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SUBJ/TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR NAVY CIVILIAN
PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATION PROFESSIONALS//
POC/CHINFO POLICY, REQUIREMENTS, AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORATE/
LOC:WASHINGTON DC/
COMM: 703-571-6408/EMAIL: chinfo-oi_08@us.navy.mil//
RMKS/1. The purpose of this message is to provide Navy civilian
communicators, as well as their leaders at the local command level, a curated
list of training and professional development opportunities valued. These
opportunities are designed to cultivate versatile and proficient employees
who are equipped to lead effective communication across all echelons of
command throughout their careers. This list is not exhaustive; leaders are
encouraged to explore all available options when approving training for their
communication teams.
2. To stay competitive with the civilian sector and remain an employer of
choice, there is a pressing need to attract new talent. For modern job
seekers, one of the most valued benefits of employment is the opportunity for
professional growth, both through practical experience and formal
education. Our workforce will remain the most respected communicators in the
world when they are armed with the latest communication and leadership
training and education.
3. While it is incumbent on leaders to recognize the importance and value of
training, it is even more important for Navy civilian employees to consider
their career goals and where there are gaps in their knowledge. They must
work with their supervisors to build effective individual development plans
to achieve specific professional development goals. Many commands will
require this as a condition for subsidizing training.
4. The following training and professional development opportunities,
compiled by the Navy Office of Information (CHINFO), merit strong
consideration for the career development of Navy civilian public affairs
professionals. They are provided as a means to build a cadre of talented
civilian communicators who tell truth with a purpose, combat foreign malign
influence, and compete and win in the contested 21st Century information
environment.
5. Communication Training and Education
a. Department of Defense Public Affairs Training
(1) Seats at the Defense Information School are limited. Those
interested in attending any of the courses taught at DINFOS can reach out to
CHINFO's Resource and Administration Management Directorate (OI-1) for more
information. Be sure to look at the DINFOS course catalog
(https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/) or check out
the links below for prerequisites for each course.
(2) Public Affairs Communication Strategy - Qualification Course (GS-
07 and above; GS-1035, 1082, 1083, 1087, 0301). Provides entry-level public
affairs training to perform the basic duties of Department of Defense
military public affairs practitioners.
https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_PACS-Q/
(3) Public Affairs Communication Strategy - Qualification Course -
Distributed Learning (Non-Resident Portion) (GS-07 and above; GS-1035, 1082,
1083, 1087, 0301). Provides entry-level public affairs training to perform
the basic duties of Department of Defense military public affairs
practitioners.
https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_PACS-Q_DL/
(4) Public Affairs Communication Strategy - Qualification Course -
Distributed Learning (Resident Portion) (GS-07 and above; GS-1035, 1082,
1083, 1087, 0301). Students are required to complete the nonresident segment
(PACS-Q-ADL-NR) before enrolling in the capstone resident segment (PACS-Q-ADL
-R). Students must enroll in the PACS-Q-ADL-R within 2 years of completing
the PACS-Q-ADL-NR phase.
https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_PACS-Q_DL/
(5) Joint Contingency Public Affairs Course (GS-07 through GS-11
1035; min of 3 yrs PA exp). Provides training to transition rapidly into the
unique duties and responsibilities of delivering effective public affairs in
an expeditionary environment.
https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_JCPAC_PACS/
(6) Joint Intermediate Public Affairs Course (GS-11 through GS-15
1035; a min of 5 yrs PA exp). Provides intermediate education and training
to prepare public affairs practitioners to perform effectively across the
spectrum of PA operations.
https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_JIPAC/
(7) Graphic Design (Interagency GS-05 and above). Provides students
the skills required to perform and fulfill the duties and responsibilities of
the graphics/multimedia career field.
https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_MCF_GD/
(8) Writing (Interagency GS-05 and above). Provides entry-level
specialty training required to perform and fulfill the duties and
responsibilities of the accession-level writer.
https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-
Catalog/DINFOS_MCF_Writing/
(9) Visual Documentation (Interagency GS-05 and above). Provides
entry-level specialty training required to perform and fulfill the duties and
responsibilities at the accession-level visual documentation specialist.
https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_MCF_VD/
(10) Intermediate Motion Media Course (GS-07 through GS-11).
