Civilian Program 36 (CP 36) Intern Program
Mr. Roger S. Samuels
Mr. Samuels is the Chief of the Simulation Proponent Division and School.

The CP 36 Intern Program was approved by the Army in 2007 and we were granted three initial intern positions. After a successful recruitment campaign at universities and through public announcements, we filled our FY 07 allocation and placed our initial three interns here in offices of the Army G-3/5/7.

This year we are currently recruiting for three additional interns that will come on board in designated organizations in Army Commands by the end of the fiscal year. Selection into the CP 36 Intern Program is competitive, and the program is centrally managed and funded by the Army. Selection is primarily based on education and overall potential.

Career Program 36 is designed to assist and develop the civilian workforce in enhancing their M&S skills while advancing the overall mission areas of the Army. Both CP 36 Careerists and Interns attend modeling and simulation training, education and professional development opportunities that are identified within the Army’s Civilian Training, Education and Development System (ACTEDS) and from many other sources. While many CP 36 professionals incrementally take training throughout their careers, the CP 36 Intern Program is designed to immediately begin intensive development of careerists with the breadth of knowledge, skills, and abilities required for today’s and tomorrow’s M&S professional.

Once on board at their first duty location, each intern will have their own Individual Development Plan (IDP). The IDPs are primarily developed by the supervisor, the intern, and in conjunction with the Proponent Office. The IDPs organize and facilitate career progression, record keeping, and career planning among interns, mentors, supervisors, and the Proponent Office. Each IDP facilitates the development of short and long term career goals; identification of key training and developmental assignments and opportunities; and supports the periodic evaluation of progress. The CP 36 Intern Program provides a full range of education, training, and rotational opportunities to develop both the competencies and experience needed by interns to effectively participate in the M&S workforce. The Program also serves as a strong foundation for future

CP 36 Intern at USFK assignment

professional growth and advancement as an Army civilian.

During their 24 month training, interns are assigned to the Army Civilian Training Education Development System (ACTEDS) Student Detachment Table of Distribution and Allowances (TDA). While assigned to the Student Detachment TDA, interns are protected from any personnel reduction actions (such as reduction in force) at their host commands. Salaries and entitlements are centrally funded either for two years or until the intern reaches the target grade, whichever occurs first. Approved training is centrally funded. Intern progression is achieved through noncompetitive promotion when training and time-in-grade requirements are met. CP 36 interns are hired at the GS-7 level and are promoted, without competition, to the GS-11 level. An employment and mobility agreement is required as a condition of employment for all centrally funded interns and interns may be required to move for permanent placement.

Interns will complete many formal courses and a considerable amount of training, but they also can take advantage of M&S rotational assignments throughout the Army. To date, the CP 36 Interns have done rotations at the Joint Forces Command Joint Warfighting Center and the USFK Korea Battle Simulation Center. Other organizations have expressed a desire in providing a rotational experience for one or more interns. We will be looking to establish an encompassing array of organizations to provide 30-90 day rotational assignments for the expanding CP 36 Intern population.

After completion of rigorous training and rotational assignments, CP 36 Interns will provide the M&S community with highly trained and developed journeyman-level careerists. Be cognizant of all that the intern program has to offer and be active in providing us your interests and comments about this program. You may soon have a CP 36 Intern/Graduate working in your organization!