The document discusses the Army's Structured Self-Development (SSD) program, which provides mandatory online training throughout a soldier's career to bridge operational and institutional learning domains. SSD consists of four levels that must be completed at various career points as a prerequisite for attending certain Noncommissioned Officer Education System courses. The SSD program aims to improve Army readiness by integrating self-development into a lifelong learning approach for soldiers. Statistics on enrollment and completion rates for different SSD levels in Fiscal Years 2011 and 2012 are also presented.

1. Institute for Noncommissioned Officer
Professional Development (INCOPD)
Structured Self-Development (SSD)
Providing direction and oversight of the
Noncommissioned Officer Education System
1
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

2. Agenda
• Overview
• Numbers
• Forcing Functions
• ACT Linkage
• SSD Level V
• Issues and Fixes
• Helpdesk
• Questions
• Backup Slides
2
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

3. Bridging the Gaps
T 1
IM D
SS
LC
W
• SSD is mandatory web-base training that continues throughout a Soldier’s career and is
closely linked to and synchronized with institutional and experiential learning.
• SSD will bridge the operational and institutional domains and set conditions for continuous
growth. When fully implemented, SSD will improve Army readiness by integrating self-
development into a lifelong learning approach.
• SSD Program links self-development needs to NCO professional development efforts by
ensuring that the self-development domain is well defined, meaningful, and
synchronized/integrated into the leader development process.
• SSD is asynchronous and exists in four levels. It is supported by a robust self-assessment
and feedback process, the increased use of advance technology like the Army Career
Tracker (ACT), a secure test environment, achievable requirements, and policies that set
the conditions for professional growth.
• SSD is a centrally managed set of specified content that must be completed within
specified career points as a prerequisite for attendance at Warrior Leaders Course (WLC),
Senior Leader Course (SLC), and Sergeants Major Course (SMC).
3
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

4. Concept for Self-Development
Self-Development Domain
Structured Self-Development Guided Self-Development Personal Self-Development
Defined/Required Content Defined but not required Self-initiated
Core Requirements Educational Other
• Mandated Tasks not in Development • GoArmyed Individual defines the
• GED • SOCAD objectives, pace and
NCOES • CLEP
• Army/NCO History • BSEP process
•Reading • DANTES/CLEP
• Joint Learning Areas • ACES
Improvement
• College Prep •Army Correspondence
Program
Growing Competence as a Warrior Leader Increased Breadth & Depth of Knowledge
Support The Life Long Learning Strategy by bridging the operational and institutional domains
and set conditions for continuous growth
Implementation Date Prerequisite Date
SSDI 1 OCT 10 1 OCT 12
SSDIII 19 MAY 11 1 JUN 13
SSDIV 19 MAY 11 1 JUN 13
SSDV FY 12
4
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

5. Basic NCO Career Timeline
NCO Leader Development
2015 Environment
A deliberate, continuous, sequential, and progressive process
AVERAGE YEARS OF SERVICE TO PIN ON LINKED,
SYNCHRONIZED
4.5 8 8 14 20 25 DOMAINS
SELF
DEVELOPMENT
OPERATIONAL
INSTITUTIONAL
ARFORGEN ARFORGEN ARFORGEN ARFORGEN ARFORGEN ARFORGEN
1:2 1:2 1:2 1:2 1:2 1:2
Balance of Education, Training, and Experiences
BASELINE
Education = PME: 12-18 months (MOS Specific)
Training = unit time prior to deployment : ~16 years
Experiences = Deployment: ~10 years
Broadening/Joint: ~5 years
5
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

6. STRUCTURED SELF-DEVELOPMENT
• Four Levels
• ALC -CC in lieu of SSD II
• Internet-based, Interactive Multimedia
Instruction, ALMS
• Vertically and horizontally aligned with NCOES
• Bridges operational and institutional domains
• 5 potential promotion points for each level
• Captured in EMILPO as of November 11, but
not reflected on the ERB
6
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