Provides knowledge and skills necessary to plan, execute, and produce
intermediate-level motion media in support of military public affairs, video
production, and documentation missions.
https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_IMMC/
(11) Digital Multi-Media Course (GS-07 through GS-11). Provides
intermediate training in the principles, techniques and skills required to
produce digital multimedia products.
https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_DMC/
(12) Intermediate Photojournalism Course (GS-07 through GS-11, 10XX
Series). Trains communicators who are ready to apply intermediate
photojournalism and communication techniques to support public affairs and
visual information objectives
https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_IPC/
(13) Intermediate Public Affairs Specialist Course (GS-07 through GS-
11; assigned to a public affairs billet in series 1035, 1082, 1084; approved
by CHINFO). Provides knowledge and skills needed to perform duties as an
intermediate public affairs specialist in a local command environment.
https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_IPASC/
(14) Visual Information Management Course (GS-07 and above GS-1035,
1082, 1083, 1087, 0301). Provides in-depth training in the duties required
to implement and manage an organizational visual information (VI) program.
https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_VIM/
(15) DINFOS has partnered with the University of West Virginia's
College of Creative Arts and Media enabling DINFOS alumni to transfer select
credits earned in military training into WVU's Bachelor of Science in
Integrated Marketing Communications program. A similar opportunity exists for
those seeking a Master's Degree. Both programs offer online courses, credit
for military experience and prior learning, flexible time commitments and
significantly reduced tuition. Find out more by reaching out to CHINFO OI-1.
b. Civilian Institution Academic Opportunities.
(1) There are a number of civilian universities that offer online
graduate programs which may be more attractive to civilian communicators as
they afford the learner a cost-wise opportunity to balance education with
work.
(2) Most universities also offer Graduate Certificate Programs. More
narrowly-focused than the course of study for a master's degree, earning a
graduate certificate enables learners to focus more tightly on the academic
discipline in which they are interested or to refresh skills more relevant to
modern communication. Requiring only three to six graduate-level courses,
they can be completed much sooner than a master's, and they can frequently be
completed online or via distance learning. If you later decide you would
like to complete the requirements for a master's degree, you may be able to
apply your certificate coursework toward a graduate degree. Another
consideration is the opportunity to gain academic understanding and knowledge
in a field related to military public affairs such as leadership,
international relations, etc. Since the cost is so much lower than a full
master's degree this may also be a more manageable option for your command's
budget.
c. Credentialing and Certification
(1) The Department of Defense Civilian COOL (Credentialing
Opportunities On-Line) program is a centralized resource designed to assist
civilian employees in identifying relevant certification and licensure
opportunities aligned with their roles. Rather than duplicating
https://www.cool.osd.mil/, this message reaffirms the U.S. Navy's endorsement
of the communication related credentials and licenses listed under the
General Arts and Information Series at this link:
https://www.cool.osd.mil/dciv/moc/index.html?moc=civ_1001&tab=overview
(2) The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002,
Public Law 107-107, Section 1112, Chapter 23 of Title 5, United States Code,
577, permits agencies to pay expenses for employees to obtain and renew
professional credentials, including expenses for professional accreditation,
State-imposed and professional licenses, and professional certifications, and
examinations to obtain such credentials.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-107publ107/pdf/PLAW-107publ107.pdf
(3) DOD's implementing policy provides components discretion in
paying for professional credentials and related expenses and creates a
recruitment and retention incentive. See the Office of the Assistant
Secretary of Defense Memorandum dated June 17, 2002 for more information:
https://www.cool.osd.mil/dciv/costs_and_funding/index.html?LocalOrganizationF
unding
d. Professional Development Opportunities
(1) A number of public relations and public affairs associations
offer training and certifications that are valued by the Navy public affairs
community because they give students insight into how the civilian public
relations community operates. There are also many opportunities for training
and education in specialized categories of communication. Radiological
emergency management is a good example and would be valued in regions with
nuclear-powered ships, or the shipyards where such ships are built and
maintained, as contingency response plans frequently require assistance from
organizations across those waterfronts. Diversifying the education and
skills of our people strengthens the entire community.
