Date Posted: 10.17.2018 15:23
• Story ID: 296793
• Location: CRANE, IN, US