CPE ST3 civilians selected for U.S. Army War College resident program advancing Army civilian workforce development

The U.S. Army Capability Program Executive Simulation, Training, Test and Threat (CPE ST3) announced that two of its civilian professionals, Christina Bell and Robert Briar, have been selected to attend the U.S. Army War College (USAWC) resident program, a rare and strategically important achievement in the Army’s acquisition community.

Why This Selection Matters Each year, about 380 students attend the USAWC resident program, but only 28-32 are senior federal civilians selected from hundreds of organizations across the Army enterprise. Selections are deliberately distributed to ensure broad representation, making it uncommon for two civilians from the same organization to be chosen in the same year. Their concurrent selection for the 2027-2028 academic year marks a milestone for CPE ST3 and underscores the organization’s commitment to cultivating strategic-level civilian talent.

“This is a significant accomplishment for Christina and Rob,” said Lee James III, deputy capability program executive at CPE ST3. “It is a testament to their hard work and dedication and demonstrates the Army’s confidence in their ability to lead at higher levels. Their selection proves that ST3 civilians can compete and excel at the highest levels of Army professional development.”

The Resident Program: Preparing Leaders for Strategic Impact The War College is the Army’s premier institution for strategic-level education. Its mission is to enhance national and global security by developing ideas and educating U.S. and international leaders to operate at the strategic level. Its vision is to develop critically minded strategic leaders and war-winning ideas essential to the Army, the Joint Force, and the Nation. USAWC is where the Army thinks deeply about war, strategy, and the global application of landpower, challenging assumptions and cultivating leaders able to solve complex, uncertain, and high-risk national security problems.

The resident program is an intensive 10-month graduate-level experience. Through rigorous coursework, research, wargaming, strategic seminars, and engagement with senior leaders, students gain analytical skills and intellectual depth needed to shape national defense strategies, modernization priorities, and enterprise outcomes. USAWC fulfills its dual purpose by providing high-quality professional military education, conducting research and strategic discourse, wargaming emerging concepts, and developing senior leaders who can clearly articulate options to complex strategic challenges.

For CPE ST3 civilians, USAWC offers an unparalleled opportunity to broaden perspectives, build enterprise-wide networks, and gain strategic insight that directly informs the Army’s modernization and readiness efforts.

A Dual Achievement Rooted in Commitment and Growth Christina Bell, deputy project lead for the International Program Office, described the moment she knew she was ready for a strategic pivot. “I realized I needed a new challenge to stretch my perspective. I wanted to transition my focus from leading acquisition programs to leading at an enterprise, strategic level.” She added, “The Army War College is the premier environment for a career civilian like me to step outside the familiar acquisition space, learn directly alongside military peers, and understand how to align our acquisition programs with the broader National Security Strategy.”

Rob Briar, OSW Sustainment Fellow within the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Product Support, echoed the sentiment. “The Army has been a defining part of my life since I enlisted in 1993. I recognized that continuing to contribute at a higher level would require me to expand beyond my functional expertise in acquisition, logistics, product support, and sustainment.” He emphasized that USAWC provides the opportunity to challenge assumptions, broaden perspective, and strengthen the judgment required of strategic leaders.

Both Bell and Briar value the transformative impact of senior service education, enabling civilian leaders to move beyond program-level expertise and contribute meaningfully to enterprise-level decisions.

Overcoming the Application Challenge Bell’s application required rapid, decisive action. “Because this was a last-minute decision, the preparation was an intense, fast-paced exercise in trust and technology. I made the decision to apply very late, which meant securing high-level endorsements with almost no notice,” she explained. She credited modern tools for accelerating the process. “AI was the force multiplier that ensured a speedy, thorough, and rock-solid submission.”

For Briar, endorsements were the most difficult hurdle. “The most significant challenge I identified was securing senior leader letters of recommendation based on direct knowledge of my work.” A special detail as an HQDA ASA(ALT) Acquisition Operations Analyst at the Pentagon proved critical. “It made me a stronger candidate because it broadened my perspective, tested my ability to operate outside a familiar environment, and helped me better demonstrate my readiness for strategic-level education.”

Their experiences underscore that true competitiveness at the strategic level demands deliberate preparation, continuous broadening, committed mentorship, and unwavering persistence.