6. Military/National Security/Policy Education
a. Naval War College Programs
(1) NWC 10-Month Resident Program. Every academic year, selected
departments and agencies are invited to nominate civilian applicants in the
grades of GS-14/15 or equivalent for admission to the College of Naval
Warfare and civilian applicants in the grade of GS-13 or equivalent for
admission to the College of Naval Command and Staff. Admission for civilian
students nominated by their parent agency to the resident program requires a
formal application package be submitted to the Naval War College.
https://usnwc.edu/Faculty-and-Departments/Administrative-
Departments/Registrar
(2) NWC Seminar Style Classes. The Fleet Seminar Program delivers
courses to students at multiple naval bases and stations around the
country. These classes include research, writing, and class discussion;
meeting one evening per week for three hours, 34 times per year.
https://usnwc.edu/college-of-distance-education/Fleet-Seminar-Program
(3) NWC Online Classes. The Online Program allows students to take
courses on a computer or mobile device from anywhere. Students will
interface with the professor and each other using online discussion boards,
group projects, individual essays, and other assignments.
https://usnwc.edu/college-of-distance-education/Online-Program
(4) NWC Online Professional Military Education. U.S. Naval War
College (NWC) offers four professional military education (PME) courses
delivered via the My Navy Portal (MNP) for officers, enlisted and Department
of Navy civilians. These courses are designed to provide learners with a
24/7 worldwide PME experience at milestones in their careers.
https://usnwc.edu/Student-Information/Online-Professional-Military-Education
(5) Maritime Headquarters Staff Course (MHSC) (a basic, three week
distance learning course). The MHSC is a three week, online synchronous/
asynchronous course that exposes personnel that participate in Maritime
Operations to the maritime operational level of war (OLW), maritime
headquarters and maritime operations center (MHQ/MOC) concepts,
organizational structure, processes, and procedures.
https://usnwc.edu/college-of-maritime-operational-warfare/Core-
Curriculum/Maritime-Headquarters-Staff-Course
(6) Maritime Staff Operators Course (MSOC) (a more detailed in-
residence, 5-week course). The MSOC provides resident education in the
application of the Maritime Operations Center (MOC) concept, organization and
processes; maritime operational level of warfare concepts, terminology and
processes; and the Navy Planning Process (NPP) in order to produce graduates
capable of immediately supporting the commander's decision cycle at the
operational level of warfare in a dynamic and complex environment.
https://usnwc.edu/college-of-maritime-operational-warfare/Core-
Curriculum/Maritime-Staff-Operators-Course
(7) Executive Level Operational Level of Warfare Course (ELOC) (a
one-week in residence course offered for active and activated reserve
personnel at the O-6 level). The ELOC is part of a series of Professional
Military Education courses that focuses at the senior leadership level. This
course will ensure the attendees are properly educated in and understand the
intricacies of effectively participating in the decision-making process and
managing a Maritime Operations Center (MOC) and its resources.
https://usnwc.edu/college-of-maritime-operational-warfare/Core-
Curriculum/Executive-Level-OLW-Course
b. Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
(1) NPS Resident and Distance Learning Programs. A civilian who is
an employee of, or sponsored by, an agency of the United States Federal
Government may be admitted for study upon sponsorship of the agency and
academic eligibility. Find out more about admissions requirements here:
https://nps.edu/web/admissions.
c. National Defense University/National War College
(1) Homeland Defense Fellowship Program. The HDF program is a
comprehensive adult learning environment designed for students to understand
national security more broadly, work across international and interagency
boundaries, and think critically about strategic homeland defense and
security issues.
https://cisa.ndu.edu/Academics/Certificate-Programs/
d. Legislative and Other Programs
(1) Navy Capitol Hill Workshop (The Government Affairs Institute at
Georgetown University). The Department of the Navy-sponsored Navy Capitol
Hill Workshop provides employees GS-11 and above a first-hand understanding
not only of congressional process and procedure, but also the "culture" that
is the United States Congress. Over the four days, participants will hear
from – and be afforded the opportunity to ask questions of - Members of
Congress, congressional staff, academic observers, interest group
representatives, news media representatives, and executive branch officials,
including Navy Office of Legislative Affairs staff. Each four-day workshop
is conducted entirely on Capitol Hill.
https://gai.georgetown.edu/?p=451
(2) The Navy Legislative Fellows program provides an opportunity for
senior civilian employees to broaden their experience and knowledge in the
operations and organization of Congress while enhancing the Navy's ability to
fulfill its role in the national policy development process. The fellowship
consists of a year-long full-time assignment to the office of a U.S.
