The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Materiel Readiness, in a 31 December 2015 memorandum entitled “Recommended Continuous Learning Opportunities for the Life Cycle Logistics Career Field”, “identifies recommended continuous learning point (CLP) opportunities across the Key Leadership Position (KLP) requirement categories for the Life Cycle Logistics (LCL) career field, to assist logisticians in achieving the continuous learning requirement.” 

In addition to LOG 465 Executive Product Support Manager’s Course and the in-depth recommendations provided in the Level I, II, and III Life Cycle Logistics Core Plus Development Guides, the memo also offers a targeted “list of additional recommendations for continuous learning modules that are relevant to recent policy changes and initiatives within the Department.  The table reflects a set of continuous learning modules that are available through the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) website and span logistics, cross-functional areas, and executive leadership.  These courses are not required; they are merely a list of suggested current topics to enhance your skills.” 

The list (while particularly useful for current and aspiring DoD Product Support Managers (PSM), also has applicability for all DoD Life Cycle Logisticians) includes a range of executive leadership, functional, and cross-functional learning opportunities available from the DAU Continuous Learning site, such as:

·         HBS 444 – Writing Skills

·         HBS 411 – Developing Employees

·         CLL 031 – PBL Contracting Strategies

·         CLL 033 – Logistician’s Responsibilities during Technical Reviews

·         CLE 301 – Reliability and Maintainability

·         CLM 047 – Fiscal and Physical Accountability and Management of DoD Equipment

·         CLM 040 – Proper Financial Accounting Treatments for Military Equipment

·         CLC 051 – Managing Government Property in the Possession of Contractors

·         CLM 048 – Audit Readiness Requirements for DoD Equipment

·         CLM 201 – Serialized Item Management

·         CLE 074 – Cybersecurity Throughout DoD Acquisition 

The memo goes on to suggest two other excellent professional development opportunities, stating “another recommended way to achieve CLPs is to complete current LCL certification courses and LCL continuous learning modules that have been added or revised since the time of an individual’s certification.  Most of the logistics courses at DAU have been through major revisions over the last five years.” Additionally, “logisticians should also consider attending the DoD PSM Workshop or other approved logistics and product support focused workshops and forums to stay abreast of the latest policy changes and initiatives taking place in DoD and the defense industry.”