Alignment with Strategic-Level Goals Bell shared, “The focus on joint military operations and national security policy strongly resonates with me. The War College curriculum provides the intellectual framework to bridge the gap between those complex acquisition mechanisms and the strategic objectives of the Joint Force.” Briar added, “The aspects that resonate most with me are the War College’s focus on strategic leadership, national security policy and strategy, and operating within Joint and interagency environments.”

Impact on Future Leadership Bell sees clear long-term impact. “I believe the War College will elevate my perspective, preparing me to lead at the higher echelons of the Department of War. I hope to learn from domestic and foreign military leaders, build lasting enterprise connections, and bring those collaborative perspectives back to improve how we deliver capabilities to the joint warfighter.”

Briar likewise views the experience as integral to his future service. “My long-term goal is to continue serving in positions of increasing strategic responsibility, to influence decisions at scale, strengthen Army institutions, develop future leaders, and improve readiness.”

Building Strategic Judgment and Perspective Bell expressed the depth of strategic learning she hopes to gain. “I am eager to immerse myself in the strategic art of war alongside senior military officers, interagency partners, and international fellows. I want to bring a deep understanding of how the institutional Army acquisition processes nest within the broader instruments of national power.”

Briar highlighted his top development priority. “The skill I most want to strengthen is my ability to think and communicate at the strategic level when problems are ambiguous and there is no single correct answer.”

Advice for Future CPE ST3 Applicants Bell encouraged colleagues to embrace growth. “Look for opportunities that scare you a little. Stepping out of your comfort zone is where the growth happens. And don’t be afraid to embrace modern technology like AI to help you organize and articulate your achievements.”

Briar emphasized readiness and long-term preparation. “Start preparing now rather than waiting for the application announcement. A competitive application is built over time. Do not eliminate yourself before the selection board has the opportunity to consider you.”

How to Apply for Senior Service Education James encourages all CPE ST3 civilians to consider senior service education early and proactively. “It is not just for a select few, it’s for any motivated civilian leader ready to grow. Readiness begins with personal growth, and senior service education is one of the strongest pathways to achieving it.”

Key steps include learning eligibility requirements through the Army Civilian Career Management Activity (ACCMA) Enterprise Civilian Talent Development (ECTD) programs, aligning goals within Individual Development Plans, pursuing broadening assignments, building senior leader relationships, documenting impact, starting early, using modern tools, seeking feedback, applying even when unsure, and reapplying if not selected.

“The ACCMA ECTD programs are cornerstones of the Army’s advanced civilian training, education and leadership development efforts,” said James. “War College prepares senior military and civilian leaders for the national security challenges of the 21st century, with a curriculum focused on the national security mission, complex policy challenges, leveraging technological advances, and adapting to global developments.”

A Foundation of Support Bell said, “I am incredibly grateful to prior leaders for truly empowering me, believing in me, and trusting me with some of the most complex acquisition programs. Their rapid, unwavering support validated my decision and gave me the confidence to take this leap.”

Briar emphasized the breadth of support he received. “The support and encouragement I received were truly collective. My decision was the cumulative result of that support.”

Returning Value to the Army Bell stated, “My primary focus will be on reinvesting this world-class education back into our workforce, particularly in mentoring the next generation of leaders and fostering strategic innovation.” Although Briar will transition to a new assignment after graduation, he remains committed to CPE ST3’s mission.

“Carrying that perspective into a broader Army role can still support ST3. I hope to remain connected to my colleagues and serve as a resource when useful.”

A Strategic Milestone and a Call to Action The selection of Bell and Briar highlights the Army’s conviction that empowered civilian leaders are essential to driving modernization, strengthening readiness, and shaping enterprise‑level decisions. Their achievements show the impact that well‑prepared civilian professionals can have on strategic outcomes.

James shared, “Christina and Rob remind us that when civilians invest in themselves, they strengthen the entire Army. Their courage to advance opens doors not just for them, but for the future of our force.” CPE ST3 encourages every civilian professional to pursue strategic education, broadening opportunities, and continuous learning. One decisive step toward growth can redefine a career and expand a leader’s impact across the Army.

“Now is the moment for civilian leaders to act,” said James. “Seek out new challenges, invest in development, and rise to meet the Army’s future head‑on. CPE ST3 stands ready to help every professional turn their ambition into action and their potential into lasting contributions.”

Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, CPE ST3 is comprised of a highly skilled and diverse workforce of 980 Soldiers, Army civilians and contractors, who work with Army partners to enhance operational readiness and support the Army’s modernization efforts by fielding and sustaining the next generation of multi-domain operations testing, training and information operations capabilities.

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.