DOD Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP)

ELDP is intended to stretch participants' experiences and comfort zones and to help them develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviors expected of future Enterprise leaders. Given the rigor of these requirements, the ELDP program demands a significant commitment by participants and their commands.

During the course of a typical 10-month training cycle an ELDP participant can expect to travel and participate in training deployments for at least a week to 12 days out of each month. Applying for a physically demanding leadership development program, such as ELDP, is an important step. It is not intended for everyone. Events during the program require participants to work long hours when deployed, travel on weekends, adjust to rapidly changing conditions and situations, climb three-story nautical ladders, jump from airborne training towers, fly in tactically configured military aircraft, and participate in rigorous physical fitness activities that include but are not limited to running or walking a mile in 12 minutes or less, doing push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups and participating in an organized physical fitness regimen. Extraordinary dietary requirements or unique/specialized medical care may not be available while traveling overseas or working at training sites. These conditions should be considered when applying for ELDP.

Key program features include:

• Orientation (DC area - 2 Days)
• Core-Curriculum (Hartford. CT; Southbridge, MA - 2 weeks) training covering areas such as team building, problem solving, decision-making, and communication skills
• Deployments each month from December to June to military installations (various locations - 1 week each):
  • Army
  • Marine Corps
  • Navy
  • Air Force
  • National Guard
  • Forward-Deployed Forces
  • NATO, SHAPE, Allied Forces
  • Joint Command
• Seminars and briefs on defense and international issues and international perspectives - Georgetown University (1 day)
• Joint Staff Seminar (DC area - 1 day)
• Preparation of Staff Studies
• Formal information brief to the Secretary of Defense (Pentagon - 1 day)
• Graduation Week Activities (DC Area - 1 week)

The ideal ELDP candidate:

• Is flexible, adaptable and willing to be a member of a cohesive team.
• Has an outstanding performance record and has progressed through positions of increasing responsibility at a faster pace than his/her peers.
• Has experience that has demonstrated strong potential for higher level leadership positions, which includes the competence, confidence, and motivation to be a bold and innovative leader in the public sector. This includes showing initiative, professional excellence, community involvement, commitment to public service, and integrity.
• Sees value in life-long learning
• Has succeeded in rigorous programs of formal training and self-development, and assumes responsibility for this learning.
• Has successfully completed leadership programs and other developmental activities toward attaining career goals.
• Is highly motivated to succeed and is willing to challenge himself/herself to do so.
• Is committed to continued service in DoD and can articulate the anticipated return on investment.

All applicants must meet the following general requirements, as well as any specific requirements:

• Full-time Army Civilian in the grade levels of GS-12 through GS-14 or equivalent pay grades/bands with a minimum of three (3) years of service in a permanent Civilian position; to include non-appropriated funded (NAF) employees. (NOTE: Employees in other pay banding systems or on grade retention should seek assistance from their personnel advisor).
• Completed Civilian Education System (CES) leadership courses (prior to nomination).
  1. GS-12 or equivalent pay bands; Intermediate Course
  2. GS-13 through GS-14 or equivalent pay bands; Advanced Course.
• Active duty Soldiers (Officer & Enlisted) in the rank of CPT (P)/MAJ & SFC to SGM
• Possess a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, or demonstrate equivalent experience and training.
• Possess a Secret security clearance at the time of nomination
• Possess a valid Passport and Government Travel Card.

NOTE: For information on how to compete, military personnel should contact their HRC career managers.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
G-37 TRAINING DIRECTORATE
ATTN: DAMO-TRV
450 ARMY PENTAGON - ROOM 2D639
WASHINGTON, DC 20310-0450

Applicants are selected through a competitive process. Nomination packages will be vetted by a selection panel. Applicants will be evaluated on experience and readiness for the program as evidenced by the documentation provided in the application package. Alternates will be selected in the event primary candidates are unable to attend or additional class seats become available.

Sponsoring organizations and those selected for the Executive Leadership Development Program will be notified via email.

*ELDP is centrally funded. All costs(travel, per diem & tuition) associated with this program will be funded by the Civilian Leader & Training Development Division (CTLD) for all Civilian applicants. Funding for military personnel will be incurred by the nominating organization

Individuals are advised to reflect carefully on their personal goals and intent to participate in the program before applying. Requests for deferments are not applicable to this course. Withdrawals will only be granted for compassionate, operational or medical reasons.