P-385-63 US Army Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Guide Download
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DA PAM 600–25 • 11 December 2018 17 military career while providing information and guidance on assignments, education, and training. PDMs are created by the Army proponents in ACT at https://actnow.army.mil. The PDM is web-based, interactive and supports the three core domains that shape critical learning experience throughout the Soldier’s career: operational, institutional, and self-devel- opment domains. PDM capabilities include some of the following: a. Outline institutional training and operational assignments in relation to CMF recommended self-development activ- ities. NCO self-development is an individual responsibility and the only leader development phase over which NCO have direct control. It may not be feasible for a Soldier to complete all recommended activities as some duty assignments may preclude off-duty education; however, alternate methods of achieving recommendations (for example, examinations, dis- tance learning, and learning center activities) are available. b. Provide Soldiers greater control over their careers while affording leaders the opportunity to educate and train the right Soldier, for the right task, at the right time. c. Emphasize self-development; however, Soldiers should not emphasize PDM activities to the point where self-devel- opment takes precedence over duty performance. Any self-development activities undertaken will require personal sacri- fice of off-duty time if the Soldier is to achieve the desired goal. d. List operational assignments as examples of career development. Soldiers should consult with their first line leader/supervisor and career advisors for their particular CMF progression. e. Guide Soldiers through CMF proponent recommended activities to become more proficient at current and next higher level duty positions. f. Identify courses and training that complement and supplement institutional training and operational assignment ex- periences. g. Focus on broad recommendations that address the values, attributes, skills, and actions successful NCOs have found to be beneficial to their career progression. Each PDM lists recommended self-development activities to complete prior to attending NCOPDS and specific MOS skill levels. Activities include Army Correspondence Course Programs (ACCPs), computer-based instructions, post-secondary courses, professional readings, and learning center activities. In addition, assignments to broaden a Soldiers scope and perspective of the Army from a strategic mindset are incorporated to enable resiliency. h. Recommend goals to include professional certification, credentialing, and degrees related to the Soldier's CMF. i. Offer a series of planned, progressive, and sequential broadening assignments and activities that leaders can follow to enhance and sustain military leadership competencies, and develop Soldiers throughout their careers. 2–18. Individual development plan The Army continually challenges Soldiers to set goals and progress from the initial phase through transition. Army expe- rience. The development of a culture of lifelong learning coupled with professional and personal goal setting is mutually beneficial to the Army and its Soldiers. Under the Army’s lifecycle approach all Soldiers will receive counseling within 30 days of arrival to their first permanent duty station. As part of this counseling process, Soldiers will create an individual development plan (IDP) in the ACT with the assistance of the first line leader. The IDP will identify the Soldier’s career (military and civilian), education, and training goals as well as milestones for each. The IDP will be reviewed annually by leaders and/or counselors as needed. Progress on the Soldier’s goals will be documented in writing and these will be revised and/or referrals will be made to service providers (for example, education or financial assistance counselor), as appropriate. a. Identify courses and training that complement and supplement institutional training and operational assignment ex- periences. b. Focus on broad recommendations that address the values, attributes, skills, and actions successful NCOs have found to be beneficial to their career progression. Each PDM lists recommended self-development activities to complete prior to attending NCOPDS and specific MOS skill levels. Activities include ACCPs, computer-based instructions, post-secondary courses, professional readings, and learning center activities. c. Recommend goals, to include professional certification, credentialing, and degrees related to the Soldier’s CMF. d. Contain recommendations for self-development. It may not be feasible for a Soldier to complete all recommended activities, as some duty assignments may preclude off-duty education; however, alternate methods of achieving recom- mendations (for example, examinations, distance learning, and learning center activities) are available. e. Offer a series of planned, progressive, and sequential developmental activities that leaders can follow to enhance and sustain military leadership competencies throughout their careers. Any self-development activities undertaken will require personal sacrifice of off-duty time if the Soldier is to achieve the desired goal. f. Provide the recommended activities Soldiers can take to better prepare themselves for each phase of the NCOPDS and to perform in each duty assignment. g. Provide Soldiers greater control over their careers while affording leaders the opportunity to better manage talent educating and training the right Soldier, for the right task, at the right time.