What is APEX?
Recognizing the need for a high-quality orientation program that addresses the requirements of new members of the Senior Executive Service (SES), professionals at DoD advocated for such a course of study. In 1992, the Defense Management Report Decision (DMRD) 974, Civilian Personnel Efficiencies mandated the program. The two-week course of study was created, developed and implemented by Washington Headquarters Services (WHS).
The curriculum (presented approximately twice a year for the first 16 iterations of the course) was robust, consisting of one week of residential work and one week of travel to Combatant Commands and selected military installations. During those two weeks, students participated in briefings, command visits, role-playing exercises, and case studies.
In response to the events of 9/11 and the desire for an updated curriculum, WHS issued a Request for Proposal to contractors to undertake the next iteration of the course (APEX 18). Booz Allen Hamilton was awarded the contract, and conducted the training during the period March 21 – April 2, 2004. Booz Allen has also conducted APEX 19 through APEX 24.
APEX is to the Senior Executive Service what CAPSTONE is to the General/Flag Officers of the uniformed services of the Department of Defense. Just as CAPSTONE affords the newly appointed General Officer an opportunity to reflect on his or her new duties and learn new tools for success, APEX focuses a spotlight on the outstanding performance of SES responsibilities, as defined by the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ).
APEX will assist you – the senior leader – to frame your responsibilities in light of DoD and component priorities. The program offers a blend of briefings from senior ranking DoD civilian and military leaders and a series of interactive exercises focusing on the themes of transformation and transition. While you may have many opportunities to take specialized, advanced courses related to your position, APEX is a unique general educational offering that highlights networking and peer learning.
Objectives
The objectives of the APEX program are to enhance understanding of:
- The structure and processes of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Combatant Commands, the Joint Staff, and the Military Departments as they contribute to the mission of Department of Defense.
-
The priorities and challenges of other Federal agencies and the Defense industry as they contribute to National Security in partnership with the Department of Defense.
-
The contributions and challenges of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines within the context of the overarching Defense mission.
-
The importance of information sharing and relationship building across the total force through networking opportunities with military and civilian colleagues.
-
An enterprise-wide perspective that encompasses leadership expectations and challenges currently facing DoD leaders.
- The changing role of the SES corps within the DoD.
Please note, these objectives are continuously evolving, based on input from class participants and the APEX advisory panel. We welcome your feedback - both on how well the orientation addresses these objectives AND how you would suggest modifying these objectives to better reflect the reality of the Senior Executive Service Corps and its mission. To provide feedback, email APEX@bah.com