CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 192024Z AUG 24 MID120001354246U FM CHINFO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 167/24 SUBJ/TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR NAVY CIVILIAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATION PROFESSIONALS// POC/CHINFO POLICY, REQUIREMENTS, AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORATE/ LOC:WASHINGTON DC/ COMM: 703-571-6408/EMAIL: CHINFO-OI_08(at)us.navy.mil// RMKS/1. The purpose of this message is to provide Navy civilian communicators, as well as their leaders at the local command level, a curated list of training and professional development opportunities valued. These opportunities are designed to cultivate versatile and proficient employees who are equipped to lead effective communication across all echelons of command throughout their careers. This list is not exhaustive; leaders are encouraged to explore all available options when approving training for their communication teams. 2. To stay competitive with the civilian sector and remain an employer of choice, there is a pressing need to attract new talent. For modern job seekers, one of the most valued benefits of employment is the opportunity for professional growth, both through practical experience and formal education. Our workforce will remain the most respected communicators in the world when they are armed with the latest communication and leadership training and education. 3. While it is incumbent on leaders to recognize the importance and value of training, it is even more important for Navy civilian employees to consider their career goals and where there are gaps in their knowledge. They must work with their supervisors to build effective individual development plans to achieve specific professional development goals. Many commands will require this as a condition for subsidizing training. 4. The following training and professional development opportunities, compiled by the Navy Office of Information (CHINFO), merit strong consideration for the career development of Navy civilian public affairs professionals. They are provided as a means to build a cadre of talented civilian communicators who tell truth with a purpose, combat foreign malign influence, and compete and win in the contested 21st Century information environment. 5. Communication Training and Education a. Department of Defense Public Affairs Training (1) Seats at the Defense Information School are limited. Those interested in attending any of the courses taught at DINFOS can reach out to CHINFO's Resource and Administration Management Directorate (OI-1) for more information. Be sure to look at the DINFOS course catalog (https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/) or check out the links below for prerequisites for each course. (2) Public Affairs Communication Strategy - Qualification Course (GS- 07 and above; GS-1035, 1082, 1083, 1087, 0301). Provides entry-level public affairs training to perform the basic duties of Department of Defense military public affairs practitioners. https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_PACS-Q/ (3) Public Affairs Communication Strategy - Qualification Course - Distributed Learning (Non-Resident Portion) (GS-07 and above; GS-1035, 1082, 1083, 1087, 0301). Provides entry-level public affairs training to perform the basic duties of Department of Defense military public affairs practitioners. https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_PACS-Q_DL/ (4) Public Affairs Communication Strategy - Qualification Course - Distributed Learning (Resident Portion) (GS-07 and above; GS-1035, 1082, 1083, 1087, 0301). Students are required to complete the nonresident segment (PACS-Q-ADL-NR) before enrolling in the capstone resident segment (PACS-Q-ADL -R). Students must enroll in the PACS-Q-ADL-R within 2 years of completing the PACS-Q-ADL-NR phase. https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_PACS-Q_DL/ (5) Joint Contingency Public Affairs Course (GS-07 through GS-11 1035; min of 3 yrs PA exp). Provides training to transition rapidly into the unique duties and responsibilities of delivering effective public affairs in an expeditionary environment. https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_JCPAC_PACS/ (6) Joint Intermediate Public Affairs Course (GS-11 through GS-15 1035; a min of 5 yrs PA exp). Provides intermediate education and training to prepare public affairs practitioners to perform effectively across the spectrum of PA operations. https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_JIPAC/ (7) Graphic Design (Interagency GS-05 and above). Provides students the skills required to perform and fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the graphics/multimedia career field. https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_MCF_GD/ (8) Writing (Interagency GS-05 and above). Provides entry-level specialty training required to perform and fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the accession-level writer. https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course- Catalog/DINFOS_MCF_Writing/ (9) Visual Documentation (Interagency GS-05 and above). Provides entry-level specialty training required to perform and fulfill the duties and responsibilities at the accession-level visual documentation specialist. https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_MCF_VD/ (10) Intermediate Motion Media Course (GS-07 through GS-11). Provides knowledge and skills necessary to