TAPC-CPP-T 26 JUL 1993

MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION
SUBJECT:Policy Changes on Non-Government Training

1. Reference Army Regulation 690-400, Chapter 410, Training.

2. Effective immediately, two changes to the training regulation are authorized. These changes are defined and explained below.

a. Subject to the requirements outlined below, installation and activity commanders may delegate the authority to approve short-term (120 calendar days or less) non-Government training to line managers (ref. subchapter 3, para. 6.e.(2) of AR 690-400,Chapter 410). This delegation has been successfully tested at the U.S Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J. for more than two years.

(1) Most important, managers involved in the approval process must be trained in the proper procedures and their responsibilities, before these managers are delegated the authority to approve non-Government training. We have enclosed a prototype program of instruction to use in the training of managers. A checklist for managers to use when reviewing non-Government training requests is also enclosed. Local activities may modify the checklist to include factors that are to be considered at particular local activities.

(2) The training office must conduct periodic post audits of the approvals (the oversight responsibility of the Employee Development Specialist cannot be abrogated).

(3) And, records must be maintained by the training so that the Army Civilian Personnel Evaluation Agency office, can look at approvals. The completion of non-Government training approved by line managers must be recorded in the Army Civilian/personnel System (ACPERS).



Enclosure
TAPC-CPP-T

SUBJECT: Policy Changes on Non-Government Training

b. If servicing agreements with the commanders of tenant activities include the approval of non-Government training by the servicing Civilian Personnel Office (CPO), and now these commanders elect to hold the approving authority themselves, an understanding should be reached with those commanders regarding the role of the CPO in guiding them in the performance of their responsibilities.

c. The second change: the requirement that "a narrative statement fully justifying the training will be included with non-Government training requests (subchapter 3, para. 6.i (5) of AR 690-400, Chapter 410) is eliminated for cases where the intent of the training is clear. An example of training with a clear intent is basic automated data processing equipment training, including operator training for existing or due-in equipment, system administrator duties training, and training for specific word processing functions and software applications. We urge that block 18 of DD Form 1556 (Training Objectives) be used to record the intent of the training or a brief justification. This block of the form provides sufficient space to satisfy the documentation requirements for most non-Government training requests.

4. These changes in policy are based upon approval of two suggestions under the Army Ideas for Excellence Program and will be incorporated in the next revision to the Army Regulation.

5. The point of contact for these changes is Mr. Bob Talbot, DSN 221-1348 or commercial (703) 325-1348.

TAPC-CPP-T

SUBJECT: Policy Changes on Non-Government Training DISTRIBUTION:

OFFICE, SECRETARY OF THE ARMY (JDPES-W)
COMMANDERS
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS (CEHR-ZA)
FORCES COMMAND (FCJl-CP)
U.S. ARMY MATERIEL COMMAND (AMCPE)
U.S. ARMY TRAINING AND DOCTRINE COMMAND (ATPL-C)
U.S. ARMY HEALTH SERVICES COMMAND (HSPE-C)
U.S. ARMY INFORMATION SYSTEMS COMMAND (AS-PER-CP)
U.S. ARMY INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY COMMAND (IAPER-CP)
MILITARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT COMMAND (MTPE-C)
U.S. ARMY MILITARY DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON (ANCIV-X)
U.S. ARMY PACIFIC (APPE-CP)
U.S. ARMY SOUTH (SOPR)
U.S. RECRUITING COMMAND (RCPER-C)
U.S. ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND (AOPE-CP)
U.S. ARMY FOREIGN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER (DARP-ZHR-C)
U.S. ARMY RESERVE PERSONNEL CENTER (AIFCP)
U.S. ARMY ENTRANCE PROCESSING COMMAND (MEPCCPO) COMMANDERS IN CHIEF
U.S. ARMY EUROPE AND SEVENTH ARMY (AEAGA) EIGHTH U.S. ARMY (FKCP)
THE SURGEON GENERAL (DASG-PTZ-C)
SUPERINTENDENT, U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY (MACP)
CHIEF, NATIONAL GUARD BUREAU
DIRECTOR, U.S. ARMY CIVILIAN PERSONNEL EVALUATION AGENCY
ATLANTA FIELD OFFICE
BALTIMORE FIELD OFFICE
DALLAS FIELD OFFICE
SAN FRANCISCO FIELD OFFICE
DIRECTOR, U.S. ARMY CENTER FOR CIVILIAN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (TAPC-CPT)

Course Title: Policy and Procedures for Line Manager Approval of Nongovemment Training

Purpose: This course is designed to provide military and civilian managers with guidance on Office of Personnel Management and Department of the Army rules and regulations that they will use to approve DD Forms 1556 for nongovemment training.

Method of Instruction: Subjects will be presented by Employee Development Specialists at the local activity or installation.