Congressional member, either in the Senate or the House of Representatives,
who serves on a defense-related committee. The Fellow serves as a member of
the staff and is assigned duties and tasks based on the needs of the office.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, drafting legislation;
preparing the Member for hearings, meetings, and briefings; advising the
Member on Defense, Navy, and/or National Security issues; answering
constituent inquiries; coordinating with Professional Staff Members of the
various defense committees and subcommittees; and traveling to the district
or state. https://www.navy.mil/Navy-Office-of-Legislative-Affairs/
(3) Defense Acquisition University offers formal courses, in-person
and online, events and workshops, job support tools, consulting and
more. Intended primarily for the Defense Acquisition workforce, DAU training
has proven beneficial to civilian PA leaders responsible for managing budgets
and acquisition of communication tools and services. Additionally, their
radiological training can be helpful for communicators involved in
radiological contracting and emergency response. https://www.dau.edu/
(4) The Navy Civilian Acculturation Program (NCAP) mobile application
is an on
-demand training, education, and orientation tool for new Navy civilian
employees. It provides general information about the Navy's organizational
structure, operations, uniformed and civilian personnel, history, and
heritage. Users will also find useful information such as the NCAP Handbook,
definitions of Navy lingo and abbreviations, protocols, and rank recognition
training. https://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/NCAP%20App%20Flyer.pdf
7. Leadership Education
a. NPS Leadership Programs
(1) Navy Senior Leader Seminar (NSLS). The NSLS provides senior Navy
officers, civilians and command master chiefs with an intensive five-day
executive education program that focuses on learning best leadership
practices in strategic thinking, goal setting, effects-based thinking, risk
management, financial management, innovative thinking, strategic
communication, and organizational change. https://nps.edu/web/cee/nsls
b. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Leadership Programs
(1) OPM Leadership Education and Development (LEAD). Complete the
OPM LEAD certificate program at each level (Aspiring Leader, Team Lead,
Supervisor, and Manager) of professional development.
https://www.opm.gov/services-for-agencies/center-for-leadership-
development/leadership-development-courses/#url=Leadership-Certificate
(2) Extraordinary Leadership. This OPM course is designed for U.S.
government agency civilian supervisors and managers and focuses on various
leadership styles, interpersonal skills and how to develop Individual
Development Plans to address areas for growth. The course uses a combination
of lectures, small group discussions and individualized coaching. https
://leadership.opm.gov/programs.aspx?course=133
(3) Build Personal Resilience. This OPM course is designed for U.S.
government agency civilians at all levels and uses a personalized, practical,
skills-based approach to enhance the awareness and development of personal
resilience skills. https://leadership.opm.gov/programs.aspx?course=323
(4) Conflict Management Skills. This OPM course is designed for
U.S. government agency civilian supervisors and management and provides
opportunities to practice conflict resolution to boost morale, increase
effectiveness and improve results within your organization using instructor-
led discussions, small group activities and role-playing.
https://leadership.opm.gov/programs.aspx?course=44
(5) Decision Making and Problem Solving. This OPM course is designed
for U.S. government agency civilians at all levels and examines the critical
thinking skills required to recognize problems, analyze relevant information,
synthesize information and make the best decision for your organization and
stake holders. https://leadership.opm.gov/programs.aspx?course=350
(6) Crisis Leadership. This OPM course is designed for U.S.
government agency civilians who are involved in crisis pre-incident planning,
response, recovery or mitigation efforts. Through case studies, interactive
exercises and simulated crises, participants will learn strategic approaches
for managing risk and analyzing information, creating and leading a crisis
team, and developing decision-making skills to meet the demands of a crisis
situation. https://leadership.opm.gov/programs.aspx?course=43
(7) Federal Executive Institute. The Federal Executive Institute
(FEI) develops visionary leaders to improve the performance of government
agencies. https://leadership.opm.gov/programs.aspx?course=5
(8) Federal Internal Coach Training Program (FICTP). Federal
internal coaches will provide coaching to Federal employees and foster a
coaching culture by encouraging candid and respectful conversations between
managers and employees, encouraging self-reflection and promoting creativity
in problem solving and performance improvement. For those interested in
learning how to coach, OPM has additional information here:
https://www.opm.gov/wiki/training/coaching-in-government/print.aspx
and offers coaching training classes through its Leadership Development and
Training website: https://leadership.opm.gov/index.aspx
c. Miscellaneous Leadership Programs
(1) Defense Civilian Emerging Leader Program (DCELP). Recruits and
develops the next generation of innovative leaders with the technical
competence to meet the future needs of the Department.
