When I am back at my desk Monday, I will start posting info that I have just started briefing to MARLANT personnel regarding NCM PME/PD and may actually start another thread (is that okay Mod(s)?) specifying NCM rather than O PME. To clarify one thing now, NCM PME is in place and has been for quite some time. NCM PME is covered off in the 5 DPs starting with BMQ through PLQ, ILP, ALP, SLP and NCMELP.
OPMEs is an officer program at THEIR DP2. They were introduced to the NCM ranks because of a societal change within the CF for NCMs desiring to achieve education into the post secondary level. A Diploma in Arts and Science Program (Community College level) is being rolled out through Algonquin College and a franco college in Montreal (name escapes me on this Saturday afternoon). This program has also been 'blessed' by several other institutions across the country including MUN and Durham to name two.
ModlrMike and others, though I understand the frustration, comments like that are a slap in the face to those who have been slugging it out through the bureaucracies and red tape associated with this kind of thing. I recommend you talk to your CoC. I have to assume the Army and Airforce have NCM PME/PD Reps. In the Navy, we have a grand poopa in Ottawa who is part of the NCM PD WG (only 5 members with CDA chairing) and three regional Chiefs; MARPAC, MARLANT and NAVRES. I happen to be the MARLANT one. I do know that I confer with my Airforce and Army counterparts on occasion as each of us has our own area of knowledge. There is a brief from CWO XXXXXX at CDA that I HIGHLY recommend you look for. I know it is NOT on the CDA DIN site but, again, I will look around Monday and see what I can find.
As I said in an earlier post, hang in there. I actually dropped EVERYTHING else on my plate last week to get this presentation done and out to my various counterparts as I found I was starting to spend over half my day answering questions from people on information which was intended to be covered in EC briefs. Keep in mind that some of this stuff is new to us supposed SMEs but I know for any questions I get, if I can't answer, I try to find out who can. I actually spent all of Friday morning with a PSO talking about civilian equivalency and financial assistance questions I get the most.
As I said, Monday, I will create a new thread specifically for NCM PME and get things out to you. Bare in mind though, this is the internet. Should you see something I post, confirm through your own EC or Regional Rep. Though I wont post names here, if you are unaware who your EC (Army, Navy, Airfarce) NCM PME/PD coordinator is, PM me.
For anyone with access to the DIN this weekend, I recommend this as a good starting point-especially the ROD for the WG meetings:
http://cda.mil.ca/step/services/ncm/index-eng.asp
Pat