plan, execute, and produce intermediate-level motion media in support of military public affairs, video production, and documentation missions. https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_IMMC/ (11) Digital Multi-Media Course (GS-07 through GS-11). Provides intermediate training in the principles, techniques and skills required to produce digital multimedia products. https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_DMC/ (12) Intermediate Photojournalism Course (GS-07 through GS-11, 10XX Series). Trains communicators who are ready to apply intermediate photojournalism and communication techniques to support public affairs and visual information objectives https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_IPC/ (13) Intermediate Public Affairs Specialist Course (GS-07 through GS- 11; assigned to a public affairs billet in series 1035, 1082, 1084; approved by CHINFO). Provides knowledge and skills needed to perform duties as an intermediate public affairs specialist in a local command environment. https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_IPASC/ (14) Visual Information Management Course (GS-07 and above GS-1035, 1082, 1083, 1087, 0301). Provides in-depth training in the duties required to implement and manage an organizational visual information (VI) program. https://www.dinfos.dma.mil/Academics/DINFOS-Course-Catalog/DINFOS_VIM/ (15) DINFOS has partnered with the University of West Virginia's College of Creative Arts and Media enabling DINFOS alumni to transfer select credits earned in military training into WVU's Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications program. A similar opportunity exists for those seeking a Master's Degree. Both programs offer online courses, credit for military experience and prior learning, flexible time commitments and significantly reduced tuition. Find out more by reaching out to CHINFO OI-1. b. Civilian Institution Academic Opportunities. (1) There are a number of civilian universities that offer online graduate programs which may be more attractive to civilian communicators as they afford the learner a cost-wise opportunity to balance education with work. (2) Most universities also offer Graduate Certificate Programs. More narrowly-focused than the course of study for a master's degree, earning a graduate certificate enables learners to focus more tightly on the academic discipline in which they are interested or to refresh skills more relevant to modern communication. Requiring only three to six graduate-level courses, they can be completed much sooner than a master's, and they can frequently be completed online or via distance learning. If you later decide you would like to complete the requirements for a master's degree, you may be able to apply your certificate coursework toward a graduate degree. Another consideration is the opportunity to gain academic understanding and knowledge in a field related to military public affairs such as leadership, international relations, etc. Since the cost is so much lower than a full master's degree this may also be a more manageable option for your command's budget. c. Credentialing and Certification (1) The Department of Defense Civilian COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) program is a centralized resource designed to assist civilian employees in identifying relevant certification and licensure opportunities aligned with their roles. Rather than duplicating https://www.cool.osd.mil/, this message reaffirms the U.S. Navy's endorsement of the communication related credentials and licenses listed under the General Arts and Information Series at this link: https://www.cool.osd.mil/dciv/moc/index.html?moc=civ_1001&tab=overview (2) The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002, Public Law 107-107, Section 1112, Chapter 23 of Title 5, United States Code, 577, permits agencies to pay expenses for employees to obtain and renew professional credentials, including expenses for professional accreditation, State-imposed and professional licenses, and professional certifications, and examinations to obtain such credentials. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-107publ107/pdf/PLAW-107publ107.pdf (3) DOD's implementing policy provides components discretion in paying for professional credentials and related expenses and creates a recruitment and retention incentive. See the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense Memorandum dated June 17, 2002 for more information: https://www.cool.osd.mil/dciv/costs_and_funding/index.html?LocalOrganizationF unding d. Professional Development Opportunities (1) A number of public relations and public affairs associations offer training and certifications that are valued by the Navy public affairs community because they give students insight into how the civilian public relations community operates. There are also many opportunities for training and education in specialized categories of communication. Radiological emergency management is a good example and would be valued in regions with nuclear-powered ships, or the shipyards where such ships are built and maintained, as contingency response plans frequently require assistance from organizations across those waterfronts. Diversifying the education and skills of our people strengthens the entire community. 