7. Course Offering, Design, and Tracking
• ATRRS managed self development course, hosted in the
Army Learning Management System (ALMS)
• Soldiers are automatically enrolled upon completion of
AIT/OSUT, ALC, SLC, SMC
• Modular structure of the course provides lessons,
modules, check on learning and exams
• Soldier can self-enroll into SSD courses commensurate
with their rank and NCOES completion
• Self paced course - current policy allows Soldiers three
years to complete each level of SSD
7
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

8. SSD by the Numbers
So
ldi
er
44 Acti
32 vity
3
SSD Level 1 FY 11
Total Enrolled 156413
Total Graduated 5969
Percent Graduated 3.8%
So So
ldi ldi
er er
A A
99 ctiv 60 ctiv
00 ity 23 ity
SSD Level 3 FY 11 SSD Level 4 FY 11
Total Enrolled 18100 Total Enrolled 12226
Total Graduated 1495 Total Graduated 1251
Percent Graduated 8.3% Percent Graduated
10.2%
As of 17 Nov 2011
8
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

9. SSD by the Numbers
So
ldi
er
A
99 ctiv
00 ity
SSD Level 1 FY 12
Total Enrolled 26201
Total Graduated 367
Percent Graduated 1.4%
So So
ldi ldi
er er
A A
23 ctiv 17 ctiv
32 ity 25 ity
SSD Level 3 FY 12 SSD Level 4 FY 12
Total Enrolled 5564 Total Enrolled 4830
Total Graduated 204 Total Graduated 256
Percent Graduated 3.7% Percent Graduated 5.3%
As of 1 Dec 2011
9
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

10. Forcing Function for “Mop ups”
• Soldiers that have already completed (or enrolled) in a
resident NCOES course prior to the mandatory prerequisite
date will be “grandfathered” from prior levels of SSD
• Soldiers who missed an automatic enrollment date and are
not grandfathered for a specific level of SSD need to either:
– Self-enroll their requisite level of SSD, or
– HRC needs to establish an automatic enrollment thru ATRRS to
capture this group of Soldiers
10
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

11. The Army Career Tracker (ACT)
and SSD
11
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

12. ACT and SSD
• Soldiers will soon be able to register for their next level of SSD from the
ACT “My Planner”
• In the near future all levels of SSD will be accessible from the ACT “My
Career Dashboard”
• Required/completed levels of SSD is appropriately displayed on Soldier’s
“My Career Dashboard”
12
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

13. ACT and SSD Con’t
• ACT gives Soldier the ability to self enroll in SSD
• Leaders can monitor the progress of their subordinates down to the
module level
• The ACT Staff Role will allow for Senior Leaders to asses their formation’s
SSD progress
Leader View Soldier/Leader View
13
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

14. Structured Self Development
Level I
SSD II tasks are primarily focused at the team and common leader level.
SSD tasks are primarily focused at the team and common leader level.
SSD II will be completed prior to attending WLC.
SSD will be completed prior to attending WLC.
• SSD Level I Introduction • How War and Multiple Deployments The NCO Roles in Recruiting and
• Army Writing Style Impact Subordinates Retention
• Combat Operations Report • Leadership Lean Six Sigma Fundamentals
• Military Problem Solving Process Army Ethic
• Composite Risk Management (CRM)
• Personal Habits to Increase Health Task Organize Squad for Mission
• Detainee Operations
and Fitness Communicate the History of the U.S.
• Fratricide
Army
• Troop Leading Procedures
• MTBI & PTSD
Identify Financial Readiness Actions
• Supply Activities in a Unit
• History of the NCO
After Action Review
• Primary Roles and Functions of the
• Personnel Recovery Conduct Squad Drill
Military Services
• Self-Directed Learning Principles Host Nation, Federal, State, and Local
• Types of Rehearsals
• Counterinsurgency (COIN) Principles Environmental Laws and Regulations
• Preparing a Brief
• Cultural Effects on Military Operations Time Management
• Conflict Management
• Customs, Courtesies, and Traditions The NCO Role in the Casualty
• Principles of Effective Management Assistance Program
of the Service
14
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

