DAU successfully piloted its new two-week LOG 365 Executive Product Support Manager’s Course at Fort Belvoir, Virginia from April 21-May 2, 2014. This two-week long executive-level course is required for DoD Product Support Managers (PSM) assigned to Acquisition Category (ACAT) I/II programs and former ACAT I and II programs in sustainment. Attendance, while not mandatory, is also recommended for PSMs assigned to ACAT III programs.

LOG 365 focuses on a range of aspects of leadership and technical excellence specifically tailored to the PSM role in developing and executing affordable product support strategies. Emphasis is also given to interdisciplinary topics critical to the PSM's success (e.g., contracting, data rights, and product support budgets, among others). Twenty-one DoD military and civilian PSMs from across the Services attended the student pilot, along with four OSD and Department of the Army staff action officers. In addition to providing invaluable feedback that will enhance the quality of the course, the student pilot participants were pleased with the quality of materials for the pilot and overwhelmingly recommended their colleagues take this new course when it becomes available.

The successful completion of this pilot paves the way for the initial student offering from August 11-22, 2014 at Ft Belvoir, with four separate two-week offerings scheduled quarterly in fiscal year 2015. Student and instructor materials will continue to be refined prior to the first official offering in August.