6. Military/National Security/Policy Education a. Naval War College Programs (1) NWC 10-Month Resident Program. Every academic year, selected departments and agencies are invited to nominate civilian applicants in the grades of GS-14/15 or equivalent for admission to the College of Naval Warfare and civilian applicants in the grade of GS-13 or equivalent for admission to the College of Naval Command and Staff. Admission for civilian students nominated by their parent agency to the resident program requires a formal application package be submitted to the Naval War College. https://usnwc.edu/Faculty-and-Departments/Administrative- Departments/Registrar (2) NWC Seminar Style Classes. The Fleet Seminar Program delivers courses to students at multiple naval bases and stations around the country. These classes include research, writing, and class discussion; meeting one evening per week for three hours, 34 times per year. https://usnwc.edu/college-of-distance-education/Fleet-Seminar-Program (3) NWC Online Classes. The Online Program allows students to take courses on a computer or mobile device from anywhere. Students will interface with the professor and each other using online discussion boards, group projects, individual essays, and other assignments. https://usnwc.edu/college-of-distance-education/Online-Program (4) NWC Online Professional Military Education. U.S. Naval War College (NWC) offers four professional military education (PME) courses delivered via the My Navy Portal (MNP) for officers, enlisted and Department of Navy civilians. These courses are designed to provide learners with a 24/7 worldwide PME experience at milestones in their careers. https://usnwc.edu/Student-Information/Online-Professional-Military-Education (5) Maritime Headquarters Staff Course (MHSC) (a basic, three week distance learning course). The MHSC is a three week, online synchronous/ asynchronous course that exposes personnel that participate in Maritime Operations to the maritime operational level of war (OLW), maritime headquarters and maritime operations center (MHQ/MOC) concepts, organizational structure, processes, and procedures. https://usnwc.edu/college-of-maritime-operational-warfare/Core- Curriculum/Maritime-Headquarters-Staff-Course (6) Maritime Staff Operators Course (MSOC) (a more detailed in- residence, 5-week course). The MSOC provides resident education in the application of the Maritime Operations Center (MOC) concept, organization and processes; maritime operational level of warfare concepts, terminology and processes; and the Navy Planning Process (NPP) in order to produce graduates capable of immediately supporting the commander's decision cycle at the operational level of warfare in a dynamic and complex environment. https://usnwc.edu/college-of-maritime-operational-warfare/Core- Curriculum/Maritime-Staff-Operators-Course (7) Executive Level Operational Level of Warfare Course (ELOC) (a one-week in residence course offered for active and activated reserve personnel at the O-6 level). The ELOC is part of a series of Professional Military Education courses that focuses at the senior leadership level. This course will ensure the attendees are properly educated in and understand the intricacies of effectively participating in the decision-making process and managing a Maritime Operations Center (MOC) and its resources. https://usnwc.edu/college-of-maritime-operational-warfare/Core- Curriculum/Executive-Level-OLW-Course b. Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) (1) NPS Resident and Distance Learning Programs. A civilian who is an employee of, or sponsored by, an agency of the United States Federal Government may be admitted for study upon sponsorship of the agency and academic eligibility. Find out more about admissions requirements here: https://nps.edu/web/admissions. c. National Defense University/National War College (1) Homeland Defense Fellowship Program. The HDF program is a comprehensive adult learning environment designed for students to understand national security more broadly, work across international and interagency boundaries, and think critically about strategic homeland defense and security issues. https://cisa.ndu.edu/Academics/Certificate-Programs/ d. Legislative and Other Programs (1) Navy Capitol Hill Workshop (The Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University). The Department of the Navy-sponsored Navy Capitol Hill Workshop provides employees GS-11 and above a first-hand understanding not only of congressional process and procedure, but also the "culture" that is the United States Congress. Over the four days, participants will hear from – and be afforded the opportunity to ask questions of - Members of Congress, congressional staff, academic observers, interest group representatives, news media representatives, and executive branch officials, including Navy Office of Legislative Affairs staff. Each four-day workshop is conducted entirely on Capitol Hill. https://gai.georgetown.edu/?p=451 (2) The Navy Legislative Fellows program provides an opportunity for senior civilian employees to broaden their experience and knowledge in the operations and organization of Congress while enhancing the Navy's ability to fulfill its role in the national policy development process. The fellowship consists of a year-long full-time assignment to the office of a U.S. Congressional member, either in the Senate or the House of Representatives, who serves on a defense-related committee. The Fellow serves as a member of the staff and is assigned duties and tasks based on the needs of the office. