Program Overview

Over 174,000 civilians are employed at Navy and Marine Corps locations throughout the world. Of these, over 8,000 work in financial management. Through training, education, and career management, the Financial Management Trainee Program (FMTP) is the vehicle through which the Department ensures a continuous, well-trained, motivated and mobile financial management workforce.

The Trainee Program is a 28-month program of professional development through academic, and on-the-job training. Emphasis is placed on practical work experience; rotational work assignments are part of the trainee's professional training. Assignments include all aspects of financial management at Navy and Marine Corps Commands and academic training in a variety of Navy financial management operations.

Trainees begin learning from day one at a Navy or Marine Corps command. Extensive on-the-job training is accomplished through an Individual Development Plan (IDP) which is established by the Financial Mentors and the Trainee within the first 30 days on duty.

The IDP is the Trainee's Master Plan. It specifies knowledges and skills required in the target position; it clearly details the specific tasks, work assignments; and outlines the procedures for achieving the desired outcomes.

Work assignments encompass all the functions of financial management at the homeport activity and varied financial management functions at the rotational assignment activity. These assignments are designed to provide the Trainee with knowledge, practical application, and relevant training experiences which should bring the Trainee to the full performance level in his/her position.

Upon successful completion of the 28-month program, Trainees are considered for permanent placement at the location where they have been training.