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Officer Professional Development
Officer Professional Development (OPD) is a combination of training, education, and experience. It is a program designed to meet the needs of the Army and the individual officer. It is a cooperation among the individual officer, the commander, and the career manager. The objective of OPD is to maximize an officer's potential.
Officer Ranks
Elements of OPD
- Start with DA PAM 600-3
- Individual development in the career field (AOC 92A, 92D, 92F, and FA90)
- Professional Military Education (PME) covered by resident and non-resident courses, individual study, and civilian education
- Duty assignments
- Developmental counseling by commanders
- Professional Development Models
Contributors to OPD
The Individual Officer
Has the most significant role in OPD. You are the one who makes short-term and long-term goals and communicates them with your commander and career manager. You initiate contact with your career manager to evaluate your file and request assignments to make sure you are competitive for the next level. Officers have the responsibility to develop themselves through self-study and by seeking higher levels of responsibility.
The Career Manager
Monitors and aids your development through assignments and formal schooling. Your manager offers an objective evaluation of your file against your peers for promotions, selections, and assignments. Your manager will make recommendations for courses of action to help you proceed to the next level.
The Commander
Participates by ensuring proper utilization for your grade and AOC/FA. Commanders should counsel officers on career opportunities, self-improvement, and individual needs. Officer Evaluation Reports provide a direct response regarding performance and potential at the next level. Commanders should routinely provide OPDs at the unit level.
The Officer Personnel Development
Responsible for the overall professional development of Quartermaster Officers by monitoring application of the personnel life cycle functions. The proponent establishes training requirements for specific assignments and monitors courses to ensure they remain current with job requirements. The Officer Proponent forecasts developmental needs for force transformation.