Civilian Acculturation Program – Supporting Your Transition to Korea
The Civilian Acculturation Program is designed to welcome and support new Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees assigned to U.S. military components operating in Korea. This initiative aims to create a positive first impression, foster a sense of belonging, and provide essential information that enables new team members to integrate smoothly into the workplace and the broader U.S. military community in Korea.
By offering the tools, resources, and organizational insight needed for a successful transition, the program helps civilian employees grow both personally and professionally as valued contributors to the USFK mission.
Supervisor Responsibilities
Supervisors play a vital role in the onboarding process. Upon receipt of a Tentative Job Offer (TJO) through the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC) or applicable service personnel office, supervisors are responsible for identifying and assigning trained sponsors. Sponsors should have a minimum of four months of retainability at their current location.
Supervisors must:
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Initiate contact with the selectee within three business days of TJO acceptance.
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Provide a formal welcome letter signed by an appropriate command-level representative.
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Clearly communicate that the job offer is not final until all pre-employment requirements are completed, and a firm job offer is issued. New hires should not make irreversible personal decisions (e.g., selling a home, resigning from a current position) until the final offer is received.
Sponsor Responsibilities
Sponsors serve as the primary point of contact for newly hired civilians and are essential to the onboarding experience. Once officially designated, sponsors must:
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Maintain regular contact (at least weekly) with the new employee.
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Answer questions, address concerns, and elevate unresolved issues through the appropriate chain of command.
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Monitor the employee’s progress and provide guidance on pre-arrival preparation, travel, and arrival in Korea.
New Employee Responsibilities
After being contacted by both the supervisor and assigned sponsor, new employees are encouraged to maintain open communication throughout the transition process. Relocating overseas can be complex, and your local team is here to help. Whether arriving from a CONUS location or another OCONUS assignment, the Civilian Acculturation Program is designed to ensure you feel informed and supported at every step.
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