Program offers civilians follow-on education opportunities

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates
  • 60th AMW Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In an effort to identify high-potential civilian employees, the Air Force Personnel Center recently announced the annual call for the Civilian Developmental Education program. 

The goal of this program is to identify promising employees, select them for training that best suits their career goals and the needs of the Air Force, and then place those employees in follow-on assignments, which allow them to put their training to use. 

“While all eligible employees are encouraged to apply, commanders and managers should encourage and recommend quality civilians from their organizations,” said Mr. Edwin Rodriguez, Travis’ formal training manager. 

Those eligible to apply for CDE must be in grade GS-12 through GS-15 and possess a bachelor’s degree. Within Air Mobility Command, all packages must be received by Headquarters, AMC by April 14. 

Once all eligible applications have been received, a selection board will convene in August to determine which Air Force civilian employees will participate in the CDE program. In total, 64 primary candidates and 34 alternates will be selected for the CDE programs offered. 

Civilians are nominated for CDE by their local leadership and endorsed by their chain of command. 

“The Air Force is committed to investing in the development of our future managers and executives,” Mr. Rodriguez said. “Commanders’ and supervisors’ personal involvement in nominating strong performers with exceptional potential is essential to meet the long-term leadership needs of the Air Force.” 

CDE encompasses both intermediate and senior developmental education and offers a wide variety of opportunities for civilians to develop leadership and management competencies. Applicants can select from several programs, including the Air Command and Staff College, the Air War College, AFIT programs, experiential programs and even a master’s degree in the applicant’s school of choice and subject matter. 

A complete list of programs, schools and number of quotas may be found on the CDE homepage at http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/main_content.asp?prods3=193&prods2= 26&prods1=1. 

Nominating procedures, program guidance and tools to assist managers in identifying potential candidates may also be found on the CDE homepage. 

For additional information and guidance, contact Mr. Rodriguez at 424-4096 or via e-mail at Edwin.Rodriguez-02@travis.af.mil.