Letter from the Editor
By Allyson McNitt, PhD
Article published on: March 1, 2026 in the Army Civilian Winter 2026 issue
Read Time: < 4 mins
Dear Readers, As the calendar turns to March, we often speak of “marching forward.” In the context of the Army, this isn’t just a play on words; it is an operational necessity. While our uniformed counterparts provide the tip of the spear, the Army Civilian Professional provides the steady grip, the internal mechanism, and the institutional memory that ensures the spear strikes true.
In this issue of the Army Civilian Professional Journal, we delve into the two pillars that define our service: Leadership and management and the indispensable power of teamwork.
Our lead article challenges the notion that leadership is tied to a grade or a billet. Management is the science of systems—budgets, timelines, and logistics. But leadership is the art of influence. As civilians, we are often the “continuity” in a world of constant rotations. We explore how civilian leaders must master the art of stewardship—caring for the mission today while mentoring the workforce of tomorrow.
No accomplishment in the Department of the Army is a solo effort. Our section on teamwork highlights the “Total Force” concept. Whether it is a budget analyst in the NCR or a technician at a depot, our success is found in the “white space” between our job descriptions. We look at how breaking down silos and fostering cross-functional collaboration isn’t just a “nice to have”—it is a requirement for modern readiness.
The articles in these pages are more than just academic exercises; they are tools for your professional kit. As we move into the second half of the fiscal year, I encourage you to take a “tactical pause” with this issue. Reflect on your own leadership style and ask yourself: How am I strengthening the team around me?
We are proud to serve alongside you. Your expertise is the bedrock of the Army’s success.
Call for Papers:
The Army Civilian Professional Journal, a refereed publication, invites submissions from Army civilians, academics, and practitioners seeking to contribute to the professional development and intellectual growth of the Army Civilian Corps. We seek to publish innovative ideas, lessons learned, and scholarly research that address critical issues and advance the capabilities of Army civilians in support of the Army’s mission.
Suggested Topics:
Strategic Leadership & Stewardship
- Institutional Stewardship: Exploring how civilians serve as the “continuity” of the Army. This could focus on how to maintain institutional knowledge during military rotations.
- Leading Without Rank: Strategies for civilian leaders to exercise influence and build authority through expertise and relationship management rather than formal military hierarchy.
- The “Software” of the Workforce: Moving beyond technical skills to discuss emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ethical mindset required for long-term service.
Workforce Development & Talent Management
- Upskilling for the Future: A look at the specific digital or analytical competencies civilians will need by 2030 to support a modernized force.
- Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: Identifying the difference between having a mentor and having a sponsor who actively advocates for a civilian’s career progression.
- Recruitment Narratives: How the Army can better market civilian service to younger generations who may not have a military background.
Operational Excellence:
- Mission Command for Civilians: Translating the military doctrine of Mission Command into a civilian context—empowering subordinates and managing through “commander’s intent.”
- The Multi-Generational Office: Best practices for communication and collaboration in an environment where Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z work side-by-side.
- Case Studies in Success: Highlighting a specific Army command or office that overcame a major logistical or administrative hurdle through innovative civilian leadership.
Creative and Alternative Perspectives:
- The Ethics of AI in Administration: A deep dive into how generative AI and automation might change the daily workflow of the civilian corps while maintaining security and integrity.
- Book Reviews/Reflections: Analyzing a non-military leadership book (examples include Brené Brown, Francesca Gino, Dorie Clark, or Simon Sinek, amongst many others) and applying its principles specifically to the Army Civilian Corps.
- “A Day in the Life”: Short profiles of various career programs (CPs) to help civilians understand how different parts of the enterprise connect.
Submission Categories:
- Research articles: Original scholarly research (~3,000–8,000 words).
- Case studies: In-depth examinations of relevant organizational challenges or successes (~2,000–3,500 words).
- Perspectives: Thought-provoking insights on current issues affecting Army civilians (~1,000–2,500 words).
- Book reviews: Critical reviews of recent books on leadership, management, or defense topics (~500–1,000 words).
Submission Guidelines:
- Manuscripts must be original, unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere. Please use the Chicago Manual of Style 18th edition.
- Authors must sign a publication agreement and biography form (bio ~75 words) and include contact information.
How to Submit:
Email your article to usarmy.leavenworth.tradoc.mbx.armyu-amsc-civilian-journal@army.mil. Include “Army Civilian Journal Submission” in the subject line.
Contact Information:
For questions or additional information, please contact the editorial team at usarmy.leavenworth. tradoc.mbx.armyu-amsc-civilian-journal@army.mil.
We encourage all members of the Army Civilian Corps and interested parties to contribute to this important forum for professional dialogue and intellectual growth. We look forward to receiving your submissions. Contribute to the conversation shaping the future of the Army Civilian Corps. Submit your work today!