Fort Bliss, TX –
The Ultima Developmental Opportunities Program is a chance for NCO Leadership Center of Excellence (NCOLCoE) and Sergeants Major Academy (SGM-A) staff members to improve their teaching skills through reading, writing and research while earning recognition for their efforts.
The program awards participants with different levels of certificates such as bronze, silver, gold and platinum. These awards are given for completing courses available through the Defense Acquisition University.
The program as explained by Ramzy Noel, the program chair, “allows participants to earn points by taking continuing education courses reflected on the Ultima Developmental Opportunities website.” He further explained courses are broken into two distinct categories, self-development, and organizational development, sometimes referred to as “gold courses.” In order to earn the certificates, participants must accumulate points in both categories: bronze (110 points), silver (220 points), gold (330 points), and platinum (540 points). Each self-development point is equal to one credit hour earned, and organizational points are credited at 10 points per course. Participants have the freedom to submit their packet once they have reached sufficient points in a category.
SGM-A instructor Robert Shawlinski has already completed the work to receive the silver certificate. “The best part about the program is that it is self-paced and offers a variety of choices. It’s not just for instructors, anyone can take part.” Shawlinski stated he was looking forward to the quarterly D S recognition where participants would be awarded ceremony and was grateful for the opportunity to stand out. “It is always nice to be recognized for what you have accomplished, especially by the Commandant,” he said.
With over 10,000 courses available, the wide variety of them can be applied to any Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in the military.
Shawlinski was not alone in his pursuits. Sgt. Maj. Fabio Lusiani, another SGM-A instructor from the Italian army said, “there are lots of courses available that cover any MOS. Some of the courses are built around audiobooks I have listened to while running.”
On Oct. 4, Shawlinski, Anthony Chavez, James Perdue, Vernon Yates, and Lusiani were the first individuals to receive the new bronze recognition certificate.
The program is a relatively new addition to NCOLCoE and was set in action on May 29, 2024. The Ultima Developmental Opportunities Program was approved by Command Sgt. Maj. Tammy Everette, Commandant of the NCOLCoE. The program is voluntary and designed to provide both staff and faculty recognition for maximizing professional development opportunities on an enduring basis. The program is open to all military and Army civilian personnel assigned to the NCOLCoE.