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, drafting legislation; preparing the Member for hearings, meetings, and briefings; advising the Member on Defense, Navy, and/or National Security issues; answering constituent inquiries; coordinating with Professional Staff Members of the various defense committees and subcommittees; and traveling to the district or state. https://www.navy.mil/Navy-Office-of-Legislative-Affairs/ (3) Defense Acquisition University offers formal courses, in-person and online, events and workshops, job support tools, consulting and more. Intended primarily for the Defense Acquisition workforce, DAU training has proven beneficial to civilian PA leaders responsible for managing budgets and acquisition of communication tools and services. Additionally, their radiological training can be helpful for communicators involved in radiological contracting and emergency response. https://www.dau.edu/ (4) The Navy Civilian Acculturation Program (NCAP) mobile application is an on -demand training, education, and orientation tool for new Navy civilian employees. It provides general information about the Navy's organizational structure, operations, uniformed and civilian personnel, history, and heritage. Users will also find useful information such as the NCAP Handbook, definitions of Navy lingo and abbreviations, protocols, and rank recognition training. https://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/NCAP%20App%20Flyer.pdf 7. Leadership Education a. NPS Leadership Programs (1) Navy Senior Leader Seminar (NSLS). The NSLS provides senior Navy officers, civilians and command master chiefs with an intensive five-day executive education program that focuses on learning best leadership practices in strategic thinking, goal setting, effects-based thinking, risk management, financial management, innovative thinking, strategic communication, and organizational change. https://nps.edu/web/cee/nsls b. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Leadership Programs (1) OPM Leadership Education and Development (LEAD). Complete the OPM LEAD certificate program at each level (Aspiring Leader, Team Lead, Supervisor, and Manager) of professional development. https://www.opm.gov/services-for-agencies/center-for-leadership- development/leadership-development-courses/#url=Leadership-Certificate (2) Extraordinary Leadership. This OPM course is designed for U.S. government agency civilian supervisors and managers and focuses on various leadership styles, interpersonal skills and how to develop Individual Development Plans to address areas for growth. The course uses a combination of lectures, small group discussions and individualized coaching. https ://leadership.opm.gov/programs.aspx?course=133 (3) Build Personal Resilience. This OPM course is designed for U.S. government agency civilians at all levels and uses a personalized, practical, skills-based approach to enhance the awareness and development of personal resilience skills. https://leadership.opm.gov/programs.aspx?course=323 (4) Conflict Management Skills. This OPM course is designed for U.S. government agency civilian supervisors and management and provides opportunities to practice conflict resolution to boost morale, increase effectiveness and improve results within your organization using instructor- led discussions, small group activities and role-playing. https://leadership.opm.gov/programs.aspx?course=44 (5) Decision Making and Problem Solving. This OPM course is designed for U.S. government agency civilians at all levels and examines the critical thinking skills required to recognize problems, analyze relevant information, synthesize information and make the best decision for your organization and stake holders. https://leadership.opm.gov/programs.aspx?course=350 (6) Crisis Leadership. This OPM course is designed for U.S. government agency civilians who are involved in crisis pre-incident planning, response, recovery or mitigation efforts. Through case studies, interactive exercises and simulated crises, participants will learn strategic approaches for managing risk and analyzing information, creating and leading a crisis team, and developing decision-making skills to meet the demands of a crisis situation. https://leadership.opm.gov/programs.aspx?course=43 (7) Federal Executive Institute. The Federal Executive Institute (FEI) develops visionary leaders to improve the performance of government agencies. https://leadership.opm.gov/programs.aspx?course=5 (8) Federal Internal Coach Training Program (FICTP). Federal internal coaches will provide coaching to Federal employees and foster a coaching culture by encouraging candid and respectful conversations between managers and employees, encouraging self-reflection and promoting creativity in problem solving and performance improvement. For those interested in learning how to coach, OPM has additional information here: https://www.opm.gov/wiki/training/coaching-in-government/print.aspx and offers coaching training classes through its Leadership Development and Training website: https://leadership.opm.gov/index.aspx c. Miscellaneous Leadership Programs (1) Defense Civilian Emerging Leader Program (DCELP). Recruits and develops the next generation of innovative leaders with the technical competence to meet the future needs of the Department. https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/learning/civilianleaderdevelopment/defenseciviliane merging (2) Defense Senior Leader Development Program (DSLDP). Competency- based approach to the deliberate development of senior civilian leaders with the enterprise-wide perspective needed to lead