The Civilian Intelligence Personnel Management System (CIPMS) is an evolving, flexible, jointly managed excepted service personnel system authorized by the Intelligence Authorization Act of 1987 and was implemented in the Military Departments in 1990. The Intelligence Personnel Management Office (IPMO) serves as the Headquarters, Department of Army focal point for civilian personnel management systems and programs for Army Intelligence personnel.

One of the major features of CIPMS is the partnership between the intelligence and personnel community. In Army, this partnership approach to policy development, planning, implementation, system management and evaluation begins at the Headquarters level between the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, and the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCS, G-2). This partnership between the communities continues down through all levels of the Department.

Employees covered by CIPMS are an integral part of the Department of Army. Important links, such as the Interchange Agreement between OPM and DoD, and an employee's ability to participate in the Priority Placement Program are incorporated in CIPMS to create a responsive, flexible, and integrated approach to personnel management.

So why is CIPMS needed? Historically, Army, Navy, and Air Force Intelligence Communities were disadvantaged in their efforts to compete in the recruitment and retention of top-quality personnel. Management wanted to exercise greater responsibility over more simplified personnel management processes. CIPMS does this by stressing flexibility; reducing red tape; and involving managers in system design, personnel acquisition and development, and organization reduction.

An evolving personnel system--So what's next for CIPMS? On October 1, 1996, Congress passed the Department of Defense Authorization Act of 1997. This Act directs the establishment of a DoD-wide civilian intelligence personnel management architecture that incorporates many of the current features of CIPMS. Achieving a greater commonality will leverage our ability to help prepare the entire DoD intelligence community for the 21st Century. Stay tuned for more information on the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS).