445 AW FM civilian selected for DOD leadership program

  • Published
  • By Stacy Vaughn
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  A 445th Financial Management analyst, was one of seven Air Force civilians in a finance career field selected for the joint service Defense Civilian Emerging Leader Program. Rebecca Bailey is the first Air Force Reserve Command civilian to participate in the program.

DCELP is open to GS-7 through GS-11/equivalent civilians from the human resources, financial management and acquisition communities. Its aim is to develop the next generation of innovative leaders with the technical competence to meet the future leadership needs of the Department of Defense.

The program consists of five residential courses conducted by the Office of Personnel Management that focuses on leadership assessment, leadership skills for non-supervisors, team development I and II, conflict resolution and effective writing and research in the federal government. The program also offers three additional courses of instruction to include leadership theories/principals, effective writing in the DOD and emotional intelligence.

The Office of the Secretary of Defense selected 144 civilians from Army, Navy, Air Force, Defense Agencies (Washington Headquarters Services), Intelligence Agencies and Defense Contract Audit Agency. Only 28 Air Force civilians were chosen for this year's program; seven coming from the FM community.

"I'm excited and proud of being selected for this program. The professional development I receive will be extremely valuable for my career," Bailey said.

Bailey started the program in January 2014. She said the program requires her to spend approximately 34 days at the Department of Defense Executive Management Training Center in Southbridge, Mass., in residence courses. When she's not at the training center, she's responsible for accomplishing various assignments and exercises that are required prior to attending each course.

Bailey will graduate Sept. 19, 2014. Upon graduation she will receive a DOD and OPM certificate for completing DCELP. She will also incur a 3-year service commitment.

"When I met with the functional SESs (senior executives) from the Pentagon on my first TDY to the course, I was excited and appreciative of their show of support. They told us, 'You are our future SESs.' Hearing these words left a great impression on me. It was very encouraging."

Bailey said because of the limited number of students that can attend the joint service course, it was a time consuming process, but well worth the time.

"Air Force Personnel Center sent out an automated message that said I qualified for civilian development education and Civilian Strategic Leadership Program back in March 2013. I got more information about the program and submitted a package. Once the package was submitted it was quite a coordination process to go through. The final step is at the OSD level, where the final cuts are made. They make the announcement and it goes back to AFPC," Bailey said.

Once selected, Bailey had to complete her certificate in DOD Acculturation Course before being allowed to attend the first in residence course. Students are also required to have a mentor throughout the course.

This is a great opportunity for me to do this. Meeting people from the various branches of service and DOD has been a thrill. I appreciate everyone's support and encouragement. I can't wait to graduate in September."