JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
The application cutoff dates are quickly approaching for two leadership programs developing Mission and Installation Contracting Command workforce members to reduce skills gaps and promote personal and professional growth.
The MICC is accepting applications from eligible civilian employees in select grades as well as military members through Feb. 22 for its job shadowing program and through Feb. 28 for its mentoring program.
Yami Moneymaker, the MICC workforce development program manager at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, explained that these training opportunities foster individual professional development while building upon organizational success. She added that investment in this training creates a more versatile and resilient workforce proficient in meeting the needs of the command’s mission partners throughout the country.
Job Shadow Program
Job shadowing offers workforce members an opportunity for on-the-job training in a particular job by observing a fellow acquisition professional in a role of greater responsibility. Participants have an opportunity to interact and observe leaders from various command levels, including the headquarters, contracting support brigades, field directorate offices and contracting offices.
“By watching leaders in action, participants will gain exposure to leadership responsibilities, styles as well as their daily functions,” Moneymaker said. “As a result, participants broaden their understanding of high-level activities, strategies and topics.”
MICC employees in grades GS-9 through GS-11 as well as those in NH-II may shadow leaders up and including branch chiefs. Employees in grade GS-12 and NH-III as well as military members may shadow any leader up to and including directors. Employees in roles that require direct collaboration with other mission partners may also shadow counterparts and leaders from their mission partner’s office following appropriate coordination.
The duration of job shadowing includes a minimum of three days up to a maximum of 20 days, based on participants’ schedule and as mission requirements permit, and may be flexible such as a few days a week or a couple of hours per day. Additional eligibility requirements include time in federal service, satisfactory performance and training certification.
Mentoring Program
Moneymaker explained that the mentoring program allows for the personal and professional development of employees through the sharing of technical experience and career management advice as well as offers an opportunity for forging lasting working relationships. She added the program benefits all participants.
“Mentors will have the opportunity to enhance their own skills in coaching, counseling and listening to obtain a greater understanding of barriers experienced by employees within their organizations,” Moneymaker said.
She added that those being mentored will gain a better understanding of the organization and their profession, advance support in navigating the MICC’s culture as well as establish and increase their professional network.
The MICC is seeking to bolster the number of program mentors in the grades GS‐12/13 or NH‐III to meet an increasing need by junior personnel interested in participation. Those seeking to be mentored should be in the grades GS‐9 through GS‐13 or NH‐II and NH-III as well as military members in good standing with a satisfactory or higher performance rating. Personnel have the option of seeking their own mentor – at least one grade higher who is not a direct supervisor – from across the command with the availability of virtual sessions.
Completed applications for both programs should be forwarded through command channels by their respective cutoff dates. For more information or applications, email usarmy.jbsa.acc-micc.mbx.g1@army.mil.