2014 United States Army Handbook Civilian Project / Product Manager - Army Acquisition Workforce, Career Development, Army Acquisition Corps (AAC), Training Opportunities

Professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction, this Career Management Handbook is intended to provide you with a set of tools and critical information to assist your goal of becoming a PM/PD. This handbook begins with outlining important basic career development information intended to get you started on the right path from day one of your acquisition career, and guides you through the application and selection process. It then outlines various post-selection activities such as required training and preparation for your new assignment, and follows up with post-utilization options.

Is your goal to hold a senior leader position in the Army Acquisition Workforce — a position that allows you to directly affect the Army Acquisition Corps mission? If the answer is "yes," set your sights on an assignment as a Centralized Selection List (CSL) Product/Project Manager (PM) or Product Director (PD). Individuals selected for a PM/PD position are recognized as being members of an elite professional group instrumental in our mission to develop the critical systems and services that enable our Army to succeed in any mission. Competition for these positions is keen, and only the best qualified candidates are selected. PM/PD positions are among the most challenging in the acquisition workforce and, without a doubt, require hard work and personal sacrifices on the part of those who occupy them. However, former PMs testify that the sacrifices are mitigated by the challenging work, the feeling of accomplishment and the career-enhancing opportunities. A successful tour as a PM/PD "brands" you as a proven leader ready for additional senior acquisition leadership positions.