https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/learning/civilianleaderdevelopment/defenseciviliane
merging
(2) Defense Senior Leader Development Program (DSLDP). Competency-
based approach to the deliberate development of senior civilian leaders with
the enterprise-wide perspective needed to lead organizations and programs.
https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/learning/civilianleaderdevelopment/defenseseniorlea
der
(3) Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP). Provides
participants extensive exposure to the roles and mission of DoD and
appreciation of what war fighters refer to as being "at the tip of the
spear." https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/learning/civilianleaderdevelopmentbroadeni
ngother/executiveleadership
(4) Presidential Management Council Interagency Rotation Program (PMC
IRP). This is an interagency broadening opportunity for eligible high-
caliber employees to develop two or three primary Executive Core
Qualifications. Pending OPM decision on information regarding whether Cohort
20 will be virtual or a blend of virtual and in-person.
https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/Flearning/broadening/managementcouncilinteragencyro
tation
(5) White House Leadership Development Program (WHLDP). The program
aims to strengthen enterprise leadership across the government to address
challenges facing the civil service.
https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/learningprofessionaldevelopment/civilianleaderdevel
opment/whitehouseleadership
(6) Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program. The PMF Program
is an opportunity for advanced degree holders across all academic disciplines
and from all segments of society. To become a PMF, you must participate in a
rigorous application and assessment process.
https://www.pmf.gov/the-opportunity/pmf-as-a-pathway/
(7) Excellence in Government (EIG) Fellows Program. The EIG program
is a Department of the Navy-sanctioned leadership development course for
federal employees at the GS-14 to GS-15 levels. For more than 30 years, EIG
has helped federal employees develop strong leadership skills through
application-based learning, highly interactive activities, authentic self-
reflection, personalized coaching, and government-wide networking. Graduates
go on to plan, design and implement innovative solutions to address the
federal government's biggest challenges and improve their agencies'
effectiveness.
https://ourpublicservice.org/course/excellence-in-government-fellows-program/
(8) The 21st Century Government Innovation Program. Another a
Department of the Navy-sanctioned opportunity, the 21st Century Government
Innovation Program is designed to meet the evolving needs of federal agency
leaders by providing them with new tools for effective government; empowering
them to make effective, data-driven decisions; and developing new
relationships with other government leaders who share a passion for making
government work better.
https://ourpublicservice.org/course/gov21-the-21st-century-government-
innovation-program/
(9) Foundations in Public Service Leadership Program. The
Foundations in Public Service Leadership Program, also sanctioned by the
Department of the Navy, will enable you to develop the skills to effectively
influence others, lead teams and drive change within your agency. In this
course, you will learn how to enhance your own leadership style, improve your
communication skills, and understand how to successfully lead others to
achieve outcomes and goals. By the end of the program, you will be able to
adapt your leadership style to meet the needs of your projects and have a
positive impact on the way your team, agency and customers serve the
public. https://ourpublicservice.org/course/foundations-in-public-service-
leadership-program/
(10) Preparing to Lead. The Preparing to Lead program, sanctioned by
the Department of the Navy, is a professional development opportunity for
federal employees who are interested in pursuing a career in leadership at
their agencies. Participants practice strategies to help them become more
effective employees and develop critical leadership skills they will be able
to use throughout their careers.
https://ourpublicservice.org/course/preparing-to-lead/
(11) Dwight D. Eisenhower School (ES). Prepares military and
civilians for strategic leadership and success in developing our national
security strategy. https://es.ndu.edu/About/Mission/
8. Finally, a couple of notes for civilian PA professionals and their
leaders.
a. The new personnel management system Waypoints which has already been
deployed across the systems commands has a number of professional development
tools including the use of some LinkedIn Learning training. The system also
features a competency assessment which feeds into the development of
individual development plans, which are used to guide decisions about command
support for training requests from employees.
b. Also, in addition to the above training opportunities, DOD sponsors a
number of free photo/video workshops/shoot-offs that are open to
civilians. These represent amazing opportunities to work with and learn from
colleagues, many of whom possess world class skills in the visual arts, a key
component of modern story telling.
c. Leaders are encouraged to work with their human resources teams to
identify backfill options such as reserve support or term hires, to fill a
gap for someone on extended TAD orders for training.
d. Lastly, leaders should consider ensuring specific training
requirements are listed in individual position descriptions. This can help
make the case for the requirement for training in austere times.
9. Team First.
10. Released by RDML R. M. Perry, Chief of Information.//
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