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.
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.
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.
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.
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.