Defense Civilian Training Corps

The Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) is a program element within the Department of Defense (DoD) budget, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Management Support appropriation. The primary goal of the DCTC is to prepare selected undergraduate students for public service careers in critical civilian roles within the DoD, focusing on areas such as acquisition, digital and critical technologies, science, engineering, and finance. The program is authorized by 10 U.S.C. Chapter 113, which directs the Secretary of Defense, through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S)), to establish DCTC units at accredited civilian educational institutions that grant baccalaureate degrees.

The DCTC program objectives are to address and mitigate skill gaps in the DoD's civilian workforce, particularly in acquisition and sustainment mission areas. The program seeks to strengthen the talent pipeline by providing targeted education and development opportunities to undergraduate scholars. DCTC scholars participate in DoD-context classes, real-world challenge projects sponsored by DoD field organizations, and project-based summer internships that include mentoring. These experiences are designed to accelerate the readiness of new hires for immediate contribution to the DoD's national security mission.

The DCTC pilot program was initiated in August 2023, following congressional funding and direction, with four pilot units established at four universities. The first cohort of undergraduate scholars began in August 2023 and graduated in May 2025. The second cohort started in August 2024, and a third cohort was selected in December 2024, scheduled to graduate in May 2027. The pilot program is set to conclude with the graduation of the third cohort, after which the effectiveness and potential for expansion will be evaluated.

For FY 2026, the budget request includes discretionary funding to continue the two-year DCTC program at the four pilot universities. This funding supports ongoing education and development activities, as well as testing model improvements to prepare for possible future expansion. The program also includes provisions for scholar security clearances and utilizes expedited hiring authorities to facilitate immediate placement of graduates into DoD civilian positions.

Throughout the pilot, the DoD is committed to continuous assessment of program effectiveness. Annual pilot program assessment reports are provided to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and a formal DCTC Implementation Plan is required by Congress. The DoD plans to submit the implementation plan to OMB by December 1, 2025, and to Congress by March 31, 2026. These assessments and reports are intended to inform future decisions regarding the program's structure and potential expansion.

The acquisition strategy for DCTC involves agreements with participating universities, coordinated through a University Affiliated Research and Development Center. This approach leverages academic expertise and infrastructure to deliver specialized education and training aligned with DoD needs. The program's funding profile reflects adjustments for discretionary reform and inflation, resulting in a decrease from FY 2025 to FY 2026.