1. What is Army Career Program 35 (CP-35)?

CP-35 is the Army career program for CIPMS employees who occupy positions (GS-05 and above) in the following groups: GS-132s (Intelligence), GS-080s (Security) whose duties are 51% intelligence-related, GS-1701s, -1712s (Trainers and Educators) or Engineers and Scientists engaged in intelligence-related work, assigned to an organizational component performing an intelligence mission. Other CIPMS professional/administrative career path employees' positions are covered by other Army career programs appropriate for the duties of their positions.

2. What is ICDP and what is its relationship to CIPMS?

The Intelligence Career Development Program (ICDP) is the DOD-wide career development program administered by the Defense Intelligence Agency for two-grade interval employees assigned to an organizational component performing a general intelligence, counterintelligence, intelligence-related security or cryptologic function. CIPMS career development policies and procedures generally conform to those of the ICDP.

3. As a CIPMS employee, can I register in more than one Army career program?

Yes. While your position determines your primary career program, (CP-35 or one of the other Army career programs) CIPMS employees with personal competitive status, or one year of continuous CIPMS employment, can voluntarily register in additional career programs, if they meet qualification requirements established by the prospective career program.

4. What is ACTEDS and what is its relationship to CP-35?

The Army Civilian Training, Education and Development System (ACTEDS) establishes training and development policy and guidance for all career program employees throughout Army. Each Army career program has its own ACTEDS plan. The ACTEDS plan for CP-35 is designed to promote a high degree of professionalism by identifying competencies required for successful performance at each grade level or grade band and the methods (on-the-job training, classroom training, self development, etc.) for attaining those levels of competence. The CP-35 plan also identifies key positions, traits, and model progression patterns to reach those positions. CIPMS employees whose positions come under career programs other than CP-35 will use the ACTEDS plan for their specific career program. In addition, the CP-35 ACTEDS plan can be referred to for intelligence specific competencies or courses for a particular position. An Individual Development Plan (IDP) will be developed by supervisors for employees in the professional/administrative career path based on the appropriate ACTEDS master training plan. This data can also be placed on the Total Army Performance Evaluation System (TAPES) support form. (TAPES is the appraisal system used for all Army civilians.) The second edition of the CP-35 ACTEDS plan was published in Sept, 1993.

5. What are the ACPM and the MACOM CPM and how do these functions concern me?

The ACPM is the Activity Career Program Manager. ACPMs are appointed by the Activity Commander for each career program represented at the activity to give technical advice and assistance to the commander and servicing Civilian Personnel Advisory Center with respect to career program matters, and to provide advice and guidance to supervisors and employees on career program opportunities and requirements. The ACPM can be a valuable source of information and assistance. The CP-35 ACPM is also a source for CIPMS information for all CIPMS employees at an activity. In some cases, depending upon the nature of the serviced population, the ACPM may represent employees from more than one command. MACOM Career Program Managers (CPMs) are appointed by the MACOM Commander for each career program. They are responsible for career program matters for the MACOM. The CP-35 CPM is the MACOM focal point for CIPMS issues as well as the person who gives guidance to ACPMs in the field. Along with their other duties, CPMs are involved in recommending and/or endorsing applications from career program employees for centrally or MACOM approved or funded training opportunities.

6. What is the Army Civilian Intelligence Orientation (ACIO) course?

The ACIO is an eight lesson, self-paced course designed as an introduction to the intelligence field. Topics include intelligence processes, security policies, Army and national intelligence organizations and structure, and a CIPMS overview. The ACIO is appropriate for civilian employees new to the intelligence field, regardless of job series or grade; and for employees in support technician or clerical positions. The ACIO course should be available from either your ACPM or your servicing Civilian Personnel Advisory Center.