15. Advanced Leaders Course-Common Core
ALC-CC
ALC-CC tasks are primarily focused at the squad and platoon level.
ALC-CC tasks are primarily focused at the squad and platoon level.
ALC-CC should be completed prior to attending ALC Technical Phase.
ALC-CC should be completed prior to attending ALC Technical Phase.
• Enforce the Army’s Sexual Assault • Develop a fitness Program for a • Prepare and Maintain Unit
Prevention and Response Program Squad / Section Situation Report (SITREP) /
• Identify the Warning Signs of a • Plan Training for a Squad Analysis Terrain
Potential Suicide • Cross Cultural Competencies • Conduct Small Unit Combat
• The Army’s Equal Operations According to the Law
• Identify Preventive Medicine
Opportunity/Sexual Harassment of War
Measures
Policies • Issue Operations Plans, Combat
• Implement Measures to Reduce Orders and Annexes
• Identify what makes an Army Combat Stress in a Squad / Section • Perform Riot Control Functions
Leader-Ethics • Perform Personnel Recovery • Conduct an Area and Route
• Assist Family Members of the Unit Reconnaissance
• OPSEC
during Emergencies • IEDs – Defeat (supervise
• Information Awareness
• the Army Writing Style Minefield Breaching Operations)
• Every Soldier is a Sensor
• Enforce Environmental Laws and • Conduct a Hasty Attack
• Conduct Causality / KIA Operations • Lead a Squad Urban Patrol
Regulations
(First Aid) • Supervise Security Check Point
• Prepare a Noncommissioned
• Supervise Handling of Enemy Control
Officer Evaluation Report
Personnel and Equipment
15
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

16. Structured Self Development
Level III
SSD III tasks are primarily focused at the platoon and company level.
SSD III tasks are primarily focused at the platoon and company level.
SSD III will be completed after ALC and prior to SLC.
SSD III will be completed after ALC and prior to SLC.
• SSD Level III Introduction • Leadership Skills
• Ethical Leadership Decision Making Process at Small • Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) Duties
Unit Level • Develop a Mentorship Program
• Measures to Reduce Combat Stress • Army Systems of Record
• The Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) • Plan a Research Paper
• Unit Physical Security Plan • Develop an Essay
• The Army Family Team Building (AFTB) Program • Develop a Mission Essential Task List (METL)
• Positive Command Climate • Conduct and Prepare Troops for
• Training for Full Spectrum Operations • Media Engagements
• Employ Information Operations (IO) • Joint Forces Capabilities
• Civil Affair (CA) and Civil Military Operation (CMO) • Army Forces Generation (ARFORGEN)
• Supervise a Noncommissioned Officer Development • The Preventive Medicine Program
Program (NCOPD)
• Supervise the Setup of Ceremonies
• Unit Deployment Readiness Activities
• Develop Organizational
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
16
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

17. Structured Self Development
Level IV
SSD IV tasks are primarily focused at the battalion level. SSD IV will be
SSD IV tasks are primarily focused at the battalion level. SSD IV will be
completed after SLC and prior to SMC. USASMA highly recommends that
completed after SLC and prior to SMC. USASMA highly recommends that
SSD IV be completed prior to assuming duties as a First Sergeant.
SSD IV be completed prior to assuming duties as a First Sergeant.
• SSD Level IV Introduction • Describe the Relationship between Interagency
•Capabilities of the Media/Public Affairs and the Operation and Host Nation Support
Significance of Portraying and Maintaining a Positive • Army Systems of Record
Image • Create Mentorship Strategies
• Evaluate the Execution of Ceremonies • Identify and Create Standard Operating Procedures
•Joint Force (Government and Non Governmental (SOPs)
Agencies on the Battlefield Capabilities) • Define the Operational Continuum
•Evaluate and Manage a Preventive Medicine • METL Development, Training Strategies and
Program ARFORGEN
•Develop a Mission Essential Task List (METL) for a • Introduction to Negotiations and Mediations
Battalion or Higher Level Headquarters
• Synthesize Critical Reasoning Skills to Solve a Problem
17
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