The instruction methods will include lecture, discussion, and selected readings.

Scope: Topics will include: review of DD Form 1556, fund certification, training justification, importance of course start date, waivers, prohibition of training for promotion, cost effectiveness, one-in-ten rule, appropriateness of courses, restriction on training solely to obtain a degree, and MACOM and local guidance.

Prerequisites: This course is designed for key military and civilian managers who supervise civilian employees and who have been delegated approval authority for nongovemment training. First line supervisors and non-supervisors whose duties require knowledge of procedures for approving DD Form 1556 (training coordinators, administrative personnel, fiscal officials, etc.) will also be considered on a space available basis.

Length: Two to three hours. Length of instruction for each subject is left to the discretion of local officials and should be tailored to the needs of the local activities.

Course Relationship: This course supplements information provided in the Federal Personnel Manual, Chapter 410, Training and Army Regulation 690-400, Chapter 410.

PROGRAM OF INSTRUCTION

SUBJECT SCOPE OF INSTRUCTION REFERENCES

1. Importance of review Explain that the thorough review and correct decision Various laws & regulations and approval process concerning the approval of nongovemment training equates to the proper use of government funds.

2. Review of OD Form 1556 Explain that the approving official is responsible for DD Form 1556, top copy ensuring that all relevant items are completed.

3. Fund certification Verify that the appropriate fiscal officer has signed DD Form 1556, top copy Block 29 of the OD 1556.

4. Training justification Ensure that a written justification is in Block 18 AR 69O-4OO/41 0, para 5-3d (or an attached separate sheet), & that it supports a job-related need for the skills or knowledge provided by the training.

5. Course start date Check block 23a. The training MUST be approved AR 690-40O/410, para 5-la BEFORE the starting date.

6. Waivers Explain that the employee must have a minimum of one#9; AR 690-40O/410, para 5-5b year of continuous current civilian federal service, and that this provision can be waived for certain types of training.

7. Training for promotion Explain that employees are to receive training ONLY for FPM Chapter 410, para 5-3b the skills & knowledges needed to perform assigned duties or those planned to be performed.

8. Cost effectiveness Ensure that the most cost effective offerer/location FPM Chapter 4101 para 5-2a was selected for the training. The manager may need to consult with an EDS to make such determinations.

9. One-in-ten rule Explain that a maximum of one year of training in AR 690-400/410, para 5-5c nongovemment facilities is authorized during the and 5 CFR 410.506(d) first 10-year period of federal service and in each following 10-year period and provisions for waiver.

10. Appropriateness of Explain that some courses would not normally qualify AR 690-400/410, para 5-3d training course(s) for approval, e.g., real estate, music appreciation, literature, personal finance, etc.

11. Training solely to Ensure that college courses taken solely to obtain AR 690-400/410, para 5-3d obtain a degree academic degrees, licenses or certification are not and 5 CFR 410.511 approved. Explain exceptions to this mle in regard to "academic Degree" training to assist in the recommitment or retention of employees in shortage occupations.

Civilian Personnel Management Directorate, PERSCOM (TAPC-CPP-T), July 1993

1. Review DD Form 1556 Items 1-32 must be properly completed Reverse of DD1 556 (top copy) provides instructions on completing the form

2. Does employee have one Verify in Block 5. If answer is NO, waiver must be AR 690-400/410, para 5-5b year or more of current attached civilian federal service?

3. Is the purpose solely to If answer is YES, request MUST be disapproved unless AR 690-400/410. para 5-3d obtain a degree? documentation supporting 'Academic Degree' training and 5 CFR 410.511 to assist in the recruitmentiretention of employees in shortage occupations has been prepared

4. Are you signing BEFORE Block 23a shows course start date. If answer is N01 the AR 690-400-410, para 5-la the course start date? request CANNOT be approved. Employees who enroll in a nongovemment course without written prior approval are personally responsible for the total training cost.

5. Is the purpose of the Review course justification in Block 18 or an attached FPM Chapter 410, para 5-3b training to qualify the sheet to determine an identified job need. Statements employee for promotion? Indicating/implying that training is necessary to qualify an employee for a higher level position requires DENIAL of the request (except for DA/local Interns completing required training under their MITP).

6. Is the training cost Verify that the source is the most cost effective. Travel FPM Chapter 410, para 5-2a effective? and per diem costs must also be considered.

7. Approve the training. After verifying that all regulatory requirements have AR 690-400/410 (subchap 5), been met (and consultation with an Employee FPM Chapter 410 (para 5), Development Specialist at the CPO to resolve ANY and 5 CFR 410 uncertainty, sign in Blocks 33 and 34.

Civilian Personnel Management Directorate, PERSCOM (TAPC-CPP-T), July 1993