DOD program seeks to strengthen workforce

Department of Defense (DOD) officials are endorsing the benefits of a new endeavor designed to help the agency and private sector participants gain greater insight into workforce strengthening initiatives.

The Defense-Industry Talent Exchange Pilot Program would enable 13 DOD and private partner entities to understand each other’s business operations better while sharing best practices.

“I am very excited about this groundbreaking program because it gives our DOD acquisition professionals an incredible opportunity to gain experience and insight with their industry colleagues,” Ellen M. Lord, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, said. “One of the key objectives of this program is to advance each participant’s professional and leadership development, so it’s a win-win for the department and industry.”

The initiative targets high-performing, mid-career civilians with demonstrated leadership potential, per organizers. Defense-Industry Talent Exchange Program participants participated in a December orientation session at the Pentagon.

“In its inaugural year, this pilot program implements Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan’s July 2018 guidance on the use of a new public-private talent exchange authority provided by Congress,” José M. Gonzalez, executive director of Human Capital Initiatives, said. “Harnessing the lessons learned from this pilot program will inform further expansion of this and future opportunities across DOD.”