U.S. Central Command is seeking current, permanent
Department of Defense employees with strong technical skills, competencies, and
abilities and the desire to deploy to become part of the Civilian Expeditionary
Workforce.
The CENTCOM CEW provides employees the unique opportunity to
serve in a dynamic environment alongside the military, allies and coalition
partners to provide a stabilizing presence, build security and conduct
humanitarian assistance operations across the USCENTCOM area of responsibility.
“The civilian capabilities provided through the CEW program
provide an essential set of skills that will enable the success of this
critical mission,” said Robert O. Work, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense.
As part of the Civilian Expeditionary Workforce, volunteers
can use their experience and expertise to support DOD contingency operations.
The civilian deployment experience allows civilians to use their capabilities,
experience and knowledge as a crucial component of helping the DOD accomplish
its mission abroad.
Working in a deployed environment, while both mentally
challenging and stimulating, may also be arduous at times. Flexibility is the
key asset of all deploying individuals to succeed in this very fluid environment.
“It’s the best thing I’ve done in my life, but you’ve got to
prepare yourself for it,” said program participant André Douglas in 2015. “You
go there not just to do a job; it’s about learning your profession, doing
whatever it takes to support the service members and fill the gaps. Nowhere
else do civilian employees truly understand their value.”
The USCENTCOM CEW Program offers an unparalleled career
enrichment opportunity that allows a person to build on their professional and
interpersonal skills and set themselves apart from their peers. If qualified,
civilian volunteers will be selected for a tour of duty – usually for 12 months
– and normally work alongside deployed U.S. military members.
Civilian deployments also provide long-term advantages to an
organization by increasing the strategic and operational experience within
their work force.
Developing a pipeline of talent with operational experience
in working side by side with the military cultivates leaders to meet the future
needs of the DOD.
“Prior to the deployment, I had never worked so closely with
the other services. I now have a grasp on the customs and courtesies of the
other services,” said Pam Green, who served in Qatar from 2014-2015. “If the
need ever arises, I would be willing to volunteer my service again.”
The opportunity to augment the military in this unique
capacity brings a sense of camaraderie and satisfaction of achievement that few
civilians will ever experience. CEW volunteers are rebuilding nations and
providing regional stability.
“Being a part of the CEW gave me a whole new experience as
an Army civilian,” said program participant Mary Profitt, who volunteered in
Afghanistan in 2012 and 2015. “I had worked for the military for years, but
never actually felt like I was a part of the military until I deployed as a CEW
civilian and was able to support the forward operating mission on the ground.”
Beyond the individual personal and professional growth
opportunities associated with deployment, volunteers may be eligible for
multiple financial incentives. A civilian deploying may be eligible for up to
35 percent post differential pay, hazardous duty pay, as well as overtime
compensation. Entitlements vary by location and length of tour. It is
recommended applicants research the specific entitlements when considering a
deployment opportunity.
Deployable civilians are needed to fill critical vacancies
across a multitude of occupational series, grades, locations and tours lengths.
Duty locations vary in size and environment and each position provides for a
slightly unique experience for which you will be thoroughly trained and
equipped to succeed.
For additional resources on the USCENTCOM deployment
opportunities and entitlements, the USCENTCOM AOR and the application processes
visit http://www.cpms.osd.mil/expeditionary/cew/home.html or send inquiries to
centcom.macdill.centcom-hq.mbx.ccj3-f-cew@mail.mil.