21st TSC civilian logistician becomes first in Europe to complete logi…

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – A civilian employee of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command has been recognized by the Department of the Army for completing a logistics management course.

Cheryl Bourne, 21st Theater Sustainment Command supervisory logistics management specialist, was recognized for meeting the requirements of the Department of the Army Intermediate Level Logistics Management Specialist Certificate Program, July 25, 2018. She is the first person in Europe to complete the program.

Lt. Gen. Aundre F. Piggee, Department of the Army deputy chief of staff, G-4, presented the award, during his visit to the 2-star command in charge of logistics throughout U.S. Army Europe, headquartered on Panzer Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

“It is an honor to be the first person in Europe to be awarded the Department of the Army Deputy Chief of Staff G4 Intermediate Level Logistics Management Specialist Certificate Program, but I hope I am only the first of many,” said Bourne. “It can be difficult to make time to take courses that are offered stateside when stationed overseas, but I hope this shows others that it is possible. Being the first person, I want others to know if they have any questions about the certification they can reach out to me and I am happy to answer any questions.”

The Department of Army Logistics Management Specialist Certificate Program is a ground-breaking program that provides a well-defined career path to train and develop multifunctional logisticians, competent in two of three functional areas – supply, maintenance, and transportation. Also, it aids logisticians with managing their career more effectively. The program also promotes continuous learning, and identifies talent among the workforce.

The program is split into three tiers. Foundation Level – for civilian employees in General Schedule pay grades 7-11; Intermediate Level in grades 12-13; and Advanced Level in grades 13-15.

“The program is designed for both online and residence classroom functional training courses which are Army Civilian Training, Education, and Development System,” said Albert Cruz, 21st TSC civilian deputy for materiel management branch.

Bourne said anyone can complete the course with enough dedication.

“Personally, the toughest part of the program was making time to complete the training,” Bourne said. “As in every position, work gets busy, and it is easy to put off training until tomorrow, next week, month, or year. The last required class I needed for the certification program was only offered at Ft. Lee, Virginia and it is a two-week class that you have to compete for a seat.”

The completion of the three-tiered certificate program culminates as a Master Logistician and a member of the Logistics Talent Pool. The LTP members may be considered for assignment to essential positions designated by the Functional Chief and Functional Chief representatives per merit principles on a temporary or permanent basis.

“This certificate program helps me to stand out from my peers since I’ve taken the initiative to complete all the required training and apply for the certification,” said Bourne. “No one thinks too much about logistics or how supplies get to where they need to go until something goes wrong and they are left without what they need. As a supply logistician, it is my job to make sure the customer doesn’t have to overthink about logistics because they have what they need when they need it.”