The document summarizes several topics related to force development for the Air Force, including: 1) It discusses competency modeling and the process of identifying the competencies needed for different jobs. 2) It provides information on tuition assistance now being available for acquisition civilians and the eligibility requirements. 3) It highlights the concept of a "learning organization" and ways to share information and learning opportunities within an organization.

1. Force Development
Highlights
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2012 THE FORCE DEVELOPMENT NEWSLETTER FOR ALL AIR FORCE EMPLOYEES
AFMC Force Development
Competency Based Workforce-Identifying Competencies 4375 Chidlaw Road
Room N208
C
WPAFB, OH 45433
ompetency modeling is the Once the characteristics are identi-
process of determining com- fied, they need to be grouped into cate-
petencies and proficiency gories. These categories are essentially
levels required for a job. competencies needing to be named and
This process involves identifying com- defined. Before completing the list of
petencies, determining proficiency lev- competencies with definitions, make SITES OF
INTEREST:
els, assessing competencies, linking sure you have considered future work-
developmental opportunities to compe- load and technological advances to de- Supervisor Resource
tencies, and building a sustainment termine competencies needed over the Center
plan. next 5 to 10 years.
ACQ Now
Competency identification begins by To finalize the competency ID proc-
determining the knowledge, skills, be- ess, validate the information. Survey- DAU Online Catalog
haviors, and characteristics needed to ing employees is a great way to ensure
be successful in a job. To identify the you have not left out anything. ADLS
characteristics it is important to have For more information contact HR ETMS Web
Subject Matter Experts (SME) with in- Development Strategic Advisor, Bob
My Development Plan
depth knowledge participate in the Good, DSN 787-2528.
competency modeling process. YoCE
Tuition Assistance for ACQ Civilians
E
mployees on an APDP-coded To be eligible for TA, require-
position, regardless of grade, can ments from civilians on an APDP-
now apply for Tuition Assistance coded position must fall within one of No TDY Dollars?
(TA) through the Air Force Vir- three priorities: Priority 1- to meet the
tual Education Center (AFVEC), located No Worries!
“24/12” semester hours for Acquisi-
on the AF Portal. Acquisition Civilian TA The SRC offers FREE
tion Corps eligibility; Priority 2 - for
funds are centrally managed by SAF/AQH-
academic degree to meet Acquisition Training and MORE!
T
ATO.
The Tuition Assistance for Civilians Corps eligibility; and Priority 3 - for he Supervisor
in the Acquisition Workforce memo- APDP certification. Acquisition Resource Center
randum, Acquisition Workforce Civil- workforce members that qualify for offers online
ian Tuition Assistance Guidance, and TA are eligible to receive 100% of tools for your
the Three Steps to Obtaining Acquisi- their tuition costs. development. You’ll find
tion Civilian Tuition Assistance, are For info call AFMC Acquisition courses, simulations,
posted on the Career APDP Portal Training POC, Linda Moore, DSN books and much more
Page: Career/APDP Portal Page and 986-0207; SAF/AQH-ATO POC FREE to use 24/7! Click
listed under Education Opportunities. Kacie Varner, DSN 665-5927. on the above SRC tab link.
Subscribe to ForceDevelopmentNewsletter@wpafb.af.mil

2. VOLUME 2, ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2012 Page 2
The “Learning Organization” Concept Enlisted FY12 Voluntary FMP
M A
any public organi- “Brown Bag” lunches, using ir Force Officials are offering
zations have recog- Web 2.0 technologies such as enlisted Airmen voluntary
nized the commer- Wiki’s and Blogs, taking separation and retirement
cial value of or- advantage of tools like programs for fiscal 2012 as
ganizational learning—the con- Enterprise Information part of the service’s ongoing force-
cept of the “learning organiza- Management and Communities management initiatives. Voluntary and
tion” has been a central idea to of Practice are examples of involuntary force management programs
this. A learning organization is ways we can share information. were implemented in fiscal 2010 due to a
defined as “that which facilitates Sharing can be something as 17-year high retention rate. For fiscal
the learning of all its members simple as providing a talking 2012, the service remains over its con-
and continuously transforms it- paper after attending a seminar gressionally mandated end-strength.
self.” Peter Senge’s book, The to capture what you learned or, The enlisted voluntary measures focus
Fifth Discipline, provides in- learning a new tip on the use of on Airmen in non-critical, overage spe-
depth information about Learning Defense Connect Online (DCO) cialties. These programs include limited
Organizations and explains its and sharing with everyone else. Active Duty Service Commitment waiv-
five main features. We’re in very challenging ers, Palace Chase transfers, and the Air
Human Resources Develop- economic times. Our defense Force Blue to Green Interservice Transfer
ment professionals should always budget has been frozen at fiscal to the Army program. Eligible Airmen
be looking for ways to improve year 10 spending levels. can begin applying immediately for any of
and capitalize on learning oppor- Sending employees to a formal these voluntary programs. PSDM 11-98,
tunities, using methods that are training event isn’t realistic 9 Nov 2011, provides more information
both effective and affordable. anymore. We need to be more for the various force management initia-
We live in an age in which tech- creative and strive to become a tives. For further details go to the below
nology changes so quickly it’s learning organization. So, the link.
almost impossible to keep up next time you learn something FY 12 Voluntary FMP
with advances. Therefore, any- new for yourself, find a way to
thing we can do to facilitate the share the information so others ETMSWeb Offers
sharing of information within our benefit.
organization is beneficial. This To learn more go to
Self-Registration for Classes
E
exchange of information needs to www.google.com and type
become natural to an organization TMSWeb offers self-
“learning organization” in the registration for classes that can
until it blends into the culture. search engine. You’ll be be built for any course in the on
Sharing information through amazed at what you’ll learn. -line catalog.
The AF decision to discontinue the use
AFMC Implements USAJobs tool to fill positions of AFKN in its existing platform in March
A
2011, affected the FD community’s ability
FMC will soon im- eliminating the use of the AF- to provide self registration for on-base
plement USAJobs as PERS (AFPC) CAC enabled classes. To eliminate any drop in service
its tool to fill all po- website. USAJobs is not CAC capabilities to/for customers, ETMS
sitions within the enabled and is accessible from absorbed this function.
Command. This means all appli- any computer that has an inter- Employees are enrolled on a first-
cants will be able to accurately net connection. Employees come, first-served basis, and may
describe their knowledge, skills, are encouraged to become fa- enroll until the class suspense date or
and abilities via a resume, rather miliar with the site and its until the class is closed. A training
than rely on vague and anti- function at http:// requirement will be added to the
quated skills codes and career www.usajobs.gov. Full profile employee’s IDP after training is
briefs. Additionally, it will and resume build tutorials can complete. Go to ETMS Web for more
simplify the process by also be found there. info and to view courses.