Army civilians have a profound impact on the Army and its mission success, service leaders said during a ceremony hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army.

Currently, more than 265,000 Army civilians serve in over 500 occupations across the force.

Whether they are designing the next vaccine or responding to a crisis, Army civilians have demonstrated their value, said Yvette Bourcicot, principal deputy assistant Army secretary for manpower and reserve affairs.

“From the yellow fever commission to [developing] the COVID-19 vaccine, [building] the Panama Canal to the Francis Scott Key Bridge [collapse response in Baltimore], and countless other instances in between, service has been embedded in the Army civilian DNA from the beginning,” she said during her remarks at the ceremony at AUSA’s national headquarters.

To attract top talent and increase awareness of opportunities, the Army is debuting a new Army civilian brand, logo and marketing campaign, Bourcicot said.

“Tomorrow, the Army is introducing its first-ever marketing campaign focused on Army civilian careers,” she said during the May 8 ceremony. The campaign, called “Find Your Next Level,” highlights unique Army civilian career opportunities.

“For folks who are looking for a career where they can have an impact … or those looking for a new challenge, ‘Find Your Next Level’ highlights the unique career paths available to Army civilians and the vital skills and expertise they contribute to make the Army successful,” Bourcicot said.

The ceremony honored several individuals for their service as Army civilians, including Judy Cade, who received the Army Civilian Service Retirement pin, and Stephenie Cole, Tristan Vasquez and Nathan Ashbaugh, who received the Department of the Army Civilian Service Recognition pin.

Army civilians are the “connective tissue” and “perform critical duties” to build the Army of the future, Bourcicot said.

“We couldn't grow our mission without the Army civilian,” Bourcicot said. “Our abundant history of selfless service to the Army and the American people spans more than 2½ centuries, and we’re excited for the next 2½ centuries and beyond.”

In his opening remarks at the ceremony, retired Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith, AUSA’s vice president for Leadership and Education, said, “Your unwavering dedication, often behind the scenes, assures that our soldiers and their families have the opportunity and the support they need to fulfill their duties with excellence.”