April 2, 2012
By Center for the Army Profession Public Affairs
The Center for the Army Profession and Ethic, known as CAPE, at West Point, N.Y., released the Army Profession campaign’s first report, today, which provides findings and recommendations following a year of assessing and reviewing the Army profession.
The review, led by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, began in 2010 as a self-initiated look at the force under the direction of the secretary of the Army and Army chief of staff. Throughout the year-long study, more than 40,000 Army professionals across all cohorts and components provided feedback on the state of the profession and the way ahead through numerous venues.
A key finding in the report was the desire for certification of all Army professionals. According to the report, the criteria must measure competence in expert work, moral character and every member’s resolute commitment to the Army Profession and its duty to the nation.
“Competence, character and commitment are the basis for what we consider to be the professional traits that all members of the Army profession should possess,” said Lt. Gen. David Perkins, commander of the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. “When we live out these professional values, we can best fulfill our duties to support and defend the Constitution.”
Using the data gained throughout the year, the campaign developed seven sets of focus areas and associated “Army Profession Strengthening Initiatives”– each targeted to move the profession toward its desired end state.
The seven focus areas are:
• Institutionalizing Army Profession Concepts
• Building and Sustaining Trust Relations
• Improving Standards and Discipline
• Certifying Army Professionals
• Investing in Leader Development for the Army of 2020
• Strengthening The Army’s Culture
• Integrating/Synchronizing Human Development
“The study was quite comprehensive in its scope and findings,” CAPE Director Col. Sean Hannah said. “We didn’t hold back on any topic and everyone who participated had the opportunity to have their voices heard. We think this study will benefit all of us and further professionalize the total force.”
The report provides a series of proposed initiatives informed by the findings designed to aid in the development of the Army profession. Some of these recommendations are already being put into motion, while others are pending approval for action at various levels within the Army.
With the publication of this first report, the Army is now transitioning from a campaign of learning to a campaign of execution and is moving forward with training and leader development tools. These resources will help individuals and units to further understand, embrace and live as Army professionals.
One of the tools available through CAPE is the Master Army Profession and Ethic Trainer, or MAPET, Course. Units can now send individuals to West Point for this five-day course, and students who successfully complete the course will receive a professional development skill identifier of “A1E.” This course certifies them to return to their units or organizations to launch their own sustained professional development programs.
CAPE has also prepared numerous virtual simulators, online training resources, case studies and mobile device applications designed to assist units and organizations with further developing the professional ethic within their workforce.
“These resources are designed to provide a unit or individual with a contemporary, interactive and relevant tool they can pull off the shelf and immediately provide top-level training that supports the Army’s professional ideals,” Hannah said.
Those interested in learning more about the report, which will be provided annually, can download it from the official Army Profession Campaign website at http://cape.army.mil, or on AKO (login required).
Units interested in the MAPET training or any of the other training and development materials can call the CAPE director of training at 845-938-0469, or visit CAPE’s website.
Questions about CAPE’s products and functions can be directed to the CAPE program manager at 845-938-0723.
Media interested in the study or report may contact CAC Public Affairs at 913-684-2019.