18. Structured Self Development
Level V
SSD V tasks prepare Soldiers for Nominative and Joint Staff assignments.
SSD V tasks prepare Soldiers for Nominative and Joint Staff assignments.
SSD V will be completed after SMC for Nominative and Joint Staff assignments.
SSD V will be completed after SMC for Nominative and Joint Staff assignments.
Currently SSD V is in Playability testing in ALMS
The projected Implementation date for SSD V is 2 QTR FY12
• SSD Level V Introduction
• Analyze JSOTF/CJSOTF from Different Areas of
• The Civilian Hiring Process Operations
• Special Senior Enlisted Positions • The Operational Environment
• DA Civilians Professional Development Program • The Joint Targeting Process
• The Human Dimension of Leadership • Information Operations (IO) Campaigns
• Joint Leadership Issues • Nation Building through Stability Operations
• Analyze the Strategic Level Leadership • Describe the Stewardship of RM Program to the
• Conflict Management Resolution Commander
• Describe Protocol and Etiquette at the Strategic • Formulate MTOE/TDA
Level • Funding Joint Operations
• Manage Information In Operation Centers • Negotiate Support Agreements with Foreign
• Apply Senior Leader Media Skills Governments
• Describe the Effectiveness of Host Nation • Recommend Input on Civil Affair/Civil Military
Support to the Allied or Joint Commander Operations
18
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

19. Issues and Fixes
• The most common issue users are having with SSD/ALMS is
getting a “1009 error” and a “Blank Screen”
– As of today we do not have a 100% fix for these; Soldiers
can contact the helpdesk and are walked through the
steps to resolve their issue
• Soldier taking SSD at night or in the morning (CONUS) have
less issues than taking it during peak hours (1000-1400)
19
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

20. SSD Helpdesk
• Has a team of five fully dedicated personnel to assist Soldiers
• Resolves issues Soldiers encounter when attempting to
launch/complete the SSD course material
• Soldiers receive assistance on how to resolve their issues; if
this does not work the team will manually move the Soldier
forward in their lesson, giving credit for all previous
completions
20
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

21. Helpdesk Information
• ATHD and ALMS are a Tier I helpdesk that
receives the initial ticket from a Soldier and
forwards it to the NCOES Domain Support
(SSD Helpdesk)
– ATHD Phone Contact: (800) 275-2872, option 3
– ALMS Phone Contact: (877) 251-0730
– On-line Contact: Both ATHD and ALMS can be
contacted from the following website
https://athd.army.mil
21
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

22. College of the American Soldier
(CAS) Background
In Nov 07, the CG TRADOC hosted a kick-off meeting with representatives
from 10 Universities/Colleges and representatives from the Service Members
Opportunity Colleges (SOC). This meeting established the foundations for
continuing to grow the training and educational partnership. The Army
implemented a Career NCO Degrees Program available to all NCOs at any
point in their career, with maximum credit for Army leadership schools based
on completion of NCOES up to the Sergeant Majors Course (SMC). To date,
28 universities/colleges offer business and management related degrees
under CAS.
Developing Educated Soldiers
22
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

23. Current Education Initiatives
• Career NCO Degrees Program (Provide Soldiers a
degree not tied to enrollment in a Military Occupational
Skill specialty degree)
• Enlisted Education Program (Similar to NCO Degree
Program, for first term enlistees)
• Foreign Area Leader Program
• College Orientation Course
23
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

24. Career NCO Degrees Program
Purpose: Expand existing civilian higher education degree choices to
provide Career NCOs with a broad preparation degree option not tied
to enrollment in a MOS specialty degree that:
• Enhances NCOs leadership and warfighting capabilities – grows
the Multi-skilled characteristics
• Is accepted and supported by ACE and ACES
• Provides flexibility in degree completion time
• Maximizes credit transfer between colleges
• Maximizes college credit for military training and education
• Minimizes academic residency requirements
• Includes distance learning courses
24
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

25. Enlisted Education Program
Vision:
• Create a voluntary program that will allow Combat Arms
Soldiers to achieve an associates degree during their first
enlistment
• Ensure maximum award of college credits for completion
of military schools
• Establish a program that assist recruiters in marketing
education under CAS
• Program will establish a base point for Soldiers, but still
allow them to transition in another program
Thirty one colleges and universities combined will offer 56
degrees in either AA, AS, or AGS.
The program is now available for Soldiers on the GoArmyEd
website.
25
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