organizations and programs. https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/learning/civilianleaderdevelopment/defenseseniorlea der (3) Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP). Provides participants extensive exposure to the roles and mission of DoD and appreciation of what war fighters refer to as being "at the tip of the spear." https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/learning/civilianleaderdevelopmentbroadeni ngother/executiveleadership (4) Presidential Management Council Interagency Rotation Program (PMC IRP). This is an interagency broadening opportunity for eligible high- caliber employees to develop two or three primary Executive Core Qualifications. Pending OPM decision on information regarding whether Cohort 20 will be virtual or a blend of virtual and in-person. https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/Flearning/broadening/managementcouncilinteragencyro tation (5) White House Leadership Development Program (WHLDP). The program aims to strengthen enterprise leadership across the government to address challenges facing the civil service. https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/learningprofessionaldevelopment/civilianleaderdevel opment/whitehouseleadership (6) Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program. The PMF Program is an opportunity for advanced degree holders across all academic disciplines and from all segments of society. To become a PMF, you must participate in a rigorous application and assessment process. https://www.pmf.gov/the-opportunity/pmf-as-a-pathway/ (7) Excellence in Government (EIG) Fellows Program. The EIG program is a Department of the Navy-sanctioned leadership development course for federal employees at the GS-14 to GS-15 levels. For more than 30 years, EIG has helped federal employees develop strong leadership skills through application-based learning, highly interactive activities, authentic self- reflection, personalized coaching, and government-wide networking. Graduates go on to plan, design and implement innovative solutions to address the federal government's biggest challenges and improve their agencies' effectiveness. https://ourpublicservice.org/course/excellence-in-government-fellows-program/ (8) The 21st Century Government Innovation Program. Another a Department of the Navy-sanctioned opportunity, the 21st Century Government Innovation Program is designed to meet the evolving needs of federal agency leaders by providing them with new tools for effective government; empowering them to make effective, data-driven decisions; and developing new relationships with other government leaders who share a passion for making government work better. https://ourpublicservice.org/course/gov21-the-21st-century-government- innovation-program/ (9) Foundations in Public Service Leadership Program. The Foundations in Public Service Leadership Program, also sanctioned by the Department of the Navy, will enable you to develop the skills to effectively influence others, lead teams and drive change within your agency. In this course, you will learn how to enhance your own leadership style, improve your communication skills, and understand how to successfully lead others to achieve outcomes and goals. By the end of the program, you will be able to adapt your leadership style to meet the needs of your projects and have a positive impact on the way your team, agency and customers serve the public. https://ourpublicservice.org/course/foundations-in-public-service- leadership-program/ (10) Preparing to Lead. The Preparing to Lead program, sanctioned by the Department of the Navy, is a professional development opportunity for federal employees who are interested in pursuing a career in leadership at their agencies. Participants practice strategies to help them become more effective employees and develop critical leadership skills they will be able to use throughout their careers. https://ourpublicservice.org/course/preparing-to-lead/ (11) Dwight D. Eisenhower School (ES). Prepares military and civilians for strategic leadership and success in developing our national security strategy. https://es.ndu.edu/About/Mission/ 8. Finally, a couple of notes for civilian PA professionals and their leaders. a. The new personnel management system Waypoints which has already been deployed across the systems commands has a number of professional development tools including the use of some LinkedIn Learning training. The system also features a competency assessment which feeds into the development of individual development plans, which are used to guide decisions about command support for training requests from employees. b. Also, in addition to the above training opportunities, DOD sponsors a number of free photo/video workshops/shoot-offs that are open to civilians. These represent amazing opportunities to work with and learn from colleagues, many of whom possess world class skills in the visual arts, a key component of modern story telling. c. Leaders are encouraged to work with their human resources teams to identify backfill options such as reserve support or term hires, to fill a gap for someone on extended TAD orders for training. d. Lastly, leaders should consider ensuring specific training requirements are listed in individual position descriptions. This can help make the case for the requirement for training in austere times. 9. Team First. 10. Released by RDML R. M. Perry, Chief of Information.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//