JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – -- Joint Base MDL officials will host the inaugural Civilian Professional Development Program at the military and family readiness center here Oct. 24 with a follow up session on Nov.1 at Tommy B’s Community Center.
The program, developed with experts from the Profession of Arms Center of Excellence, follows after recent comments from civilian personnel that the Air Force lacks formal professional development for them.
“We’re very familiar with how to develop and mentor our military members,” said Dr. Rod Davis, the executive director to the 87th Air Base Wing commander. “But there is a gap when it comes to developing our civilians.”
Working closely with PACE, Davis and other installation leadership built a constructive program for MDL civilians. Sessions will break down the civilian career structure and make it easier for every team member to see exactly where they fall.
“What [the Air Force] has done is create a civilian career pyramid,” Davis explained. “As they move up in rank, our people will be able to see exactly where they are, what type of responsibilities they have, and what they need to do to progress.”
However, the sessions will not only cover professional growth but also personal, Davis explained.
“We’re also going to be covering personal development,” Davis said. “Topics are going to include how to be a better listener, a better learner and a better teammate.”
With almost 35 years worth of experience as both active military and a civilian, Davis understands how a military member’s career is so clearly mapped out, but a civilian’s. With the introduction of the CPDP, MDL leadership is hoping to better gauge the wants and needs of the civilian workforce on base as well as educate military leaders.
“It hasn’t been taught to us how to mentor our civilians the way we do our military,” Davis said. “Our hope is that this program will change that.”