26. Foreign Area NCO Program
Establish a FANCO Program among the NCO Corps to supplement the Foreign
Area Officer (FAO) Program:
• Proposed candidates for the FANCO Program will
range from SFC to MSG
• Potential candidates will be afforded the
opportunity to attend advanced schooling,
language training, and immersion training
• The length of civilian schooling and training will
vary, but will not exceed 36 months
• FANCOs could fulfill assignments such as
augmentees, foreign operation planning officers,
attaches, and political- military billets
• Conduct a pilot program in US AFRICOM with 5
inductees
26
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

27. College Orientation Course
Students will complete a non-credit COC prior to enrolling in a specific
degree program. This course will:
• Enhance students understanding of higher education and
transitioning
from high school to college
• Emphasize faculty expectations for the classroom, various
learning
styles, and common university policies pertaining to students
• Assist students in enhancing skills such as critical thinking,
writing, test-
taking, career exploration, and time management
• Build collaborative learning skills and form strong peer network
27
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

28. QUESTIONS?
28
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

29. SELF REGISTRATION
From the AKO Website -*- After LOGON - From the ATRRS Homepage -
https://www.atrrs.army.mil/
1. Click on Self Service and Go to My Training
1. Go to the Channels Directory – ARMY and Click on
Self Development
2. On the ATRRS Student Center Click on Take Self
Development Courses
2. In the Course Number Block copy or type the SSD
course number and click search.
3. In the Course Number Block type the SSD course
number and click search.
3. Click the REGISTER button on the course schedule
4. Click the REGISTER button on the course schedule
4. Click the I AGREE button
5. Click the I AGREE button
5. Choose either CAC or AKO LOGIN
6. Choose either CAC or AKO LOGIN
6. Fill In and Validate the Training Application and
SUBMIT
7. Fill In and Validate the Training Application and
SUBMIT
7. Your application will be processed soon and you will
be notified of the result by email. Please wait for the
8. Your application will be processed soon and you will be
notified of the result by email. Please wait for the email email before submitting another application for this
before submitting another application for this course. course. Please allow 24 hours before contacting the
29
VICTORY STARTS ATRRS Help desk.
HQ TRADOC 24 hours before contacting the ATRRS
Please allow HERE! INCOPD

30. Institute for Noncommissioned Officer
Professional Development (INCOPD)
Structured Self-Development (SSD)
Providing direction and oversight of the
Noncommissioned Officer Education System
30
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

31. Purpose
Provide information on the Structured Self
Development Program.
31
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

32. SSD Background
• SSD is a result of the Review of Education Training and Assignments for
Leaders (RETAL) study approved by the Secretary of the Army
• The final report concluded that self development lacked structure, had no clear
focus and must be a robust component of the Professional Development Model
• Report recommendations included the development of a Structured component
for the self development domain
• SSD was carried forward as a recommendation and became an approved Army
Leader Development Program (ALDP) initiative supporting the NCO Life Long
Learning Strategy
• INCOPD and USASMA developed content and started implementation of SSD
Level 1 (SSD I) on in Oct 10 with full implementation planned for Jan 12
32
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

33. 2015 Learning Environment
Not a One Size Fits All Solution
Achieving Deep Understanding through lifelong engagement
Knowledge Information and
Social Learning Authoritative
Building Communication
Networks Communities Sources
Tools Tools
•learning
• collaboration • guide • guide
• sharing • share • share
• shape • shape
Army Career Tracker and Assessments
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

34. Challenges
• Compensation for distributed Learning
• Refining minor technology issues
• Getting the word out to the Army
34
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD

35. QUESTIONS ?
Critical Warrior
Thinker Leader
Leader Culturally Resource
Developer Astute Manager
Bridging the Development Gaps to realize a Life Long Learning Mindset.
T 1
IM
SSD
LC
W
35
HQ TRADOC VICTORY STARTS HERE! INCOPD